Re-Thinking Boundaries: The Evolution and Impact of AI in Music and Soundscapes

Abstract

This essay offers a comprehensive review of the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in music composition and soundscape generation, providing both a historical overview and a critical analysis of its impact. Tracing AI’s evolution from its early applications in the mid-20th century to its sophisticated use in contemporary auditory arts, the paper explores how AI has reshaped creative processes, blurred traditional boundaries between music and soundscapes, and catalyzed the emergence of new genres. Additionally, it critically examines the ethical, cultural, and aesthetic challenges posed by AI’s integration, addressing concerns such as creativity, authenticity, and the potential homogenization of musical outputs. By balancing both positive and critical dimensions, the essay aims to deepen understanding of AI’s dual role in transforming not only creative methodologies but also the conceptual frameworks of the auditory arts.