Rock music has never been afraid of innovation. Distortion pedals? Yeah go on then! Massive arena light shows? Why not! Streaming changing everything? Already happened (You can see my thoughts on that in How Streaming Has Changed The Way People Discover Rock Music).
But what happens when technology changes not only how we find rock music but how its made, played and experienced? Well lets get into it!
AI In The Writing Room
AI to be completely honest is terrifying and no more in my opinion than in music! It’s another tool like a pedal that people are using to assist with production, changing mixes and suggesting changes. In my opinion you can tell when this has happened as songs sound too polished and unauthentic. But I do notice that potential for it to push experimentation to further heights.
Virtual Concerts Without The Sticky Floors
I have to be honest there is nothing like going to see a band live. The sticky floors, feedback and my singing (which is mostly offkey). But tech is starting to find a way to nudge its way in. There is already virtual reality gigs, holograms (I’m looking at you ABBA!). Even things like arena shows livestreamed.
I don’t think these will replace the feeling of standing next to someone enjoying the gig together, but it could make music more accessible globally, think front row on your sofa!
The Bedroom Studio Era
That means more voices. More subgenres. More chaos.
It also means more competition. But rock has always loved a fight.
To lay down a track you now no longer need to be in a massive studio in LA or London, you just need a laptop and a decent mic. Technology has allowed smaller bands to level the playing field and record from their own bedrooms if they want. And some of these have competed and won against the biggest major labels! The result is more songs, more rock subgenres and increased chaos. Chaos is great!
Smarter Fans, Smarter Bands
With all the data that bands have now, they can tweak set lists, changing singles and affect song writing choices. This can tighten the bond between bands and the listeners but it can also see bands chase the numbers and lose its authenticity.
Final Thoughts
I don’t think technology is going to kill rock, but it will reshape it and the sooner we understand and accept that the better. It might over-polish songs, but the core of the songs will remain. Riffs, rebellion and realness.
The question is though, will it make it better or just clearer and easier to get a hold of? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
Fox Reviews Rock 
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