The end of musical innovation
 

Will we ever see the end of musical innovation? I feel like in the past 20 years or so there has been a slowdown of new things happening in music, as opposed to 20+ years ago (or how fast things were changing and how radically in the 60s and 70s).

No.

What makes you feel this way? Is it just a feeling, or are you actively searching out new music and finding it to be lacking in innovation?

I am seeking out new music but I feel like there isn't really anything very new happening. Compared to what was happening before. In terms of new, radically different musical genres. Electronic music started I believe in the 60s, dance and house music came in 70s and 80s. Metal, punk 70s 80s. Grunge 90s. What distinct musical genres have been created in the past 20 years? From what I understand, maybe rap is where the innovation is happening currently but I feel it's not really happening elsewhere, at least not to the point of new, distinct genres or subgenres of music.

Could be wrong, it's just my impression.

Your impression of your impression is right.







And so on.

The future.^

Experimentation in music is happening non stop. The hip hop genre has morphed into an entirely new beast over the last decade and while it might not be my cup of tea, it's certainly fascinating seeing where it goes.

You're also seeing more and more home studio output where one person is responsible for every bit of instrumentation which is leading to a lot of creative material because you don't have to satisfy the egos of other band members.

:thumb:

It's not just fertile, but the quality is like no other time.

https://i.imgur.com/oJplQ7T.jpg

I recently came across some AI generated music, which I assumed must be bubbling with musical innovation. Here are two samples of what's being posted on Youtube if anyone is curious:-




As far as I can tell, the process is more innovative than the product. So does AI music prove or refute addidass's suggestion? I'm not sure which.