Computer hackers are taking over the Abbey Road Studios this weekend in an attempt to create a new generation of robot composers.
More than 100 software experts, who usually break into digital networks to test security, will instead teach computers to write the music of the future.
The event will be staged in Abbey Road’s Studio One, with software developers, designers and music producers working in teams to train artificial intelligence to craft a decent tune.
Equipment available includes a keyless keyboard, a vochlea microphone that changes voice sounds into an instrument, and a drum machine that can make percussion from any surface.
The brief from organisers Microsoft and software company Miquido is: “How will artists create music in 2030?”
Teams will jam with robots and try to use emotions to trigger different sounds and samples. Industry executives will judge the best use of AI in creating a “sound art installation”.
Studio One, the world’s largest recording studio, has a 1905 Steinway piano, two Hammond organs and more than 800 microphones. Hiring fees without sound engineers start at £4,000 per session. Sir Edward Elgar recorded Land of Hope And Glory there when it opened in 1931, and it has been used to score soundtracks for films such as Star Wars, Raiders Of The Lost Ark, Harry Potter and The Lord Of The Rings.
Harry Styles, Stevie Wonder, U2 and Kanye West have all recorded there, and The Beatles popped in while redefining rock and roll in Studio Two.
Dom Dronska, Abbey Road’s head of digital, said: “In the same room that witnessed the inception of the recording industry, we are embracing the next shift in music creation — exploring the influence of the newest technologies and high-performance computing on our creative tools.
“For the first time ever, we are bringing together the brightest technologists and music producers and creating a unique inspirational atmosphere where beautiful accidents can happen.”
