In this episode of AI Snacks, Anastassia interviews Matthias Röderer, exploring the intersection of AI and the music industry.

Dr. Matthias Röder is an award-winning music and technology strategist, renowned for his innovative leadership in the intersection of music, technology, and creative entrepreneurship. He served as the Managing Director of the Eliette and Herbert von Karajan Institute from 2011 to 2025, where he played a transformative role in advancing the use of emerging technologies—such as artificial intelligence—in classical music. Dr. Röder is a board member of the Karajan Foundation and a trustee of the Mozarteum Foundation in Salzburg. Matthias Röder holds a PhD in music from Harvard University and is an alumnus of Mozarteum University Salzburg. He founded the Karajan Music Tech Conference, a prominent cross-industry event promoting breakthrough technologies in music and audio, and launched the international “Classical Music Hack Day” series. He has received recognitions such as a Bronze Effie for the AI-based completion of Beethoven’s 10th Symphony.

Anastassia and Matthias discuss the evolution of music technology, the role of AI in composition, and the challenges faced by students and professionals in adapting to these changes. The conversation highlights the importance of AI literacy, the impact of generative AI on creativity, and the evolving relationship between music labels and technology. They also touch on copyright issues surrounding AI-generated music and innovative projects that are shaping the future of the industry.

Takeaways:

AI is transforming the music industry in unprecedented ways.

Students often have a negative perception of AI in music.

The historical reverence for genius complicates AI acceptance.

AI is not a job replacer but a job transformer.

Music labels are beginning to embrace AI technologies.

AI can democratize music creation and lower barriers for new creators.

Deep fakes pose ethical challenges in the music industry.

Collaboration between humans and AI can enhance creativity.

AI literacy is crucial for future musicians.

Innovative projects are emerging that leverage AI for music creation.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to AI and Music

01:53 Matthias Röderer's Journey in Music and AI

04:39 AI's Role in Music Composition

09:55 The Intersection of AI and Human Creativity

11:19 Student Attitudes Towards AI in Music

13:59 The Cult of Genius in Music

16:52 Industry Response to AI in Music

18:18 Music Labels and AI Integration

25:29 Copyright and AI-Generated Music

30:26 Exciting Innovations in Music Technology

Interesting names and companies mentioned in the episode:

Classical composers - innovators: Messiaen, Ligeti, Scriabin, Čiurlionis

Today's creators fusing AI and music: Holly Herndon and Matt Dryhurst

Musician and educators: Eliot Fisk, Christoph Wolff

London-based company Delphos