By David Pierce, an editor-at-large and Vergecast co-host with extensive experience in consumer tech. He has previously worked at Protocol, The Wall Street Journal, and Wired.

Unraveling the Future of Music in a Tech-Ruled Era

Ge Wang's Unique Approach to Making Computer Music

Ge Wang stands out in the world of music technology. Unlike most who use computers simply to create music, he employs them to craft "computer music." As an associate professor at Stanford in the Center for Computer Research in Music and Acoustics, he conducts the renowned Laptop Orchestra and was a co-founder of Smule. His creation of Chuck, a programming language that transforms code into sound, showcases his deep understanding of how computers, music, and humans interact. His insights into the future of this intersection are truly remarkable.He emphasizes teaching his students to play with technology rather than striving to master it. This perspective challenges the traditional notion of technology use in music and opens up new possibilities. In an era of AI, he also offers valuable thoughts on how tool makers should approach their work.

The Deep Dive into the Future of Computer Music

This episode of The Vergecast takes us on a journey with Ge Wang as we explore what's next for computer music. The conversation delves into unexpected and profound aspects, much like many discussions about AI. We discuss the meaning of creativity and even humanity in a world filled with technology designed to simplify and homogenize.Whether it's writing an email or composing a symphony, there are tools available to make the process easier. But is ease truly the goal? Ge Wang prompts us to consider this question and think about how we can preserve the essence that makes hard work worthwhile. What is our purpose as humans in this technological landscape? These are the questions that drive the discussion and lead to deep insights.

The Impact of Technology on Creativity and Humanity

Technology has brought about significant changes in how we create and express ourselves. While tools are meant to make things more efficient, they also have the potential to limit our creativity and sense of humanity. Ge Wang's perspective challenges us to think critically about this balance.We see examples in various aspects of life, from the simplicity of email writing to the complexity of symphony composition. The availability of tools has both advantages and drawbacks. It's important to find a way to harness the power of technology while still maintaining our creative spirit and sense of identity.Ge Wang's work and ideas serve as a reminder that we need to be conscious of the impact of technology on our lives and strive to find a harmonious coexistence between the two.