From Classical Music to Rock: How Is AI Changing the Music Industry?

From Classical Music to Rock: How Is AI Changing the Music Industry? is the topic that Phred and female co-host Barbara Wainwright, Founder of Wainwright Global Inc.. go down the rabbit in this episode of KPHRED Radio. The music industry is undergoing a seismic shift as artificial intelligence permeates nearly every facet—from classical orchestration to rock recording. In our recent podcast episode, “From Classical Music to Rock: How Is AI Changing the Music Industry?,” a diverse panel explored the implications, drawing on decades of experience and a wealth of musical memories.

Our AI Music Panel of Experts

Host PHred and Barbara were joined by:

• Ken Miller (music lover, technologist)

• G. Mick Smith PhD (Doctor of Digital Podcast, author, music historian)

• Wilton Adams (multi-instrumentalist, IT professional)

• Nathan Jewett (startup founder, MIT AI graduate, drummer/guitarist/keyboardist)

• Greg Markelz (musician, producer, host of Animals Unplugged)

• Deanna Brakefield (classical musician, marketing pro, host of NeuroDivergent News)

• Elee Joven (cultural intelligence speaker)

AI: Music Tools and Artist’s Tension

Discussions ranged from nostalgic recollections of first albums—Beatles, Jackson 5, Kiss, Elton John, Queen—to the communal thrill of live concerts and the emotional power of music. Guests reflected on how streaming opened up infinite access—but also diminished the tangible, physical connection of vinyl and album art.

AI was described both as a democratizing tool for composition and production, and a threat to artistic authenticity. Ken Miller and Nathan Jewett highlighted platforms like Suno.ai, noting how anyone can now craft multi-genre albums with little musical training. Greg Markelz raised ethical questions about copyright, as AI music generation often relies on sampled, copyrighted work, with little compensation to original artists.

AI Music Creativity, Community, and the Future

The group debated the loss—and possible regeneration—of musical community. Historically, music was created and experienced together, whether in church, garage bands, or jazz ensembles. AI risks making music hyper-personal and isolated, but live performances and spontaneous improvisation remain irreplaceable. As Deanna Brakefield noted, music’s core is vibrational and emotional—to share it, create it, and experience it together is uniquely human.

The conversation concluded with optimism: AI is here, but artists’ drive to connect and create remains undiminished. The future of music, shaped by both humans and machines, will be what the next generation imagines—and demands.

Panelists delivered a masterclass in how the past informs the present, and why, no matter the technology, the heart of music endures.

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