spin AI-music synthesizer encourages users to explore nuances of algorithmic music

co-create musical compositions with SPIN AI synthesizer

SPIN by designer Arvind Sanjeev is an AI music synthesizer that allows you to co-create compositions with a language model, MusicGen. It is a playful invitation to explore the nuances of algorithmic music, encouraging you to slow down and zoom in on its artifacts. It celebrates the marriage between human and machine creativity through music.

SPIN breaks down the process of co-composing music with artificial intelligence using a tangible interface. Enter the desired mood, genre, sounds, and bpm to listen to the music come alive on an LP record. A DVS (Digital Vinyl System) allows you to slow down, zoom in, scratch, and listen between the notes. SPIN creates new compositions, serving as a simple sound synthesizer, as a playful scratch tool, or to play relaxing music in the background.

SPIN: AI-music synthesizer | all images courtesy of Arvind Sanjeev

button presses transfer input prompts in SPIN by Arvind Sanjeev

Arvind Sanjeev‘s SPIN is an ‘artifact from a future’ where music will be hyper-tailored to people’s tastes and preferences. The project acts as an explorer of musical curiosities that can generate music unlike anything heard before, blending unheard-of combinations of sounds, rhythms, and harmonies. The endeavor opens up exciting possibilities for pushing the boundaries of music and creating entirely new micro-genres. ‘Who’s ready for some happy, death-metal, disco?’

Under the hood, SPIN takes the input prompts in the form of button presses through an Arduino Mega. This is sent via serial to a Raspberry Pi which prompts the MusicGen API. An mp3 file is received as the output which is loaded onto a Digital Vinyl System (DVS). A transmuted Numark PT-01 and a timecoded control vinyl record serve as the turntable. The Xwax DVS package for Raspberry Pi reads the vinyl timecode through a Behringer audio driver, and the output is played via stereo speakers.

an AI music synthesizer for co-creating compositions with MusicGen

a playful exploration of algorithmic music, encouraging a focus on its nuanced artifacts

celebrating the synergy of human and machine creativity through music

breaking down the co-composition process with AI through a tangible interface

enter mood, genre, sounds, and bpm to experience music coming alive on an LP record

SPIN creates new compositions, serves as a sound synthesizer, or plays relaxing background music

project info:

name: SPIN: AI-music synthesizer
designer: Arvind Sanjeev | @arvindsanjeev

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom