#92: Has Music Become Too Perfect?
Has Music Become Too Perfect?
Frank Filipetti and Dr. Hauke Egermann were two of the guests on the very first episode of the HARMAN Audio Talks podcasts many moons ago. It was awesome to get the band back together for episode 92, and the discussion rocked as much as I had hoped it would. I hope you enjoy it!
In this episode of Audio Talks, host Oisin Lunny is joined by Grammy-winning producer and engineer Frank Filipetti and Dr. Hauke Egermann, professor of systematic musicology at the University of Cologne. Together, they tackle one of the most provocative questions in modern music: Has music become too perfect?
Drawing on decades of experience and research, Frank and Hauke explore the evolution of music listening, from the days of active, immersive engagement to today’s era of passive, background soundtracks. The conversation dives into the impact of technology, from auto-tune and pitch correction to AI-generated music, and considers how these tools can both enhance and diminish the emotional depth and human connection in music. They share insights from the Art of Listening project, reflect on the importance of imperfection, and offer practical advice for reconnecting with the soul of music in a world of infinite digital possibilities.
This episode offers a compelling look at how humanity, emotion, and imperfection remain at the heart of truly memorable music, even as technology continues to reshape the art form.
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Here are links to the studies that Hauke mentioned on AI bias in music:
Shank, D. B., Stefanik, C., Stuhlsatz, C., Kacirek, K., & Belfi, A. M. (2023). AI composer bias: Listeners like music less when they think it was composed by an AI. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Applied, 29(3), 676.
https://gwern.net/doc/ai/music/2022-shank.pdf
Ansani, A., Koehler, F., Giombini, L., Hämäläinen, M., Meng, C., Marini, M., & Saarikallio, S. (2025). AI Performer Bias: Listeners Like Music Less When They Think it was Performed by an AI. Empirical Studies of the Arts, 43(2), 1137-1161.
https://doi.org/10.1177/02762374241308807 (Original work published 2025)
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Audio Talks
A podcast on all things audio presented to you by HARMAN and our family of audio brands including JBL, Harman Kardon and AKG. Host Oisin Lunny, music journalist and audio enthusiast, will interview expert guests, legends of the music industry, and audio scientists to discuss the power of music and audio in all its facets.
Audio Talks is presented by Harman.
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