Artificial
Intelligence is currently under the microscope. It has performed well in taking
college exams, portions of medical exams, and sections of attorney bar exams. So,
we tested the open source AI capability ChatGPT in writing blog posts for a
music site.
Not
surprisingly, ChatGPT did not do well with emerging bands and recently released
songs. There isn’t enough on-line content for AI to extract knowledge. But ChatGPT
was interesting and informative when asked to showcase its skills in generating
content about subject matter that has had a longer shelf life.
Below
are ChatGPT responses to the following four inputs:
1. In an essay, explain the Indie Rock genre
a.
The response was well written.
2. What
advantages does Indie music have over mainstream music?
a.
This response was interesting, but lacked insight.
3. Identify
the 25 most influential indie bands
a. ChatGPT started the way we all do – by noting
that the ranking is very subjective.
4. Write
a blog post about Indie Obsessive
a. We
are flattered, but we would be more so if the article did not include errors.
For example, Indie Obsessive does not interview bands.
Our first input instruction: In an essay, explain the Indie Rock genre
Indie
Rock is a genre of alternative Rock that originated in the 1980s and has since
evolved into a diverse and influential musical style. The term “Indie Rock” is
a contraction of “Independent Rock” and refers to Rock Music that is produced
and distributed independently of major record labels.
Indie
Rock has its roots in the Punk and Post-Punk scenes of the late 1970s and early
1980s. Early Indie Rock bands, such as The Smiths and The Jesus and Mary Chain,
were characterized by their DIY ethos and rejection of the commercialization
and mainstream popularity of mainstream Rock music.
One
of the defining characteristics of Indie Rock is its focus on artistic
independence and experimentation. Indie Rock musicians often reject the
conventions and formulas of commercial music and instead prioritize creative
expression and experimentation. This has led to a wide range of musical styles
within the genre, from lo-fi and folk-influenced singer-songwriters to abrasive
Noise Rock and avant-garde experiments.
Another
defining characteristic of Indie Rock is its close relationship with
underground and alternative subcultures. Indie Rock has been associated with
various subcultural movements, such as College Rock, alternative dance, and the
so-called “Indie Nation” of the 1990s. This close relationship between music
and subculture has helped to create a sense of community and identity among Indie
Rock fans, who often view themselves as part of a larger cultural movement.
Despite
its independence from major record labels, Indie Rock has had a significant
impact on the wider world of popular music. Indie Rock musicians have
influenced mainstream popular music and brought new sounds, styles, and ideas
to the forefront of the music industry. The genre has also inspired numerous
subgenres and influenced countless musicians, from alternative and underground
scenes to mainstream and Pop culture.
In
conclusion, Indie Rock is a genre of alternative rock that values artistic
independence and experimentation. Its DIY ethos and close relationship with
underground subcultures have helped to create a sense of community and identity
among its fans, and its influence on popular music has been significant. From
its roots in the Punk and Post-Punk scenes of the 1980s to its diverse and
evolving present-day incarnation, Indie Rock continues to challenge
conventional wisdom and inspire new sounds and styles.
Our second input instruction: What advantages does Indie music have over
mainstream music?
Indie music has several advantages over
mainstream music, including:
- Creative
freedom: Indie artists have more control over their artistic vision and
can produce music that is unique and less commercially driven.
- Authenticity:
Indie music often has a raw, authentic quality that appeals to listeners
who are looking for a genuine musical experience.
- Niche
appeal: Indie music often caters to niche audiences, which can result in a
more dedicated and passionate fan base.
- Diversity:
Indie music scenes often foster a diverse range of genres and styles,
allowing for a greater variety of musical expression.
- Innovation:
Indie artists are often at the forefront of new and innovative musical
trends, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in music.
Note from Indie Obsessive: To
illustrate the justification of the ChatGPT responses, here is the song “South
of Center” by Haunted Weirdo, which is a band based in Maine. The members are
Tom Patrick (vocals, guitar), Shaun Bolduc (upright bass) and D.j. Moore
(drums). The trumpet was contributed by Kwabena Owusu. The song is from the
band’s album “Soul Tremors,” which is available via Bandcamp - CLICK HERE. “South of Center” by Haunted
Weirdo
Our third input instruction: Identify the 25 most influential indie bands
It is difficult to narrow down the 25 most
influential indie bands of all time as the definition of "indie" and
what constitutes an influential band is subjective. However, here is a list of
25 bands that have had a significant impact on the indie music scene and have
been widely recognized as influential:
- The
Smiths
- Radiohead
- Arcade
Fire
- The
Strokes
- The
White Stripes
- The
National
- Fleet
Foxes
- Vampire
Weekend
- Arctic
Monkeys
- Tame
Impala
- Pavement
- The
Shins
- Modest
Mouse
- Neutral
Milk Hotel
- Interpol
- The
Killers
- Franz
Ferdinand
- The
Libertines
- Belle
& Sebastian
- The
Kooks
- The
Fray
- The
Black Keys
- The
xx
- Foals
- LCD
Soundsystem
Our final input instruction: Write a blog post about Indie Obsessive
Indie Obsessive is a popular music blog that
covers the independent music scene, with a focus on new and emerging artists.
The blog was created with the goal of providing exposure to talented and unique
artists who may not receive the recognition they deserve from traditional media
outlets.
Indie Obsessive offers a wide range of content,
including album reviews, artist interviews, concert reviews, and more. The
blog’s writers are passionate about independent music and bring a wealth of
knowledge and expertise to their writing.
One of the unique features of Indie Obsessive
is its commitment to promoting lesser-known artists. The blog frequently
features emerging artists who are just starting to make a name for themselves,
providing them with a platform to reach a wider audience. This focus on new and
upcoming talent has made Indie Obsessive a valuable resource for music fans
looking for fresh and exciting sounds.
In addition to its focus on independent music,
Indie Obsessive also covers a wide range of genres, from rock and pop to
hip-hop and electronic. This broad coverage makes it an ideal resource for
music fans with diverse tastes.
Overall, Indie Obsessive is an excellent
resource for music fans who are passionate about independent music and want to
stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the scene. Whether you’re looking
for new music to discover or are simply a fan of independent artists, Indie
Obsessive is a must-visit destination.
