Executive Director Darek Mazzone Speaks on AI & the Music Industry at Budapest Ritmo 2025
Back in April, Darek presented on the topic du jour at Budapest Ritmo: artificial intelligence. Specifically, along with Thomas Lidy, Darek spoke on “The Future of Music in the Age of AI.”
Budapest Ritmo is an annual gathering of roots and rhythms of multiple genres, styles, and cultures. This high-energy event is a must-attend global meetup filled with performances, a conference, and vital networking opportunities. (And, afterparties!) The goal is to inspire and connect.
Ritmo was the perfect place for Darek to share his knowledge and predictions of AI on the music industry. He began his presentation by reminding the audience that innovation is often met with skepticism before it becomes foundational, using examples like the saxophone, synthesizers, auto-tune, and even computers in music production.
Enter: artificial intelligence. He spoke about the difference between the crucial difference between analytical and generative AI, and the ethical and moral implications of these two types of AI in music.
The call to action? Darek urged artists to
stay authentic;
use AI as a collaborator, not a replacement;
inspire, innovate, and experiment;
fight laziness; and
stay connected to people and purpose!
New technologies are divisive, but if artists and fans stay authentic to their first love—music—then this zeitgeist shift can be for the better, not the worse.
