From Tape to Tech: Why Music Producers and Creators Should Embrace AI

By Garrett Neal | G.Neal Music, Howard County, MD

From Analog Beginnings: My Journey into Music Production

When I first began my journey into music production, I was cutting tape—literally.

I studied music production and engineering at McNally Smith College of Music (back when it was still called Music Tech and before the university eventually went belly up). Our class was small—maybe 20 students in the entire recording program—and we were right in the middle of the transition from tape to digital. I can still remember one of my instructors telling me, “This digital thing is just a fad. Nothing will ever top analog tape.”

Oops.

Fast forward to today, and the landscape looks entirely different. We now live in a world where artificial intelligence (AI) can generate drum patterns, suggest EQ settings, or even write an entire song (about the most random things imaginable). For those of us who cut our teeth on analog and early digital workflows, it might sound like sci-fi. In reality, it's just the next chapter in a long story: one where technology continuously reshapes the way we create.

And here’s the truth: AI is here to stay. The real question is, what are you going to do with it?

The Evolution of Tools in the Studio

We could go on and on about the history and evolution of recording equipment—just think about the first time producers got access to 4-tracks of tape. Must have blown their minds. For me, I was born in 1982 (the forgotten generation) and remember life before the internet. My whole existence has had a front-row seat to rapid technological advances. That said, I’ve never been afraid of change. When the industry began shifting from analog to digital, I embraced it. I loved the sound of tape (and still do), but I also loved the flexibility that came with digital editing. Being able to arrange a session non-destructively, without a razor blade or grease pencil, changed everything. Plugins at your fingertips without patchbays. Tempo-synced delays without pulling out the calculator… beautiful. Not to mention the time saved—anyone who’s waited for that tape to rewind or cleaned a tape machine with Q-tips knows the kind of patience that took.

Today, I run a hybrid studio, blending the warmth and character of analog gear with the speed and versatility of digital tools. For me, it's the best of both worlds—bouncing in and out of my DAW with analog patchbays and summing consoles. And now we’re entering another transformation: the integration of AI into our creative process.

What AI Can (and Can’t) Do in Music Production

Let’s be clear: AI isn’t replacing musicians or producers yet—there’s still a subconscious feeling and emotion that it cannot replicate. There may very well be a time in our existence that it passes the musical Turing test. For now, it’s just another tool in the toolbox, one that can save time, spark creativity, and make music production more accessible than ever before. That’s a win for all of us.

How AI is changing the game in the studio:

Sound Generation & Composition

Platforms like AIVA, Magenta Studio, and Boomy can generate melodies, harmonies, or entire arrangements based on style or mood. My friend Tigre Sez, for example, uses AI to create breakbeats and loops that he chops and flips into new ideas. It’s not cheating; it’s innovating.

Mixing and Mastering

I’ve used tools like iZotope’s Ozone and Neutron, and LANDR’s online mastering, and honestly, they’re impressive. These platforms can quickly dial in polished, usable results with minimal input. They’re not perfect, but they handle the technical foundation incredibly well, especially for rough mixes or fast turnarounds. That said, there's still nothing like reaching for a physical EQ or compressor and twisting knobs with your hands. There’s a tactile joy in the process that no plugin can fully replace.

However, it's important to acknowledge that over-reliance on AI tools might tempt artists to skip traditional skill-building processes. This could lead to a decline in manual techniques and artistic proficiency over time. Balancing the use of AI with the development of foundational skills ensures that the human touch remains integral to music production.

Workflow Automation

AI tools can detect key signatures, align vocals, auto-tag sessions, and streamline tedious tasks that used to take hours. It's not the glamorous side of production, but it's often the most time-consuming, and AI can take that load off your plate.

As MusicRadar put it, “AI in mixing isn’t about automation. It’s about augmentation.”

The Democratization of Creativity

What excites me most about AI is how it lowers barriers for new artists.

Not everyone has access to a studio, gear, or trained musicians. AI tools offer a way to explore music-making without needing expensive setups or years of training. That’s huge, especially for young creatives trying to find their sound.

Artists like Imogen Heap are exploring AI not only in production but also in live performance, fan engagement, and experimental composition. Taryn Southern, another early adopter, described it well when she said, “AI expands my toolset. It helps me push creative boundaries I wouldn’t otherwise reach.” (Berklee Online)

Yet, it's essential to consider that AI-generated music might lack the emotional depth and nuance that comes from human experience. While the software can generate endless variations on a theme, it may become formulaic and predictable. Musicians and producers should continue to incorporate their unique perspectives and experiences into their work to maintain authenticity.

This isn’t the end of music as we know it; it’s the start of something more inclusive, more collaborative, and more creatively wide open.

My Take: Embrace the Tools, Enjoy the Process

If you’ve watched the evolution from reel-to-reel to real-time stems, it’s normal to feel a little cautious. I’ve been there. I was told digital was a fad, and I’ve heard the same skepticism aimed at AI. But here we are.

The truth is, music technology has always evolved, and so will we.

We shouldn’t gatekeep tools. Music is a subjective, expressive art form. There’s no single right way to create. Whether you’re just starting out with a laptop and headphones or you’ve got racks of vintage gear, the important thing is to stay curious, stay creative, and stay open.

Use every tool available. Make the art you want. And enjoy the ride.

Because creativity isn’t going anywhere, and neither is AI.

About G.Neal Music

G.Neal Music is a professional recording, mixing, production, and mastering studio based in Howard County, MD. We serve independent artists and creatives in Baltimore, DC, and across the interwebs. We combine decades of experience with a forward-thinking, tech-friendly approach to music creation.