FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Ariel Hyatt ah@cyberpr.com
Diffusing Music: Trajectories of Sonic Democratization by Ben Neill How Technology, AI, and Collaboration Are Changing Music Forever Out Today In Hardcover From Bloomsbury
(New York, NY) December 12, 2024 – Bloomsbury Academic proudly announces the release of Diffusing Music: Trajectories of Sonic Democratization by Ben Neill, an innovative musician and inventor known for creating the Mutantrumpet—a groundbreaking instrument that blends acoustic brass and futuristic electronics with interactive video. In this engaging book, Neill explores how technology is reshaping music, enabling unprecedented levels of creativity and transforming how we share and experience sound.
From digital tools that let anyone become a music maker to AI systems that write, mix, and master songs, Neill breaks down how these
advancements empower creators and reshape the relationship between artists and audiences. Part history, part personal story, and part look at what’s next; Diffusing Music is a must-read for anyone curious about the future of music.
As both a creator and a chronicler of music’s ongoing transformation, Neill brings unparalleled expertise to this timely exploration of the art form. Diffusing Music provides a valuable resource for those seeking to understand and navigate the industry
with a clear and informed perspective and offers an accurate consideration of this field’s present and future.
Diffusing Music: Trajectories of Sonic Democratization is available in hardcover and eBook formats from major retailers, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and at Bloomsbury.
What’s Inside Diffusing Music
● Democratization of Music Technology has made it easier than ever for anyone to create and share music. From laptops to apps, these tools break down traditional barriers and allow everyone to be heard.
● The Role of Artificial Intelligence AI is changing how music is made, from helping people write songs to creating entirely new kinds of sounds. Neill explores both the exciting possibilities and the challenges of this technology.
● Personal Insights Drawing on decades of experience, Neill reflects on his collaborations with music pioneers like Robert Moog, John Cage, and Pauline Oliveros, as well as his time immersed in new wave, electronica, and ambient music. From the vibrant downtown New York scene to international stages, his career has been at the forefront of innovation in these genres.
● Cultural and Historical Perspectives A look at how music has evolved over the years and what these changes mean for its future. Neill connects the dots between past innovations and today’s rapidly changing music world.
Praise for Diffusing Music
“Many musicians are afraid of the encroachment of new distribution patterns and technologies (AI in particular) into our art, but Ben Neill strides into the future boldly, contextualizing them as extensions of historical processes that have been going on for centuries. He notices the pitfalls and dangers, but his stellar career as a postclassical/ambient crossover artist gives him the vantage point to weave the current cacophony of musical practices into a joyous free-for-all in which anyone can
participate.” – Kyle Gann, Professor of Music, Bard College, US, former Village Voice critic and author of Charles Ives’s Concord: Essays after a Sonata (2017)
“This is an essential book, discussing democratization of music from a historical perspective, as well as looking at its likely future effects on production and consumption of music. Written in a clear, simple language, it should find itself on a shelf of everybody interested in music and its interface with technology and social life.’ – Ewa Mazierska, Professor of Film Studies, University of Central Lancashire, UK
About Ben Neill
Ben Neill is a composer, performer, and inventor best known for the Mutantrumpet, an instrument he designed in collaboration with synthesizer legend Robert Moog. A pioneer in blending traditional and electronic music, Neill has released 14 albums, performed worldwide, and worked with visionary artists like La Monte Young and DJ Spooky.
Connect With Ben:
For media inquiries or interview requests, please contact: Ariel Hyatt at Cyber PR ah@cyberpr.com
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