I asked #chatGPT for help and was freaked out by the results.
As a music-data obsessive I have tracked radio playlists for a decade, tagging artists & songs to monitor their uptake and “stickiness” with audiences on FM & DAB. (I have also dabbled in analysis of digital streaming playlists – Spotify, Apple Music, etc – but find these a “colder” less human resource as they don’t deliver the thrill of a curated, presented, organic radio show. I believe radio will remain for some years to come, and its human touch will continue to make it a fascinating, surprising resource for musicians & audiences alike.) The data pipeline here involves weekly scraping pages like https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/5JDPyPdDGs3yCLdtPhGgWM7/bbc-radio-6-music-playlist and copying the results into a database (Airtable ftw) then running my analytics reports to see which artists are new vs recurring. Occasionally I am impressed enough by a song, or artist’s backstory, that I will write an in-depth review going into the music itself (harmonic structure, melodic themes & influences, etc) and that’s the most enjoyable part. I often wish I could have more automation on the scraping & analysis side, to free up my time for more of the writing side. Very occasionally I have even considered whether it’s possible to automate the writing itself, and recent articles on #generativeAI got me thinking about whether this might now be easily achieved.
SO, I asked #chatGPT to “please generate an article showcasing the songs picked for ths week’s BBC6Music playlist”. Initially skeptical, I assumed it would error with the classic “I’m sorry, but as of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, I don’t have any information about BBC6Music playlist” or, worse, produce a jargon-filled copy of some old reviews from old playlists archived in the 2010s. BUT I was pleasantly surprised to see it start to type out a genuine-looking article. See attached screen recording.
The results are fairly convincing: snappy reviews of genuine songs but not from recent playlists or even recent weeks (the first song is from several years ago and I know this because I – unlike the AI – attended a #warondrugs gig in Brixton along with four thousand other humans and physically witnessed the song being performed by a band of humans).
Attempting the same question multiple times, the results are fascinatingly different. Here’s an example in which the AI has made up a handful of new artist names and songs to go with them (at least I can’t find any of these artists online or in my record collection):
Unveiling the Eclectic Sounds of BBC 6 Music’s Playlist This Week!
BBC 6 Music has once again curated an extraordinary playlist for music enthusiasts across the globe. This week’s selection boasts a mesmerizing amalgamation of genres, capturing the essence of musical diversity. From indie rock to electronic beats, and everything in between, these handpicked tracks promise to leave listeners captivated and craving for more. Let’s dive into the sonic wonderland of BBC 6 Music’s playlist for this week and explore the unique gems awaiting discovery.
“Electric Dreams” – Hail the Architects: Kicking off the playlist with an electrifying energy, “Electric Dreams” by Hail the Architects is a sonic explosion of indie rock melodies and powerful vocals. The song’s anthemic quality is certain to have listeners singing along, embracing the sheer joy of a captivating chorus and infectious guitar riffs.
“Celestial” – Luna Blue: Prepare to be transported to another dimension with “Celestial” by Luna Blue. Blending elements of alternative rock and dream-pop, this track is a celestial voyage, complete with ethereal harmonies and atmospheric instrumentals. Luna Blue’s unique soundscapes make this song an absolute standout.
“Neon Skies” – Midnight Echoes: Shimmering with a neon glow, “Neon Skies” by Midnight Echoes is a mesmerizing synthwave composition that pays homage to the ‘80s era. Combining nostalgic synthesizers with modern production, this track creates an irresistible blend of retro and contemporary sounds, perfect for both synthwave enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
“Rhythm Revolution” – Beat Architects: Brace yourself for an infectious groove with “Rhythm Revolution” by Beat Architects. Infused with funky basslines, lively horns, and irresistible percussion, this track encapsulates the spirit of a dance floor filled with relentless energy. Get ready to move your feet and join the rhythm revolution!
“Fragments of Eternity” – Solarity: Embark on a cinematic journey with “Fragments of Eternity” by Solarity. This ambient masterpiece combines orchestral elements, delicate piano melodies, and electronic textures to create a mesmerizing sonic landscape. As the music unfolds, listeners will find themselves immersed in a world of contemplation and wonder.
“Serendipity Swing” – The Swing Collective: The Swing Collective takes us back to the golden age of jazz with “Serendipity Swing.” With its infectious rhythm and vibrant horns, this lively composition invites listeners to step onto a virtual dance floor and swing the night away. Get ready to embrace the timeless allure of jazz in all its glory.
Conclusion:
BBC 6 Music’s playlist for this week presents a rich tapestry of musical genres, showcasing the diverse talent of both established artists and emerging musicians. From indie rock anthems to ethereal dream-pop, synthwave excursions to jazz-infused delights, each track invites listeners on a captivating journey of sound and emotion. So, grab your headphones, tune in, and allow yourself to be swept away by the enchanting melodies of BBC 6 Music’s carefully curated playlist. Let the music guide you through a world of musical wonder and discovery.
