IT Advances Society, But Can it Advance Art? Wong Kwan Chi Explains
Technology is an ever-changing and powerful force that significantly impacts society. This can be seen in the vast improvements it's made to everyday life, but it's also becoming more evident in the arts industry. What used to be a physical medium for recordings is now primarily digital. Some argue that this shift has made it more difficult for artists to break into the industry, get their work out there, and profit from their efforts. However, others say these changes have actually helped make music more accessible by making the distribution process easier and faster than ever before. What should artists do to remain relevant in the industry as time progresses? Wong Kwan Chi, an IT startup owner and musician, believes that IT can help the art world by being its driving force and influencer.
"When you think about where we are today with technology, it's hard not to get excited by its potential in various industries, including the music industry," shares Kwan Chi. As a tech enthusiast, he's excited about new developments, especially the introduction of artificial intelligence. Kwan Chi says that's one reason he got into music because it simplified some of the most complex processes, like synthesizing some of his music. Kwan Chi believes that AI technology will play an increasingly important role in all industries in the future, including the art space in its entirety, and it's only natural for this to happen. From production to distribution, new technologies will continue reshaping how we experience art, so artists must be agile and flexible enough to stay on top of these developments.
Despite all the changes, Kwan Chi is quick to note that creativity and innovation are still crucial for artists looking to thrive in this era. Even though the digital age might seem to be changing things dramatically, Kwan Chi maintains that technology has helped redefine what art means. It will be a while before natural talent can be replicated by tech advancement, so there's still work to be done by musicians and other artists. Tech has given artists new mediums to work with, influenced how they create their work, and changed how audiences interact with them, but the final output will depend on the artists themselves.
"In fact, through IT technology, all of the above ideas can be achieved, but they are still theoretical," maintains Kwan Chi. He adds that no one knows what completely AI-compiled music would look like or how it would differ from what artists themselves have been creating. Will the innovations from tech-driven change be a good thing, or will they overshadow them? Kwan Chi says it's too early to tell, but he's not worried about it. As someone wearing both hats, he's willing to integrate content from different industries and see what happens. In his words, "This is the ultimate music feast!"
To get ahead, Kwan Chi is also willing and ready to network with people from all backgrounds. "I still think that connections and cognition are the best drivers of success," he shares. "Without these, it is difficult to do many things." Kwan Chi recommends participating in many offline social activities and events, something he credits to his growing network in the music and tech industries and his ability to overcome complex issues in his career.