Valerio Velardo shares his journey from classical pianist to AI music engineer, researcher and entrepreneur. He discusses the development of Melodrive, the first real-time adaptive music engine for video games, and the growth of The Sound of AI, a thriving ecosystem with over 9,000 members.

Throughout the conversation, Valerio delves into the role of open source in AI music, the limitations of current AI music models, and the potential of neuro-symbolic integration for music creation. They also explore the future of AI-generated music in interactive content, the relationship between AI and human creativity, the role of AI in music education, and the ethical considerations of copyright in generative music.

Valerio Velardo is an AI music engineer, entrepreneur, and researcher with a passion for the intersection of AI and music. He builds AI music products and startups, consults in the AI music space, and helps companies hire and form AI teams. He founded Melodrive, the first AI music engine for generating real-time video game soundtracks, and later sold the company in 2020. Valerio also runs The Sound of AI, a YouTube channel and community with over 9,000 members, offering education and consulting services on AI music. Currently, he's writing The AI Music Revolution for UC Press.