We were lucky to catch up with Delon Om recently and have shared our conversation below.

Delon , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So, let’s start with trends – what are some of the largest or more impactful trends you are seeing in the industry?

While mathematical relationships underpin the arrangement of notes in music production, this is being amplified with the emergence of AI. Specifically, AI-powered tools are now being used in the music industry to recognize and create melodies and rhythms. Personally, the use of AI in music production is intriguing and exciting – it opens new vistas of inquiry into the creative process. However, there is a growing chorus of skepticism with respect to what this means for the creative integrity of musicians.

We already seemed to be plugged into the proverbial ‘matrix’ because streaming services such as Spotify are notorious for using AI to map their users’ listening habits via deep-learning algorithms and
personalized recommendations. The question is: are we becoming automatons in the age of generative AI? Surely, machine-learning algorithms enhance streaming quality by monitoring a user’s internet connection and tailoring preferences, but what of outliers? I, for example, have very eclectic taste and my Spotify playlists range from the soundtrack of Love Actually to Kanye West and Radiohead. there is absolutely no way machine-learning algorithms could account for this.

As a musician, there is MusicLM, an app which creates music from written commands such as “calming violin melody” or “distorted guitar riff”. Audioshake, on the other hand, uses a form of AI technology called audio source separation to identify the components of a piece of music and strip them apart into so-called stems. I have used both for my upcoming album but have been disillusioned by the immense ease of creating these compositions. Being in my mid-30s, such technology did not exist when I was in my teens, and I miss those days of simplicity.

Recently, I was commissioned to do a project for a film and was instructed to use generative AI for the project. I was immediately reminded of German sociologist Max Weber’s concept of the “disenchantment of the world.” For Weber, “disenchantment of the world” refers to suppression of the magical elements and the removal of magic and mystery from social life. You see, AI is a process of rationalization that, I believe, has caused the disenchantment of the modern world. Anecdotally, some of the best music I have ever made was the result of the fluke or mistake that just ended up working – something generative AI can never accomplish because of its rational, algorithmically driven essence.

Delon , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I was born and raised in Pickering, Ontario. At the age of 18, I was a contestant on Canadian Idol. After co-writing one song with Juno award-winning producer Sheldon Moore, I was catapulted to instant stardom when Virgin Radio 99.9 (CKFM Toronto, Canada) welcomed my single “Superstar” into rotation. “Superstar” hit the airwaves in 2016 and it didn’t take long for the record labels to take heed of this: I was courted by both Sony and Ultra Records. After signing with Ultra Records, I collaborated with Alex Gaudino, a prolific DJ in the global community. In 2018, I was invited to perform at the 13th Annual Caribbean Hall of Fame Awards. My single “What We Guh Do Now?” (Featuring Juno-nominated artist Trinity Chris) held the #1 spot on various radio charts in Jamaica for 3 months. Another one of my singles, “Someone Special to Me”, was featured in the critically acclaimed documentary “This is for Toronto”. In 2021, I teamed up with two-time Canadian Latin Award winner BenAnthony LaVoz and Latin Grammy winner Sensei Musica to release “The Gentleman & Scholar”, which was nominated for three Canadian Latin Awards. I won two OMAs in 2022 for “Best Emerging Artist” and “Best Music Video” and I am currently signed to Sony Music, working on new music for MTV shows like Catfish, Teen Mom and the reboot of Jersey Shore.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Integrity and authenticity – believe me, the music industry is replete with dubious and unethical people. Surviving and thriving in the music industry can be challenging due to its competitiveness and constantly evolving nature. However, by creating a brand around integrity and authenticity, I got back to basics and improved my musical skills and created a unique and compelling brand identity that reflects my music and personality. I also think that performing live has helped my reputation, gaining exposure and connecting with fans. Playing at local venues and festivals have allowed me to learn covers I have never considered, but I wanted to for the fans so it has been a win-win situation.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I’ve gone through very dark periods of self-loathing, especially related to my image and sound. As a racialized minority, it was tough for me finding a niche – as some of my music is inspired by classical music and country music. I thought I wasn’t good enough to compete with the “trendy” music of today until I performed at a festival – I had my faith in myself restored when complete strangers told me that my sound was a “breath of fresh air” and that it was raw, adulterated talent. I have always struggled to “fit in” and the music industry is no different. My resilience has allowed me to persevere and get back to the basics of why I started writing music.

Contact Info:

• Website: delonom.com
• Instagram: Delon_om
• Facebook: Delon Om
• Linkedin: Delon Om
• Twitter: Delon_Om
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@delonom7302