AI and Music Tech in 2026 - Sonarworks Survey

Helmuts Bems, Co-Founder and CEO of Sonarworks, joins Sam Inglis to discuss the findings of their recent AI survey. The conversation explores differing industry perspectives on generative versus assistive AI and provides insight into the extent to which professional musicians are already adopting these emerging technologies. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction 00:33 - A Data-Driven Audio Company 04:56 - Assistive Vs Generative AI 07:36 - New Categories Of Tools 08:27 - Early Adoption Of AI Tools 12:50 - Negative Or Neutral Tensions 18:37 - Tackling Ethical Issues 21:25 - Where Music Production Is Heading 26:33 - The Impact Across Industries And Musical Genres 33:05 - Changes In Music Consumption 37:08 - How Technology Has Shaped Music 42:41 - AI As A Huge Industry Disruption For more insights and data read the related article: Full Report (PDF): Sonarworks Blog (Short Version): Sonarworks Biog Sonarworks is an award-winning audio technology company specialising in sound calibration and audio personalisation. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Riga, Latvia, the company develops patented calibration and AI-driven technologies that enable consistent, reference-grade audio across a wide range of listening environments and professional workflows. Sonarworks’ solutions are trusted by more than 300,000 studios worldwide and are widely used by audio engineers, producers and content creators. In addition to its professional studio tools, Sonarworks has expanded into consumer audio through its SoundID personalisation technology, which adapts sound to individual hearing profiles and preferences. The company licenses its technology to global audio and consumer electronics partners and continues to be recognised internationally for its innovation in precision audio and sound optimisation. Helmuts Bems (Co-founder, CEO) Biog Helmuts Bems is Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Sonarworks, a leading audio technology company based in Riga, Latvia. He co-founded the company in 2012 and has overseen its strategic growth into a global innovator in sound calibration and personalised audio solutions, securing multiple financing rounds and international partnerships to expand its technologies across professional and consumer markets. Bems holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Business Administration from the Stockholm School of Economics in Riga. Under his leadership, Sonarworks has been recognised for advancing precision audio technologies used by engineers and studios worldwide and has achieved notable industry accolades and commercial milestones. Driven by complex challenges, Bems combines strategic planning and team leadership with a commitment to advancing deep-tech innovation, and maintains personal interests in endurance sports and outdoor pursuits. Sam Inglis Biog Editor In Chief Sam Inglis has been with Sound On Sound for more than 20 years. He is a recording engineer, producer, songwriter and folk musician who studies the traditional songs of England and Scotland, and the author of Neil Young's Harvest (Bloomsbury, 2003) and Teach Yourself Songwriting (Hodder, 2006). Catch more shows on our other podcast channels:

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AI and Music Tech in 2026 - Sonarworks Survey is an episode from Recording & Mixing by Sound On Sound Ltd.

This episode is 44:35 long.

This episode was published on Jan 22, 2026.

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