Merging Art and Algorithms: The Reply AI Music Contest Returns for 2026

The intersection of human creativity and artificial intelligence is moving beyond the studio and onto the main stage. Reply, an international group specializing in AI-driven business models, has announced the second edition of the Reply AI Music Contest. Organized in collaboration with Kappa FuturFestival, this international competition challenges creators to push the boundaries of live performance by integrating sound and image through AI technology.

Imaginatio Nova: A New Era of Creativity

The theme for the 2026 edition, “Imaginatio Nova,” serves as a call to action for artists and producers to explore a new phase of imagination. Rather than viewing AI as a replacement for the artist, the contest frames technology as a partner in a dialogue that renews human creativity.

Participants are tasked with developing projects that demonstrate how AI can expand the possibilities of live performances, specifically focusing on the synergy between auditory and visual elements.

An Expert Jury of Electronic Pioneers

To evaluate the entries, Reply has assembled a jury comprising some of the most influential figures in contemporary electronic music and digital art:

• Agoria: A French producer and DJ known for his innovative approach to electronic music and experimental sounds.
• Max Cooper: An Irish composer and multidisciplinary artist who explores the intersection of science and art.
• Fleur Shore: A prominent British DJ and producer in the new house scene.
• Tini Gessler: A German DJ and producer active in the international tech-house circuit.
• Ali Demirel: A digital and visual artist whose immersive performances often feature AI-generated elements.
• Albi Scotti: A DJ, journalist and music consultant with deep roots in club culture.
• Oliver Bohl: Partner at Reply AI Studios.
• Sarah Grimaldi: Executive Creative Director of Xister Reply and editor of Clanker Magazine.

Submission Details and Evaluation

Creatives interested in participating must submit their projects by June 1, 2026, via the official platform at aimc.reply.com.

The jury will grade submissions based on three core pillars:

• Creativity: The originality of the concept and execution.
• Integration: How effectively sound and image are merged.
• Expressive Capacity: The project’s impact and viability within a live performance context.

The Road to Kappa FuturFestival

The competition culminates at one of Europe’s most prestigious electronic music events. The finalists will showcase their creations on the NOVA stage during the 13th edition of the Kappa FuturFestival, held in Turin from July 3 to 5, 2026.

Beyond the standard winners, the jury will award the Reply AI Studios Grand Prix, a special recognition dedicated to exceptional excellence and innovation in the application of artificial intelligence.

This year’s festival at Parco Dora will feature a massive lineup of over 120 international artists, including heavyweights like Peggy Gou, Skrillex, Diplo, Solomun, and Amelie Lens.

Connecting Talent Through Reply Challenges

The AI Music Contest is a key component of Reply Challenges, a broader program of technological and creative competitions. By fostering innovative training models, Reply aims to connect with new generations of talent. The Reply Challenges community has already grown to include approximately 250,000 participants worldwide.

The Future of Live Performance

As AI continues to evolve, its role in the arts is shifting from a novelty tool to a fundamental medium. By bridging the gap between technical innovation and artistic expression, the Reply AI Music Contest provides a critical platform for the next generation of performers to redefine what a “live” experience actually means in the digital age.