Bridging Art and Algorithm: Reply Announces Second Edition of AI Music Contest
The intersection of artificial intelligence and live performance is moving beyond experimentation into a new era of creative production. Reply, an international group specializing in AI-enabled business models, has announced the second edition of the Reply AI Music Contest. Organized in collaboration with Kappa FuturFestival, the competition challenges global innovators to redefine how sound and image integrate within a live setting.
This initiative isn’t just about the technology; it’s about the dialogue between human creativity and machine intelligence. By pushing the boundaries of electronic music, the contest seeks to elevate the role of AI from a tool to a collaborative partner in artistic expression.
Imaginatio Nova: The 2026 Theme
The theme for this year’s competition, Imaginatio Nova, invites participants to explore a “new era of imagination.” The goal is to showcase how human creativity can be renewed and expanded through its encounter with technology. Rather than replacing the artist, the contest emphasizes the enhancement of live performances through AI-driven sound and visual integration.
A World-Class Jury of Experts
To evaluate the technical and artistic merit of the submissions, Reply has assembled a jury featuring prominent figures from the global electronic music and digital art scenes:
- Agoria: A French producer and DJ recognized for blending experimental sounds across genres.
- Max Cooper: An Irish composer and multidisciplinary artist focusing on the intersection of science, and art.
- Fleur Shore: A leading British DJ and producer in the contemporary house scene.
- Tini Gessler: A German DJ and producer active in the international tech-house circuit.
- Ali Demirel: A visual and digital artist specializing in immersive, AI-generated performances.
- Albi Scotti: A DJ, journalist, and music consultant central to club culture.
- Oliver Bohl: Partner at Reply AI Studios.
- Sarah Grimaldi: Editor of Clanker Magazine and Executive Creative Director at Xister Reply.
Submission Guidelines and the Road to Turin
Creatives and innovators must submit their projects by June 1, 2026, via the official platform at aimc.reply.com. The jury will score entries based on three primary criteria: creativity, the seamless integration of sound and image, and the expressive potential of the project in a live performance context.
The stakes are high for the finalists. Selected creators will present their work on the NOVA stage at the Kappa FuturFestival in Turin, taking place from July 3 to 5, 2026. This event, ranked among the top 10 best festivals worldwide by DJ Mag, serves as the backdrop for the announcement of the winners.
Beyond the main awards, the jury will present the Reply AI Studios Grand Prix, a special recognition dedicated to excellence and innovation in the specific application of artificial intelligence.
The Broader Strategy: Reply Challenges
The AI Music Contest is a pillar of the Reply Challenges, a broader program of technological and creative competitions. This ecosystem reflects Reply’s commitment to developing innovative training models designed to engage younger generations. To date, the Reply Challenges community has grown to nearly 250,000 participants globally.
For Reply [EXM, STAR: REY], this initiative aligns with its core business of designing solutions based on digital media and new communication channels. By supporting the evolution of AI in the arts, the company continues to explore the practical applications of AI, cloud computing, and the internet of things across various sectors, including media and telecom.
Key Takeaways for Participants
- Submission Deadline: June 1, 2026.
- Platform: aimc.reply.com.
- Final Event: Kappa FuturFestival, Turin (July 3-5, 2026).
- Judging Focus: Creativity, sound/image integration, and live performance potential.
- Special Award: Reply AI Studios Grand Prix for AI innovation.
About Kappa FuturFestival
Entering its 13th edition at Parco Dora, Kappa FuturFestival remains Italy’s largest open-air electronic music festival. The 2026 event will feature over 120 world-renowned artists, including Peggy Gou, Skrillex, Diplo, Solomun, and Amelie Lens, providing a massive global stage for the winners of the AI Music Contest.
