Roland Announces ‘Melody Flip,’ an Innovative AI-Assisted Melody Generation Software Incorporating Research from Sony Computer Science Laboratories

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A New Form of Music Production Through Co-creation Between Technology and Creators

In recent years, technologies like AI have rapidly evolved in the field of music production. Roland maintains the belief that it is crucial for AI and other technologies not to become the main protagonists of music creation, but to build a co-creative relationship centered on the creator’s will and sensibility.

‘Melody Flip’ is software that embodies this philosophy. By loading audio song files, it analyzes the song’s structure, BPM (beats per minute), key, chord progression, genre, mood, and more. Combining the analysis results with approximately 300 types of palettes
, it generates and proposes original melody ideas. The generated results are presented as suggestions, from which creators can freely select, edit, and reconstruct to gain inspiration. By positioning technology as a music production partner, it realizes a new creation experience where humans and technology create music together.

A term within ‘Melody Flip’ referring to patterns composed of data for four parts: melody, chords, bass, and drums.

Technology Based on Sony CSL’s Composition Support Research

‘Melody Flip’ incorporates technology based on Sony CSL’s research in composition support. One example is its ability to extract musical features such as structure, BPM, beat position, key, chord progression, genre, and mood from loaded songs, and display recommended palettes similar to the song. These functions utilize research knowledge cultivated in the field of Music Information Retrieval (MIR), and also serve as support for visually grasping the composition and key of loaded songs, enhancing production efficiency.

Melody Flip Audio Data Analysis Screen Image
Melody Flip Audio Data Analysis Screen Image (Screen under development)

Seamless Integration with DAWs

‘Melody Flip’ supports macOS/Windows and operates as a plugin on major DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations). In addition to generated melodies, each part—chords, bass, and drums—can be exported in both Audio and MIDI formats. This allows for a smooth transition from idea generation and song sketching to full-scale music production, integrating naturally into existing workflows.

Melody Flip Usage Screen Image in Zenbeats
Melody Flip Usage Screen Image in “Zenbeats” music production software (Screen under development)

Roland’s Vision for the Future of Technology and Music

Roland has consistently supported the evolution of music culture in the field of electronic instruments and music production equipment. ‘Melody Flip’ represents a significant step as a new challenge in the AI era, proposing a future of music production where technology and humans coexist and enhance creativity to the market. Roland will continue to expand the possibilities of musical expression through innovative products and services that connect technology and human sensibility.

‘Melody Flip’ Details

    • Release date: May 2026 (planned)

    • Usage: Available for free to registered users of Roland’s cloud service “Roland Cloud”.

Roland Cloud Details:

Roland’s cloud service launched in 2017. It started by offering high-quality plugin sounds and services for music production and is currently expanding content and services that allow users to enjoy music with a wide range of instrument categories.

Roland’s AI Initiatives

Roland is committed to the responsible development of AI experiences that enhance, rather than replace, human creativity in music creation. In 2024, Roland and Universal Music Group (UMG) jointly announced the “Principles for AI Music Creation.” Details of the “Principles for AI Music Creation” can be found here:

AI for Music Logo Mark
AI for Music Logo Mark

Comment from Masahiro Miyamoto, Representative Director, President, and CEO of Roland Corporation

“‘Melody Flip’ is an innovative tool that respects the sensibility and individuality of each creator while offering encounters with new melodies they might not have imagined themselves. Roland will continue to expand the creative possibilities for creators, foster a new music culture with next-generation users, and powerfully pave the way for the future of music.”

About Roland Corporation

Roland Corporation is an electronic instrument manufacturer that develops and manufactures digital pianos, synthesizers, electronic drums, guitar-related products, amplifiers, DJ equipment, video, and audio equipment. Since its establishment in 1972, it has consistently pursued new sounds with cutting-edge technology, creating numerous world-first and Japan-first products. With the brand message “WE DESIGN THE FUTURE,” Roland creates the future with creative people worldwide, from professional musicians to amateur users, pioneering new possibilities in music and video.

    • Company Name: Roland Corporation (Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market: Securities Code 7944)

    • Representative: Masahiro Miyamoto, Representative Director, President, and CEO

    • Website: https://www.roland.com/jp/

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