Joan Manuel Serrat will be the first recipient of the Honorary Award of the Music Academy of Spain, a recognition created to honor key figures in national music creation. The Catalan singer-songwriter will receive the award at a gala to be held on May 26 in Madrid, marking a milestone in the institution's history.
The algorithm of nostalgia: how AI analyzes Serrat's work 🎵
The Academy has developed a music analysis system based on machine learning to select future candidates. This algorithm processes historical data on sales, streaming plays, and media presence since 1960. For Serrat, the model has identified over 400 songs with a durability index above 85%, based on metrics of radio coverage and later covers. The software, trained on the complete corpus of Spanish music, also evaluates generational influence through analysis of collaboration networks between artists.
The medal of honor that cannot be scanned with a phone 📱
The award is a piece of acrylic with a laser-engraved NFC chip, just in case anyone doubted we are in 2025. The funniest part is that Serrat, who has sold millions of records without needing a QR code, will now have to explain to his grandchildren how the gadget works. Meanwhile, the organizers are already preparing the next edition: a tribute to vinyl with a trophy that plays low-quality MP3 files. Progress, folks.