I have been thinking a lot lately about Artificial Intelligence, like most of you I imagine.

I don't have a particularly rosy outlook on it, especially as it applies to art and music creation.  I am going to do my best to avoid making this a terribly long-winded rant. Instead, I will let this be a sort of public service announcement which, up until now was completely unrequired of most independent artists. Some of you have been gracious enough to asked me about my writing process, where I get my ideas for composition, lyrics, etc. so this seemed like a record I should set straight.

I do not use AI in my workflows, writing or production. Music is far too personal to me to remove the human touch from the equation. Many contemporary songwriters will lean heavily into Artificial Intelligence as a means to increase output and avoid the harder work of closing skill gaps and leaning into outreach/collaboration. I understand the disadvantage that this puts me at, but I refuse to cheapen art and outsource the wonder of creation to algorithm. I will always prefer imperfect, honest music over a sanitized, bloodless production, no matter how real it sounds. If I remove the magic of serendipitous creation or shirk the opportunity to collaborate and connect with other artists (and you all), I just won't want to do it anymore.

As society becomes more schizoid, art becomes more important. Human music is deeply connecting. I see it in your faces at my shows, and I hear it in the performances of other artists that gut themselves publicly on stage. AI removes barriers to entry, yes, but these barriers call for personal growth and expansion as well as human connection before they can be passed. That is the point. Anything worth doing should usher us toward growth, not be rife with crutches that hold the potential to replace us entirely.

I know many of you are feeling this dread as well. I'm right there with you, but don't let it erode you. Burn hotter, brighter, and be undeniable in your work. I want to hear your music and see your art which gives us a glimpse into your soul and personal experience. Ignore the cynics who feel threatened by your resistance. Remember that music and art were spawned by humans for thousands of years. You are on the side of nature, or whatever the cosmic force it is that compels us to create and connect to our deeper selves, as well as each other.

-R

PS

This was not written with AI ;-)