A musician's response to AI
Artificial Intelligence. What was once a staple of science fiction has become an unstoppable force in our lives. For those of us working in the arts, intellectual property rights have become a thing of the past. Even just five years ago artists, writers, and musicians could rest easy knowing that the clumsy AI-generated knock-offs were no threat to their creative outputs. All of this has changed. There are still widely-reported AI “hallucinations”, but much of the time it’s almost impossible to spot the difference between things created by humans and things created by machines. Perhaps that’s why the Eurythmics cofounder Dave Stewart has gone on record saying that AI “is an ‘unstoppable force’ and musicians and other artists should bow to the inevitable and license their music to generative AI platforms.”
When one looks at the rate of transformation of our industry, it’s easy to feel discouraged. Many wage quixotic battles against AI, perhaps not realizing that while we may be able to put some safeguards and regulations in place, it’s too late to stop things. AI is already here. It clogs streaming platforms. It gets favored status on social media. And while AI won’t destroy human creativity, in a short time it will greatly curtail our ability to make money from our creations.
How do we respond to what already is? I believe the first step is to accept that while creators will one day figure out how best to work with AI, the next few years will be difficult to navigate. And while I don’t know what AI (or the creative landscape) will look like in 5 or 10 years, I do know that human creativity won’t be destroyed by machines and algorithms. Our job today is to look at the situation realistically and dispassionately and to find ways to AI-proof our musical careers where possible. How do we do this? I believe the best answers lie in the past.
Humans crave connection, and music is uniquely capable of providing it. For the past year multiple articles have been published about the loneliness epidemic that afflicts the rich world. Online life has given us connections around the globe yet has also isolated us from each other. This is a recent phenomenon. Before the advent of recordings and television, humans gathered together. These gatherings strengthened bonds between people and built strong communities. They also offer a clue of how modern musicians can continue to make a living in an AI-run world.
The musicians who survive the AI transition will most likely be those who prioritize the human touch. It will be performers and composers who shift from streaming platforms to live performances. It will be musicians who understand that creating bespoke experiences for their fans will build community and enthusiasm. Perhaps these musicians will play big venues; perhaps they will organize a tour of house concerts; perhaps they will take their music to unexpected places. Some will teach lessons. All will offer human-based connection with the people who love their music, and through these real encounters, they’ll create sustainable careers for themselves.
Humans have made music since the dawn of time, and they will continue to create it even as AI continues to disrupt the industry. Musicians just need to stop looking at how the world has changed and focus instead on connecting with people in real time. People need us. They need the connection, the warmth, the community-building gift of live music. They need a space reserved for beauty, where conflict isn’t welcome. Maybe, through this return to human-centered music making we can help make our societies kinder and gentler, one human encounter at a time.
Photo by Steve Johnson, courtesy of UpSplash