Will.i.am, the 48-year-old musician and member of the Black Eyed Peas, has hailed artificial intelligence (AI) as a new renaissance in the music industry. In an interview with ITV’s Good Morning Britain, he expressed his optimism about the potential of new music software that utilizes AI technology to produce and create songs.
According to Will.i.am, AI has the capability to write amazing versions of songs, even in the style of popular hits like Boom Boom Pow and I Gotta Feeling. He believes that AI can fulfill the desire for songs that serve as social commentary on current events.
It’s a very unique world that we’re entering into. It’s a new renaissance, Will.i.am stated, highlighting the transformative power of AI in the music landscape. He emphasized that new technology doesn’t simply mimic his own work but creates something entirely new, demonstrating its ability to generate music in line with his own style.
While Will.i.am sees great potential in AI, he also raises concerns about the regulations and guidelines that need to be established for those developing AI models. He stresses the importance of ensuring that individuals maintain ownership over their likeness and essence, rather than AI making those decisions.
However, not everyone shares Will.i.am’s enthusiasm for AI in music. Dolly Parton and Charlie Brooker have both expressed reservations. Brooker, the creator of the acclaimed TV series Black Mirror, has highlighted the limitations of AI in terms of generating real original thought. He also suggests that AI advancements, as depicted in an episode of the show, could have terrifying consequences if used inappropriately.
Parton, on the other hand, contemplates her involvement in high-tech advancements that could potentially replicate her essence after her passing. While acknowledging her great body of work, she ponders the implications of leaving her soul behind on Earth.
As the music industry explores the possibilities of AI technology, there are varying opinions about its potential impact. While Will.i.am considers it a new renaissance, others like Brooker and Parton have expressed concerns about its limitations and ethical implications. The future of AI in music remains an intriguing and evolving topic within the industry and beyond.
