What I Don't Like About AI:

• Unnecessary Integration: Some companies seem determined to shoehorn AI into every platform and tool, even when it's not truly needed. It feels like they're doing it for the hype, not necessarily for genuine improvement.

• AI-Generated Music from Prompts: While tools like Suno and the Waves plugin are impressive (and can be comical), creating entire songs from simple text prompts feels impersonal and a little icky. The idea of an AI being the "artist," generating everything from the music to the band's image, feels like a step too far for me. Perhaps I’ll change my mind in the future, and eat my words, but right now it’s uncomfortable.

• AI "Artists": This is a bit of an extension of the previous point. The concept of AI generating not just the music, but also the artist's photos, band names, and bios, feels inauthentic. In fact, it is inauthentic. It feels like AI trying to be both the hammer, and the hand that holds it.

What I Do Like About AI:

• Music Curation: AI has the potential to truly understand my musical tastes. Imagine it analyzing my entire record collection and recommending albums I'd genuinely love, going far beyond simple genre-based, algo, suggestions. This is a space I’d be keen to let it run amuck. I hate the idea that there’s albums out there that I’ve never heard, that could be my favorite album of all time…

• Augmenting Recordings: AI could be a valuable tool for getting recordings and mixes "over the hump." I’ve actually been using tools like this lately to enhance the quality of my podcast guest’s recording. Think of it as a super-powered EQ plugin or a high-end microphone, enhancing existing recordings without replacing the human element.

• Admin Assistance: Tools like ChatGPT can be incredibly helpful for the day-to-day admin tasks of running a label or being a DIY musician. Brainstorming ideas for press pitches, crafting artist bios, and getting clarity on writing are all areas where AI can be a real asset.

Why I'm Optimistic About AI Humans:

• Humans are Irrational: We don't always make the most logical choices, and that's a good thing! We crave connection and authenticity. Think about how the rise of music streaming (more convenient, affordable, accessible) actually gave rise to vinyl records (less convenient, cumbersome, expensive).

• Humans are Rebellious: We often push back against what's perceived as "the norm." If tech companies push us in one direction, we inherantly go the other way.

• The Revenge of Analog: Remember when everyone thought ebooks would kill physical books, or streaming would make albums obsolete? As David Sax argued in his book, "The Revenge of Analog," we often crave the tangible and authentic (Polaroids, Moleskin notebooks, vinyl records), even more so when faced with digital saturation.

• The Human Touch Matters: Studies have shown that people generally prefer art and music created by humans over AI-generated content.

AI will undoubtedly change aspects of music creation and consumption, especially in areas where music is secondary, like ads or background tracks. This might be some of the collateral damage we endure in the long battle to retain our role as creatives.

However, I believe human creativity and the desire for genuine artistic expression will endure. As independent labels and DIY musicians, we can leverage AI as a tool without letting it replace the heart of our music.