Sheryl Crow recently expressed her distaste for artificial intelligence (AI) in the music industry, particularly in reference to the new AI-restored Beatles’ song. During an appearance on “The Tonight Show” with Jimmy Fallon, the country singer shared her concerns and admitted to finding the use of AI in songwriting and recording quite daunting.
According to Crow, AI has become so advanced that it can effectively recreate an artist’s voice and style. She believes this ability takes away the soul and authenticity that make music unique. To emphasize her point, Crow released a new track titled “Evolution” in which she channels her feelings about AI.
One recent example that highlights Crow’s concerns is the new Beatles song, “Now and Then,” which was released with the assistance of AI. While Crow does not elaborate on her thoughts regarding the specific song, it is clear that she is not in favor of AI being used to create music. It is worth noting that AI was used to enhance John Lennon’s vocals in the song, rather than creating entirely new or fake ones.
Crow also mentioned a scenario involving a young songwriter who paid $5 to have John Mayer’s vocals added to her track. When the song was played for Crow, she couldn’t tell the difference between Mayer’s actual vocals and the AI-generated ones. This experience further solidified her belief that AI in music removes the artistry and individuality of the artist.
The debate surrounding AI in music has been ongoing for several months, with the Beatles being one of the latest groups to get involved. However, not all artists share Crow’s reservations about AI. Some have embraced its capabilities, while others, like Drake, have been inadvertently roped into the conversation without their consent.
It seems that artists have varying degrees of openness to AI in music, with Crow falling into the category of artists who are skeptical of its use. She believes that AI takes away the human element and emotional connection that make music meaningful.
While AI undoubtedly offers advancements and possibilities in various industries, including music, it is important to consider and respect the concerns raised by artists like Sheryl Crow. Striking a balance between technological innovation and preserving the integrity and soul of music should be a priority as AI continues to evolve and impact the music industry.
