The legendary riff-master himself, Slash of Guns N’ Roses, is striking a new chord – one of concern. The Guns N’ Roses guitarist is among a growing number of musicians raising concerns about the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on music.
This follows a recent open letter signed by over 200 artists, including Pearl Jam, Stevie Wonder, and the estates of musical giants like Frank Sinatra and Bob Marley. Titled “Stop Devaluing Music,” the letter warns against the potential negative effects of AI, particularly its impact on creativity.
While the technology holds potential, Slash joins a growing chorus worried about its impact on the soul of music: human creativity. Let’s dig into Slash’s perspective and explore his thoughts on AI’s role in the future of music.
“I’m Not Super Excited About This New Development”
Slash has weighed in on the growing conversation surrounding Artificial Intelligence (AI) in music. While some see AI as a positive development, Slash expresses reservations.
In a recent interview with the Battleground Podcast, the guitarist admitted, “I’m not super excited about this new development.” His primary concern lies in the potential for overuse and homogenization.
He fears that AI-created music will become “confusing and misleading”, leading to a surplus of similar-sounding tracks. “There’s just gonna be too much of the same kind of look or sound for different things. I see it happening already,” Slash added.
Slash on AI and the Future of Music Making
Slash, fresh off the release of his new solo album Orgy Of The Damned and is known for his dedication to traditional recording methods, isn’t sold on the idea of AI.
“I’m the guy that likes to go into a studio and record a band live and do it analog,” Slash explains. This hands-on approach clashes with AI’s focus on automation. He struggles to see any application for AI in his own creative process.
While Slash remains open to the possibility of AI being “great and unique” in the future, he’s currently unimpressed. He expresses particular skepticism towards AI’s ability to replicate or generate truly original music. “Having AI reproduce anything…doesn’t really thrill me,” he concludes. Slash seems to value the human element in music creation, emphasizing the importance of “you doing the actual work.”
The Growing Concern Of Musicians About AI
The use of AI in the entertainment industry has been a topic of increasing concern, including Queen’s Brian May voicing his opinions. While the technology holds potential, some artists worry about its long-term impact.
In a previous interview with Guitar Player magazine, May acknowledged the potential benefits of AI. He suggested it could “increase the powers of humans to solve problems.” However, May expressed significant reservations about the potential downsides.
He highlighted the possibility of AI misuse, particularly in areas beyond music, stating, “The potential for AI to cause evil is…incredibly huge.”
May’s comments illustrate the growing debate surrounding AI. While some see it as a tool for progress, others worry about the potential consequences, particularly when applied to creative fields like music.