Imogen Heap calls AI the “next stage of evolution”
Electro-pop artist Imogen Heap has spoken out about her belief in the merits and potential of artificial intelligence in the music industry, deeming it the “next stage of evolution”.
When answering questions sent in by fans on behalf of The Guardian, the artist shed new light on the “concerning” fact that she had previously announced her intention to “enhance her live performance” with AI.
Refusing to shy away from the controversial matter, Heap wrote, “A hundred percent. When people think of AI they maybe think of this conscious brain making all the music while I’m sitting there being a puppet. I see it as a collaboration.”
She continued, “Say I’m in a park and there’s dog sounds and a bus going by. AI might identify the key or some natural rhythm that’s happening and potentially shape the music, which will help me have more time to be human.”
Heap then reflected on our current moment, posing AI as a potential solution to many global issues. She wrote, “At the moment, with what’s going on in the States and the Middle East, we’re making such a horrendous job of existing, so maybe AI is like the next stage of evolution to help us make sense of everything. It’s not the devil. I’m still gonna make music and it’s gonna be great.”
In April, it was announced that Heap was the first artist to team up with AI start-up Jen, which allows fans to borrow the “vibe” of selected songs for their own creations via generative AI.
Heap deemed the move in the market innovative, sharing at the time: “The really exciting thing about Jen is it’s the first service I feel fully understands the importance of waiting to get it right. They’ve gone the really long way around.”
Several other musicians have been happy to try their hand at using AI, usually with a different message in mind. Foo Fighters teased their upcoming tour with an AI-assisted video that poked fun at the flaws of AI, including jibberish text and extra limbs.
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