Roger Daltrey claims AI “could destroy the music industry”
The Who frontman Roger Daltrey has claimed that the rise of artificial intelligence “could destroy the music industry”.
Having recently celebrated his 80th birthday, Daltrey is nearing the end of his illustrious career in rock and roll. However, the legendary frontman seems to harbour worries about the future of music and songwriting for the next generation.
Appearing on the Shaun Keaveny’s Daily Grind podcast, Daltrey was asked about the advent of AI technology. Seemingly, the singer felt confident in the limitations of the technology, saying, “The one thing, I totally believe AI will never have, and it will be its downfall, it will never have empathy. ”
The Who frontman continued, “It’s going to destroy the music industry if we’re not careful […] Music is a different language, and we shouldn’t let AI control that.”
AI has the capabilities to compose entire songs, start to finish, as well as aid in the production of tracks. However, it is incapable of creating original material, all the products of AI are essentially just amalgamations of various sources that are available to it.
The rise of AI technology has caused concern for all those involved in the creative sector, whose professions are now at risk of being taken over by AI. The recent WGA writer’s strike in the USA was largely concerned with the use of AI technology in writing for television and film, however no such protest has occurred within the music world.
In a final indictment of AI technology, Daltrey affirmed, “[Music] will always contain empathy, and AI can’t do that. I won’t ever believe, if AI can ever do empathy, then we are fucked.”
Listen to his appearance on Shaun Keaveny’s Daily Grind podcast below.
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