The songwriter behind hits for Robbie Williams and Kylie Minogue has described the acceleration in use of artificial intelligence in the music industry as “terrifying” because of its potential to replace songwriters.
Chambers, whose co-writing credits include the multi-platinum hit Angels, said: “Any person could put into an AI programme something like ‘I want a song 100 BPM that sounds like a cross between Abba and Arctic Monkeys’. And some music will be created and it will be pretty good. At its launch in November, Lyor Cohen, the platform’s head of music, said: “Artificial intelligence is meant to amplify human creativity, not replace it.”
Asked for his advice to young musicians, he said: “Be flexible. Have as many skills as possible because you’re going to need them. That’s my main message. My other advice to young musicians is to have as many strings to their bow as possible. They need to have very personal skills, like charm and hustle.”
As in the film and television industry, the potential for AI to replace or weaken the role of artists is becoming a source of increasing conflict. Last year an AI-produced songto limit AI. In a list of core principles, it says: “People relate most deeply to works that embody the lived experience, perceptions and attitudes of others. Only humans can create and fully realise works … with such specific meaning.