SHINEDOWN’s Zach Myers Critiques A.I. in Music Creation

Debate on A.I. Music Generators

In a recent interview with Primordial Radio, SHINEDOWN guitarist Zach Myers expressed strong opposition to the use of A.I. music generators. He voiced his concerns about artists relying on artificial intelligence to create melodies, harmonies, and lyrics, stating, “That’s awful. Here’s the thing, man. All these Nashville guys who are writing with that — I don’t even know the name of the app… [But it’s] awful. Awful.” Myers emphasized the importance of life experiences in songwriting, suggesting that genuine emotions and struggles lead to authentic music.

Living Life to Create Music

Myers continued to elaborate on his perspective, stating, “How about you actually live a little life, go through some shit, and then write a song about it?” He acknowledged the potential for collaboration with other musicians but firmly rejected the idea of co-writing with artificial intelligence. “I’m not writing with artificial intelligence,” he asserted, highlighting the need for human connection in the creative process.

The Role of Technology

Despite his criticisms, Myers admitted to using tools like ChatGPT for various inquiries but clarified that his questions are not related to songwriting. “I get it,” he conceded, recognizing that technology can serve a purpose. However, he cautioned against the risks of over-reliance on A.I. in music creation, emphasizing, “You can fool some of the people some of the time; you cannot fool all the people all the time.” He concluded with a statement reflecting his pride in SHINEDOWN’s success: “We got 24 Number Ones without using a computer.”

Brent Smith’s Stance on A.I.

SHINEDOWN’s lead vocalist, Brent Smith, echoed Myers’ sentiments during an interview with Allison Hagendorf. He confirmed that no A.I. was involved in the production of their latest album, “Ei8ht.” Smith articulated the band’s philosophy on music creation, stating, “We want music to be made by people with souls and with a consciousness.” He acknowledged the technological advancements but emphasized the need for human interaction in the songwriting process.

The Essence of Human Connection

Smith elaborated on the unique energy that arises when musicians collaborate in person. He stated, “There’s something incredible about when you put human beings in a room with each other and give them instruments.” He further explained that while technology can aid in music production, it should not replace the human element that drives creativity.

Concerns Over A.I. and Artistry

In a previous interview, Smith discussed the implications of A.I. in creative fields, noting that A.I. draws from human-created information. He raised questions about ownership and authenticity in art created by machines, stating, “When you think about books like ‘1984’ and you think about ‘Ender’s Game’… it did not turn out very well.” He expressed skepticism about the authenticity of A.I.-generated music, stating he has yet to hear a song from A.I. that resonates on a human level.

Conclusion

Both Zach Myers and Brent Smith of SHINEDOWN have articulated a clear stance against the use of A.I. in music creation. They emphasize the importance of human experiences and emotions in crafting authentic music, suggesting that technology should enhance rather than replace the creative process. As the music industry continues to grapple with the rise of A.I., the duo’s commitment to human artistry remains steadfast.

FAQs

What are Zach Myers’ views on A.I. music generators?

Zach Myers believes that A.I. music generators produce subpar results and emphasizes the importance of lived experiences in songwriting.

Did SHINEDOWN use A.I. in their latest album “Ei8ht”?

No, both Zach Myers and Brent Smith confirmed that no A.I. was used in the making of “Ei8ht.” They prefer music to be created by humans.

What concerns do SHINEDOWN members have regarding A.I. in music?

They are concerned that reliance on A.I. could lead to a lack of authenticity in music, as they believe the emotional connection between human musicians is irreplaceable.

How do SHINEDOWN members view the relationship between technology and music?

While they acknowledge that technology can enhance music production, they assert that it should not replace the human element in the creative process.