Musician will.i.am believes that genuine artists needn't fear artificial intelligence, stating that the real concern lies in creating music solely to appease algorithms or chase trends on platforms like TikTok. He argues that those focused on manipulating algorithms will ultimately be outperformed by AI.
Instead, will.i.am suggests that non-creative professionals in the music industry, such as managers, label executives, and legal teams, are more likely to see their roles impacted by AI. He draws parallels with advanced AI assistants like Microsoft Copilot, predicting significant advancements in these technologies and their widespread adoption across various industries.
The Black Eyed Peas frontman emphasizes that musicians and other highly creative individuals are well-positioned to leverage AI, potentially even creating entirely new industries. He points out that while AI excels at mimicking existing creations, it lacks the capacity for original thought and creation, serving as a mirror reflecting what it's been fed.
will.i.am has been actively involved in AI-driven platforms, including his app, FYI, designed to enhance creative productivity. He's now launching "CONVOS," a content series where artists engage in conversations with the AI persona within the FYI.AI app. Inspired by a French series, will.i.am envisions this as a novel form of creative expression, where conversations with AI spark improvisation and the development of new material.
He describes this interaction as a form of "banter with AI," providing a non-judgmental sounding board for creative exploration. In "CONVOS," musicians experiment with lyrics and compositions, receiving feedback and suggestions from the AI. will.i.am encourages users to critically evaluate the AI's responses and avoid blindly accepting its output.
He cautions against the tendency to perceive information online, particularly on social media, as inherently truthful, highlighting the prevalence of bots and the importance of discerning real interactions from automated ones. He advocates using AI as a research tool but warns against becoming overly reliant on it, emphasizing the need to maintain a critical mindset and question the information presented.
Ultimately, will.i.am believes that while AI can be a valuable asset, individuals should approach it with a healthy dose of skepticism and maintain a discerning approach to the information it provides.
