Music, Poetry, and AI - the last word of a 21st century troubadour

Music, Poetry, and AI - The Last Word of a 21st Century Troubadour

Hello everyone, I'm sharing my journey with AI and my reflections on its impact on creative expression. I previously made videos highlighting the progress of AI, especially in creative fields. My engagement with AI dates back to 1990 when I launched a consulting business using expert systems. Over time, AI has transitioned from a slow crawl to a revolutionary surge, presenting unique challenges for creators of content like poetry, music, and art.

Authenticity Issues in the AI Era

A significant concern for post-2022 creations is authenticity. For creators, establishing the provenance of their work is increasingly challenging. Whether it's writing, painting, or other artistic endeavors, the question of authenticity looms large.

Writing and AI: A Firm Boundary

In my realm, I've maintained a strict no-AI policy for my writing. I create fiction, non-fiction, and poetry without any AI assistance. Anything written after 2022 must contend with questions about its origin, which is why I explicitly state in my work that none of it, including cover paintings, is AI-generated.

Music and AI: Bridging the Gap

Music, however, is a different story. AI has been a valuable tool for me in music composition. For instance, I transformed poems into songs using AI, which I documented in a previous video. While I'm no Mozart, AI allowed me to elevate my musical compositions to a level I couldn't achieve on my own. I was able to create 32 songs from my poems, which I then structured and composed using AI.

Despite my limited musical talent, AI helped me present my poetry in a more accessible manner. I was transparent about the AI contribution, ensuring credit where it was due. Nonetheless, I feel that my lyrics still play a humble yet integral role in the overall composition.

The Struggle for Authenticity and Ownership

The debate about AI's role in creative work is ongoing. I firmly believe in crediting AI where necessary and safeguarding my own contributions. As AI progresses, traditional forms of art and design must adapt, navigating through an evolving landscape of authenticity and originality.

Visual Arts and AI

In visual arts, AI's capabilities had previously fallen short, but the technology is improving. I've used AI for digital art but remain hands-on with traditional painting. The creative process of painting is deeply physical and layered, something AI cannot replicate.

Commercial Design and AI’s Future

In commercial design, AI can generate numerous variations, potentially reducing the role of human designers. However, this also leads to new opportunities for surprise and innovation, elements critical to advancing creative fields.

Personal Reflections

Painting and music are dynamic processes for me. AI has allowed me to explore and produce more than I could independently, but it has also raised questions about the essence of creativity and human involvement. The balance between leveraging AI’s strengths and maintaining human authenticity remains delicate.

Thank you for listening to my reflections on poetry, music, and AI. The journey has been enlightening, and while AI introduces new complexities, it also opens up incredible possibilities. Moving forward, the challenge will be navigating authenticity and ownership in an increasingly AI-driven world.

Keywords

• AI
• Creative expression
• Authenticity
• Music composition
• Poetry
• Visual arts
• Traditional painting
• Commercial design
• Ownership
• Innovation

FAQ

Q: How has AI revolutionized creative fields?

A: AI has transitioned from a slow evolution to a full-blown revolution, significantly impacting music, art, writing, and design by enabling new forms of expression and efficiency.

Q: Do you use AI in your writing?

A: No, I maintain a strict no-AI policy for my writing, whether it’s fiction, non-fiction, or poetry. I explicitly state that my work isn't AI-generated.

Q: How do you use AI in your music?

A: I use AI to transform my poetry into songs. By inputting structured lyrics into AI, I can generate music compositions that amplify my poetic expressions.

Q: What challenges do creators face with AI?

A: The main challenges include verifying authenticity, establishing provenance, and balancing AI contributions with human creativity.

Q: How does AI impact visual arts?

A: While AI's capability in visual arts has had limitations, it is improving. Traditional painting remains a deeply physical and layered process that AI cannot fully replicate.

Q: What’s the future of AI in commercial design?

A: AI in commercial design could lead to generating numerous variations for client approval, potentially reducing the need for human designers but fostering new avenues for innovation and surprise.

Q: How do you ensure credit for AI and human contributions?

A: Transparency is key. I explicitly state the role of AI in my creations to ensure proper credit and safeguard my own contributions.