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Ronnie Wood, known as the guitarist of the Rolling Stones since 1975, has commented on the growing influence of technology in the music industry, in particular artificial intelligence (AI). During an event to publish the book “Words of Love”-which is dedicated to the life of Buddy Holly (“That’ll be the day”) and whose cover artwork comes from Wood-the 77-year-old musician spoke about his views on the current development of the industry.
Together with the British rock musician Yungblud (27) and The Whho front man Roger Daltrey (81), Wood took part in a question and answer session. He shares his concerns about modern technology in music. “We used to throw Shit on the wall and some of it got stuck,” said Wood (via “The Standard”). “With today’s technology, I personally have the feeling that we lose the heartbeat of music.” Then he adds: “Maybe it’s because I am older, but I think there is not much new music anymore.”
Yungblud: “Rock music is getting younger again”
Yungblud comments on it: “I think rock music has been so confused in recent years because we were forced to adapt to the mainstream and to put the guitar quieter,” said the musician. At the same time, he also sees positive developments: “I have the feeling that modern rock music is recovering that it becomes exciting and younger again.” Social media such as Tikkok and Instagram in particular have opened up new opportunities inside: “Suddenly you can share your music and history directly and suddenly with the world – without control through large labels.”
Yungblud himself proves that Rock is alive: He recently published his new single “Hello Heaven, Hello” and now presented three other previously unpublished tracks-“Lovesick”, “Zombie” and “Ghosts” at a pre-listing in Berlin. The whole plate should appear soon.
Keith Richards about Ki: “It will happen”
Ronnie Wood’s bandmate Keith Richards (81) also said in an interview on Apple Music about AI in music. He showed himself skeptical, but explained that a AI-controlled hologram concert of the Rolling Stones was inevitable. “It will happen sooner or later,” he said in 2023 (via “NME”). “Whether I want it? It’s another question.” In general, AI is a double -edged sword for Richards: “She can be a tool, but also a toy.”
In addition to Wood and Richards, many other musicians have commented critically about AI in the music on the inside. LED Zeppelins Jimmy Page (81) recently criticized the British government because of its plan on copyright for AI and the effects that would have on music and art. Paul McCartney (82) also warned that AI-based music could lead to a “loss of creativity”.
Artists: Inside, defend themselves against AI in music
In February, over 1,000 musicians published: inside, including Damon Albarn (57), Kate Bush (66) and Annie Lennox (70), a still album as a protest against the planned changes in copyright, with the name: “Is this what we want?” (Is it what we want?). For this they accepted nothing but the silent empty recording studios. The growing concern about the AI is entirely justified: a current study by the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC) states, for example, that artists could lose up to 25 % of their income in the next four years.
The discussion about technology in music will continue to worsen. While some artists welcome the new possibilities, others warn of a loss of creativity and authenticity. One thing is certain: The influence of AI on the music industry is no longer to be stopped.