The musician had previously addressed the topic in an open letter on The Red Hand Files. This was done through the form of a personal letter penned by him.
Nick Cave recently spoke in a new interview about AI and ChatGPT’s potential role in songwriting. He was prompted by a situation wherein a fan sent lyrics produced by an algorithm inspired by Cave’s music. The Cave offered his thoughts on how artificial intelligence could affect future art creation.
The Ghosteen says:
“AI may very well save the world, but it can’t save our souls. That’s what true art is for. That’s the difference.”
“In my humble opinion ChatGPT should just fuck off and leave songwriting alone,”
“Objection is not with AI in general”
“For better or for worse, we are inextricably immersed in AI,”
“It is more a kind of sad, disappointed feeling that there are smart people out there that actually think the artistic act is so mundane that it can be replicated by a machine. I find that insulting”.
The Ghosteen went on to say:
“There’s no earthly reason why we need to invent a technology that can mimic this most beautiful and mysterious creative act. Particularly writing a song”
“Maybe AI can make a song that’s indistinguishable from what I can do. Maybe even a better song. But, to me, that doesn’t matter—that’s not what art is.”
The Ghosteen continues to say:
“Art has to do with our limitations, our frailties, and our faults as human beings. It’s the distance we can travel away from our own frailties. That’s what is so awesome about art: that we deeply flawed creatures can sometimes do extraordinary things. AI just doesn’t have any of that stuff going on. Ultimately, it has no limitations, so therefore can’t inhabit the true transcendent artistic experience. It has nothing to transcend! It feels like such a mockery of what it is to be human.”
In response to AI-generated lyrics, Cave wrote an open letter on The Red Hand Files where he [voiced/expressed] his opinion. He [asserted] that AI has promise but cannot replace human creativity because it lacks the originality, insight, and nuance that only a human could bring.
He showed utmost love and respect while frankly stating that the song was ‘bullshit,’ sarcastically describing it as a ‘grotesque mockery of what it is to be human.’
Cave, earlier this year, revealed his plan to collaborate with The Bad Seeds to create a new album in 2021. Speaking to The New Yorker, he said he is looking forward to the process.
“we’re making a Bad Seeds record soon.”
Cave has revealed that he is working on his next album and heading out on a North American solo tour with Radiohead bassist Colin Greenwood. He further suggested that Greenwood may also have a part to play in the upcoming album.
The impact of ChatGPT and AI on songwriting will depend on how it is used and integrated into the creative process. As we continue to push the boundaries of what is possible with AI, it is important to remember the unique and irreplaceable role that human creativity plays in music.
Source: Crack Magazine
