When we created A.I.

Slop (that mass of generative content flooding the Internet) is an unstoppable tide of supposed "progress for mankind." It sneaks in like a cookie banner: nobody wants it, most people accepts it without thinking and there it stays, devouring the remains of human data.

When we created A.I., we thought of enslaved lithium beings, of justice and empathy... and of humanity being destroyed by a smiling “Frankenstein” that consumed everything under the excuse of learning. It seems we fell short.

Yesterday, we saw the announcement of a supposed new metal "band" whose "members" are A.I. Beyond how hard it can be to explain just in how many ways this is offensive to human musicians, that post made us think about the art business.

We thought about how they might try to justify this initiative by arguing that we live in a moment marked by a massive income drop in music industry (and art in general), the also massive loss of venues, the skyrocketing cost of producing events or the decline of social media.
That we’re in a vicious cycle that’s very hard to break. The lack of income forces cuts in production and promotion, which in turn reduces bands visibility. The shortage of venues to play limits the opportunities to connect with audiences and build community. And the ineffectiveness of social media, with its dying organic reach, forces advertising on paid promotions, something most artists can’t sustain. Streaming platforms and the “algorithm”? We will get into that some other day.

But does this justify resorting to an A.I. created "band"? Couldn’t we all think of a better solution? Clearly, that "band" is the perfect example of efficiency: it doesn’t complain, doesn’t have family and doesn’t get sick. It also has no “problematic” ideas, doesn’t fight and does not negotiate percentages. It doesn’t demand decent conditions or cancel due to exhaustion... fuck, it’s the perfect employee! Because bands are employees, aren’t they? Or wasn’t it that the creator of the product is the one who generates jobs and wealth? Or are we a supplier? Or are we the product? Art industry can be quite confusing sometimes...

Then we talk big about the importance of art and culture for Society but, then what? Where is that commitment when artists are replaced by synthetic entities? How does this help those who dedicate their lives to creating and keeping culture? And it’s not just about musicians, it’s photographers, journalists, designers, engineers... If art is so essential, why do we let the pillars holding it up crumble?

It was easy to romanticize A.I. when it only existed in Asimov’s pages, but we had no idea. Here we are, still creating while trying to understand what it means to be an artist in a world that’s dead set on replacing us.