Doja Cat, Jonas Brothers songwriters say AI is not to be feared

Doja Cat, Jonas Brothers songwriters say AI is not to be feared

Technology

They say AI can be a useful tool

(Web Desk) - Top songwriters who've worked with artists including Doja Cat, Jonas Brothers and BTS say artificial intelligence (AI) isn't something to be afraid of.

BBC Newsbeat spoke to the people behind some of the world's biggest hits on the red carpet at the BMI London Awards.

Opinions on the technology are split, but writers tell us AI can be a useful tool.

Some use it to mimic the voice of an artist they're writing for to check how a track sounds, or to break through bouts of writers' block.

But they all agree that AI can't imitate the artistry and human emotion that goes into making music.

One person who knows all about that is Linden Jay.
He was one of the writers on Doja Cat's Woman, which won Song of the Year at the awards ceremony.

Linden welcomes AI as a tool, but not something that should fully replace the craft of writing a good song.

"I've been using it a little bit in my writing just to help advance ideas," he says.

"And, you know, I'm not the greatest singer in the world so sometimes I sing and I'll turn it into a famous artist's voice, just to get an idea of if something is headed in a good direction."

Linden's co-writer on Woman, Aaron Horn, agrees.

"I think it's a tool that people can utilise to help fill in the gaps," he says.

"It's just great to have new tools... tools are always coming into the studio."

Although he says he hasn't used AI much, Aaron compares it to rhyming dictionary, a widely used online platform that suggests rhymes for poems and lyrics.

In Aaron and Linden's view, "a good song is a good song" and the industry shouldn't be afraid of embracing new technologies.

Jessica Agombar, who wrote What a Man Gotta Do for the Jonas Brothers, says she's found inspiration with AI.