Legendary musician and Eurythmics co-founder Dave Stewart has issued a clarion call to the music industry, urging artists to stop fearing artificial intelligence and instead harness its power. In a candid interview, the producer and songwriter described AI as an "unstoppable force" that creatives must learn to collaborate with, rather than resist.
The Unstoppable Creative Partner
Stewart, whose career spans decades of innovation, drew a direct parallel between the current unease over AI and the initial scepticism that greeted the synthesiser. He recalled how the synth was once dismissed as "cheating" before becoming a fundamental instrument in modern music. He believes AI is following a similar path, evolving from a perceived threat into an essential creative tool. "You can't stop it," Stewart stated emphatically, framing the technology not as a replacement for human artistry but as a potent new collaborator.
The musician shared his own hands-on experience, revealing he is already deeply immersed in AI-driven projects. He is collaborating with an AI entity he has named “Kasper,” using the technology to co-write songs and even develop a musical. This practical engagement informs his view that AI can act as a boundless source of inspiration, generating lyrical ideas and musical phrases that a human might not conceive alone.
Navigating the Legal and Ethical Soundwave
While Stewart is a passionate advocate, he does not shy away from the complex challenges AI introduces. He acknowledged the serious legal and ethical questions surrounding copyright and artist ownership, particularly the contentious issue of AI models being trained on existing music without permission. These are battles that need to be fought in court and through legislation, he conceded.
However, he maintains that the core creative response should be one of adaptation, not rejection. His advice to fellow musicians is to dive in and experiment. "Get in there, start playing with it," he urged, suggesting that familiarity will demystify the technology and unlock its potential. He envisions a future where artists use AI to push boundaries, create personalised soundtracks for fans, and explore new forms of expression that are currently unimaginable.
A Future Symphony of Human and Machine
For Stewart, the ultimate potential of AI in music lies in hyper-personalisation and immersive experience. He imagines a world where a fan could request a song tailored to their specific mood or life event, generated through a collaboration between the artist's style and AI's computational power. This, he argues, could deepen the connection between creator and audience.
The overarching message from the Eurythmics veteran is one of optimistic pragmatism. The generative AI revolution in the creative arts is happening, and its trajectory cannot be reversed. The choice for musicians, he insists, is whether to be left behind or to step forward and shape how this powerful new tool is used. By embracing AI as a partner, the industry can compose a new and exciting chapter for music itself.
