This Has Driven Me INSANE (A Real Rant)

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00:00 - Who is She?
01:25 - Who's Responsible?
03:33 - The Media Reaction
05:02 - What Do Warner Artists Think?
06:10 - Why This Matters
07:15 - What We Can Do

[@MarySpender]

✍ *Sign up to the 21st Century Musician NEWSLETTER* www.maryspender.com/21stcenturymusician I promise I'll get back to releasing videos of songs ASAP. But this drove me crazy. Can't wait to read your comments.

[@kevintravis5123]

this is obviously the thin end of a massive wedge, we need Mary Spender even more now

[@robertfarrimond3369]

It's the assembly line they always dreamed of. The label owns everything and just pay the assembly line pennies. It's sad that there will be a segment of the population that will embrace it.

[@taikowest3452]

The newsletter is a great idea Mary. Signed! Let's "build a new kind of music industry". "If we don’t look out for each other, no one else will". Damn right. Thank you for focussing on this.

[@GRFYouTubinIT]

I agree with your basic thrust completely. For myself, I come at this from a peculiar perspective, because as well as being a musician I'm also an illustrator, and in the world of illustration and image creation right now, there's a HUGE furore over AI - because in THAT knowledge and skill domain, AI content generation involves "scraping" millions of illustrations and images as datapoints in a vast dataset - and in EVERY case, the vast majority of these illustrations are being used without the artist OR IP owner's permissions, and with no ability for them to be accredited. It' s literally IP theft writ large, at a gargantuan scale, with little to no effort to manage, assign or track rights. As of this specific moment, that particular tech approach hasn't broadly been adopted and pushed in the music world, but it IS in development and there are folks ready to push that out... so as well as your very appropriate level of concern for resource allocation, inhuman expectations of "content producers" (i.e. musicians) once there are a significant proportion of any given are who ARE real AI, the very much non-tangential issue of intellectual property rights is both huge and so far *unaddressed in any meaningful way*. Who "owns" the works created by an actual "AI Artist" once there are some in circulation, even PRIOR to their being "signed" by a label? The coders who developed the codebase? The company / entity who employs them? The millions of artists whose songs have 'trained" the neural network or algorithm? How do we, long-term, develop a fair frame work for this when, in all fairness, all of us human musicians have in fact learned from being exposed to the summa of all previous music? Of course, the critical difference is that our learning is actually that, learning informing a conscious creative process, whereas at least in current neural network and algorithm coding, "learning" is in fact a process of content acquisition, catgorisation, database management and remixing to create "new" output. There's no *inspiration*, no human-to-human connection, no striving, no pain - no spirit, in essence. This is why you so accurately described the results as being so bland they were forgettable - great art, whether music, sculpture or imagery, is drawn from shared human experiences and emotion - everything else is just... infotainment.

[@DazzleRebel]

🙄 I nearly just left the emoji as it sums up the way i feel about this. Howevee, this "thing" is not the first CGI artist, The Gorillas got there first (and are actually pretty good). It's also far from the first time labels have cashed in on novelty music. Mister Blobby, Crazy Frog, The Wombles, The Chipmunks, Baby Metal, labels will lap up this tripe because they know that young children and adult kids will buy into this crap in the millions. I am certainly not worried about this, popular music has always been plagued by trivial BS. It's great that artists now have platforms where they can bypass the labels 🤘

[@MichaelSchuerig]

Finally the dream of every record label exec comes true: Get rid of those pesky artists.

[@rmzzz76]

They see a future where the airwaves (radio and streamed) will be dominated by AI generated content and non-musician listeners who will make a name for themselves creating mash-ups and new creations from AI content, all of which the big labels want full rights to, so they are laying the foundation.... They want to own and operate the next Apple Music or Spotify, but a series that will exist for popular AI generated music with "creators" being listener manipulated AI content.... I bet this all will take place and actually be very successful for them. Independent artist will continue to carry the torch and create real music.

[@metalheads-golf]

Record labels dream indeed. No complaints and or opinions to deal with. My 2 cents will always supporting the artist. 🤘🏻😎🤘🏻

[@postworld1185]

I'm an amazing singer and brilliant songwriter, but I'm ugly. If I can be an attractive avatar it may help me in this business.

[@MichaelMuilenburg]

The end of the world as we know it... Wait while I head out with my band to play live music for live people with real instruments no dancers or green screens or motion capture or auto-tune and we might cover a Jimmy Buffett tune. Thanks.

[@kaioocarvalho]

@@postworld1185 I'm not going to confirm or disagree with your uglyness, I do not know what you look like, and that kind of stuff is relative (the most gorgeous black woman is still ugly for racist men, any men at all, myself included looks ugly to me, etc.). However, it is simply another problem with our modern culture. Do good looking people get a bit more of our attentions? Sure. But to me, other than just causing me to maybe do that light neck flexing to the side (I'll admit my weird habits), women's beauty will not really warp my mind like that. No one needs to look good (however you define it) to be a great artist. I don't need to fall in love with a woman, or to feel sexually attracted for her to be deeply moved by her music if she's good, and I will deeply respect her. Hell, there are artists that I like that are old and underground, and I've only found some CD or cassette on some obscure corner of the internet to listen to them. I don't even know what they look like. And if it isn't a singer, so I can tell what their voice is like, I know nothing about them. It could be a man, woman, child, elder, or from any nation on Earth. Who knows? But it is a person. The songs FEEL human. You can feel it too. Do not give up. I can't be the only one like that? And who knows, maybe you aren't even ugly. Oh, if you don't mind, now I'm curious. Could you just send a link to any music you made? I'd love to hear it.

[@Catalyst1764]

Not only is Noonoouri not an AI popstar, she's not even close to the first CGI popstar. Vocaloids existed two decades ago. K/DA was a wonderful side project from the workers at Riot Games. There's probably plenty more I'm not aware of. Noonoouri isn't just an insult to music artists, it's an insult to people who use CGI for genuine artistry.

[@cbecht]

Gorillaz, Deathklok, Hatsune Miku, etc, etc.

[@BroekiePBB]

Max Headroom

[@niauropsaka]

Nellie & the Drummers

[@casaraku1]

but did they get a record deal or media attention?

[@DeGuerre]

Hell, The Archies or Alvin and the Chipmunks, while not originally CGI, were definitely predecessors.

[@adamkeith1538]

Mary, I think this is one of the most important music-related videos online right now. Thank you for speaking so freely.

[@newpianotutorials]

Time for label artists to look after themselves, cut out the labels and do a 50/50 revenue split with anyone wanting to use their vocals on new songs. A bit like Grimes did (although she wasn't signed at the time).

[@theothertonydutch]

Ah, yes, Grimes. Also known for making other amazing decisions.

[@newpianotutorials]

@@theothertonydutch I wasn't saying she's a great example to follow, but that the idea itself is something that could be explored.

[@boggisthecat]

@@theothertonydutch Renter capitalism commends your loyalty. But you’re not getting any money for it.

[@senorbe]

I think Noonouri deserves all the virtual fans she can get

[@norsealchemist5264]

This right here, lol...

[@davidgriffin8482]

Nice

[@sherryb9770]

😂

[@alixlm1]

The world has gone BONKERS!! Mary, thank you for keeping it real.

[@theothertonydutch]

It was always bonkers. It's just another flavour of bonkers that you're not yet used to.

[@grene1955]

You're spot on. I'm a 68 year old singer songwriter, and I've watched the degradation of the music industry all these years. This is more than a step too far, it's a major step towards eliminating actual musicians all together. And of course, it's more than about just musicians. It's about replacing real people with fakes in as many walks of life as possible. It's ultimately terrifying.

[@taperry326]

I hope that wb spends a boatload of money on this crap and makes zero on it. I'll keep supporting real artists like the both of you.

[@gaijinhito]

While maybe not "AI", Japan has had virtual performers for quite some time now. The most famous is Hatsune Miku, who opened for Lady Gaga on some US dates. The very first virtual musical artist came out in the late 90's and was known as Date Kyoko 96 or DK96

[@htsunmiku]

Exactly, plus the reason why vocaloid and such have gotten /so/ popular is because it's heavily community based. Miku doesn't exist to replace a real singer. Miku and the community around her exist as a tool to help springboard/connect people. There are so many famous singers, producers and illustrators who have roots in the vocaloid community

[@davebertoletti]

You nailed the exact point when discussing political activism generated not by true beliefs but, rather, by what white collars in a focus group consider convenient for whatever the situation at hand. As you say, it’s deeply dystopian. Thank you for your work, Mary. You are amazingly talented!

[@bobbrunn2622]

It’s happening everywhere. My profession has turned robotic. As an amateur musician I am 100 percent in agreement with you on this. Looking forward to your newsletter.

[@TheEndless560]

"Turned robotic" 😂😂😂 What is your profession sir?

[@citizenworld8094]

AI Music is for AI listeners. Don't worry about it. We've had computers for decades. They only help but can never create. The human brain is made in the image and likeness of God. Not silicon.

[@bassboy8910]

I love ya Mary🎸 this post is so smart and eye opening in todays music world. I am a professional musician/ songwriter that just retired at 73 y/o after decades of touring, Tv, recording-and hearing your positive words give me hope! Work for myself is right! I get so worried about what is going on with A-I and creating real music anymore. What else do we have that’s real that we can hold onto? Musicical hugs to you - you inspire us all🎸 ☮️ 😇🙏 Thank you 👍 Ron Foos

[@saarin0tsorry]

I got out of the race when Napster came around and my band just released its first (and only) CD. It has been fascinating and horrifying to watch what the music industry has become in the past two decades. I feel your frustration and totally sympathize. Just signed up! Please keep up the good work!

[@rusherx]

Just curious: What was the name of your band, and what genre was the music?

[@oleka2807]

Go out to see small local artists and bands and have a chat with them after the show at their merch-tables. This is REAL and absolutely no domain for AI artist.

[@originalhgc]

You are a hero. Thank you for what your activism. And for your music.

[@chrisshaw6451]

Mary... I just have no words? What kind of world are people building with this stuff? I'm dumbfounded! 😱🤯 Don't ever stop what you do or how you do it Mary... PLEEEEEAAAAS!!!

[@philllewellyn6464]

Mary, a very British, understated rant(I am British by the way). AI is now used by the media to describe anything that is computer related(including real AI). It is obvious that Noonoouri is just a construct that fronts a not very talented group of individuals. There will be true AI produced music, when you feed enough songs into a AI system, but will be divertive and lack the creative spark of the great songs. Cold anger is creative, and taking action as you have is the best way to respond. More power to your elbow.

[@roywall8169]

The final nail in pop music’s coffin.

[@michaeleverett-patriquin4461]

Right on Mary Spender! I will be sharing this with my musician friends and also signing up for the newsletter.

[@TheRealLaughingGravy]

Props to you for not actually throwing up while recording this video. I can only imagine how you feel. The music industry has ALWAYS been about making money for the people who run the music industry rather than the people who create the music, but in the last couple of decades it's been mush more open about its greed. (Look what's happened to country music.) I can only hope that one day, when we've all finally had it up to _here_ with people hyping the wonders of AI, the AI bubble will burst, just as the 3D TV bubble did. Don't give up, Mary. You're on the right path.

[@geoffschuller4875]

And also, I agree with you, Mary. And applaud your efforts to help others find a way to create their own art on their own, and make a living doing so.

[@BenHaskinsMusic]

Thank you. I was fuming about this when I came across your video. Agree 100%. Just keep it about making the art.

[@caramanico1]

A veteran of the sales game here, Mary. I learned a loooooong time ago that if you can't figure out why somebody did something or made a certain decision and you can't ascertain why... FOLLOW THE MONEY!

[@davecudrakguitar6614]

I think the second half of your video along with Jimmy Buffet’s quote has helped me better understand my definition of success as a musician. It doesn’t have to be “starving artist” or “mega rock star”. There can be an in between. Having a smaller but more engaged and loyal fan base may provide the needed support while maintaining personal freedom in creativity. The thought of that is very refreshing in a world that is rapidly and actively trying to remove human connection.

[@chaos.corner]

You have to take Buffet's advice with a pinch of salt though as that's not the way he did it.

[@rustymusician]

Mary, spot on! Thank you so much for posting this video. I’m going to recommend it to any of my friends and family who are musicians and even those that aren’t. I totally respect what you were doing here.

[@sonoftheredfox]

Mary, you really took it up a notch with this video. You're awesome and I'm glad that you are you.

[@thebaccathatchews]

In the mid 90s there was a Japanese miniseries that featured an A.I. popstar as a plotline. It didn't end well.

[@lazerbrat]

I'm signing up right now to your newsletter Mary, I've been a musician practically all my life, (I'm 49 and started when I was 16) and have seen and experienced the metamorphosis, the transformation, the "evolution" of things in the music industry, in the live performances, in the studio and so on. I'm feeling the same way you do, and it is devastating to realize the way things have become. I see you in your newsletter. and tanks for the rant!

[@smavtmb2196]

This is a nightmare. Everything is becoming fake.

[@Danstarr13]

If the world goes to hell and AI is able to create all the music that circulates the pop charts and does every major artist out of a job, I'll still enjoy making my own music til the day I die in the silence and obscurity of my little studio all on my own. That, nobody can take away

[@stuartd9741]

Maybe human artists will go underground making illicit music in secret.. Bit like the prohibition period in 20s 'Merika Humans would secretly meet up to listen to real harmonics from flesh and blood... In music speakeasys . ..

[@GaZonk100]

no you won't - you'll still want SOMEONE to appreciate the fact that you and you alone made it

[@theothertonydutch]

Except regular music won't be outlawed, just outcompeted. Which I also don't really think will happen. Making art is a volatile business, has always been, and you're very much at the whims of whatever catches the next big wave's fancy. Adjust expectations accordingly. @@stuartd9741

[@RobertGraefeMusic]

Oh boy, this happened earlier than expected. Thanks for the video! A very comprehensive summary and some very important points. I am eager to read from you in your Newsletter!

[@MichaelBCoats]

Mary, you are such a deep thinking and intelligent artist. I look forward to getting your newsletter and learning more from you. God bless!

[@DojoOfCool]

Don't know if I should thank you or hate you for making me aware of this THING called Noonoouri. I have never heard or seen anything Noonoouri and now will do my best to keep things that way.

[@Kauffie]

As a Coffee Roaster and Barista even I will be replaced by Automatic machinery and AI eventually. The current climate doesn't appreciate the sense of discovery , craftsmanship and realism anymore, it want's an "Extra hot dry half decaf, Half regular Oat and coconut flat white with brown sugar and java syrup with cold regular milk on the side to take away in my reusable mug". Until we start appreciating the simple things in life again we are damned to the reality of overcomplicated nonsense. Bring back simple things done with love and passion! Love the Channel, Mary!

[@itheuserfirst3186]

The world will be just fine without baristas; just like with blacksmiths.

[@ArgentVive]

@@itheuserfirst3186 You might as well argue that all artistic expression is irrelevant because, strictly speaking, humans don't _need_ art and creativity to stay alive. But this definition of "alive" strikes me as little more than a kind of zombified undeath in which the individual isn't, biologically speaking, dead, but in which they're also not quite living. This strikes me as a rather soulless view; stripping away from the individual the very essence of what it means to be human, the proverbial "human experience." If I'm going to a café, and I quite often do, I would very much prefer to interact with another Human Being rather than just press a few buttons on some automated machine. Furthermore, I'm all for bringing back blacksmiths and craftspeople; the modern world has enough mass produced garbage in it already.

[@itheuserfirst3186]

Art is entertainment. Most people are concerned with paying the bills. Music is the most important useless thing.@@ArgentVive

[@MrTomservo85]

That's why I pay 89 cents for gas station coffee out of a pump thermos. Tastes the same and no complicated frills

[@markstanding8538]

@@itheuserfirst3186 Yes, but the trouble is, when enough jobs are affected like that, it will turn into 'a few select elite will be just fine without any humans doing work at all', which will be fine for them, and not so fine for everyone else eating rats in the sewers.

[@SpellsandCurses]

You've always inspired me, Mary! Thank you for your continued work! Signed up to your newsletter!

[@Drlush1]

What a great post. Such a pleasure to listen to you speak so eloquently on this subject.

[@monsthyness4616]

With you all the way, Mary!

[@davidarmandlair7977]

Thank you for posting this, Mary. I'll listen to real music made by real humans expressing their own artistic vision, all the time. Already a subscriber, please keep it going.

[@mairenared]

You hit the nail right on the head. Totally agree with everything you said. Just signed up for your newsletter.

[@mikebird2665]

Hi Mary, I'm a fan, not a musician, but agree with everything you said. I'm signing up now for your new newsletter. Thanks for speaking out.

[@GuitarFool1569]

This is the most refreshing REAL opinion video I've seen in years. Just as much as you pour yourself into music, you've done the same here. Keep doing this! Wow... so needed.

[@brentjh1]

I am with you on this! Absolutely ridiculous! These big label companies should be helping people like you instead.

[@guythegoth139]

Newsletter subbed. I'd be very interested to see more of Mary operatees in the industry and see if I can't apply a small amount of that to my tiny corner of the scene.

[@sagetenshi]

Beautifully and eloquently expressed as always. Excellent piece Mary, loved this.

[@eldergeektromeo9868]

Mary: thank You so! Your advice is so well thought of. RIP Jimmy!

[@brucetowell3432]

Thank Mary for a shoutout to the late Jimmy Buffett, one of the top writers I've enjoyed over the past 50 years or so, and who's music at times made me feel ALIVE, God Bless!

[@dmax9946]

Had no idea this existed until this video. Thanks for the heads up Mary. Also now you have an invaluable reason to keep your voiceover work going. (I enjoy your voice immeasurably) Kind regards from an old school music fan

[@CalHarding01]

I wonder what prompted them to address the *ahem* terminological inexactitude of referring to this thing as AI. Either their legal department informed them they’re equivocating too close to the sun, or they were threatened by someone in a position to potentially act on those threats - one of their (former) artists perhaps? Anyway, there’s nobody quite like a large corporation to be consummate aficionados of judicious ambiguity.

[@johnbohland]

Spot on Mary! This is truly dyystopian.

[@andrewbird57]

Mary, this also applies to the writing industry and authors. AI generated e-books have flooded the market. Yes, we have to just focus on our craft and not become distracted by AI, because we know our product is superior.

[@MrPhotonjockey]

But for how long? A.I. is in its infancy and will likely improve exponentially in the next few years.

[@stuartd9741]

It is indeed a concern AI will get better .. But will humans always be able to discern real from generated music? .. It does matter to us now in this very moment as were in the transition period as technology changes our leisure activities.. A bit like the industrial revolution or the jet age .. In the future kids brought up on AI music won't know any different and perhaps have fully automated self driving cars - no human input required.. The latter is where this all ends ..

[@scottybrowndotca]

Absolutely fantastic .. Thank-you Mary .. And I have signed up :)

[@michaelspanke2259]

Thank you for that post! I 100% agree! This post was inspired and inspiring! Keep doing what your doing

[@H..M..]

I so look forward to having the correct views and opinions curated and force-fed to me through every medium, including music!

[@xn4pl]

If you swalow a tube into your throat by your own will you don't get to complain about being force-fed anything. Internet is a big place where a lot of smaller artists produce great stuff without compromising their integrity. Just make a small effort to find them instead of complaining that major labels pop stars are corrupt.

[@Digimortal1622]

I'd love to hear what other Warner artists think of this. Maybe an interview with some, if that is in the realm of possibility!

[@keithys5538]

This is how the record industry as we know it will die. Just so the big labels can blame everyone else for their misfortune. I fully agree with what you are saying. Artists need to look out for themselves

[@maskedman517]

Thank you for the update. I look forward to hearing more music from you, a real human! 😂

[@SandcastleTheory]

Good on you for doing this one, Mary.. Cheers!

[@nukadog1969]

This is my first encounter with your channel (through recommmendations)...sing it, sister! Artists are forever exploited until they take control. I agree that AI and similar formulaic "stars" are the future, and it'll again get people interested in art to focus in hyper-esoteric styles just to find people, not code.

[@besubtle4747]

Subscribed to the newsletter. probably the first time I ever did that without any *win big* sort of action. I agree with everything you say here.

[@raincells]

Mary - I’m a full time musician and been following you for some time. I agree 100% with you and so glad you posted this. This is sick and very scary for the future of music. In our band we love writing and performing. It’s so fun to play live and connect with an audience. I hope this AI bull crap is not the beginning of the end.

[@MySynthDungeon]

Well said,Mary!! ;-)!

[@neiljohnsen276]

All true music fans got your back! The reason I follow you ... is because you are doing it your way! Keep it up. Never doubt it. Rock on lady!

[@NickKBMusic]

Well said. Joined the newsletter!

[@djleigh4868]

BRAVO...on point...thank you!

[@johnbrooks1269]

This is a technological leap in the music industry. There have been many leaps in this industry that shook up musicians over the centuries. When Elvis took the stage people were appalled, but with time it all calmed down and took its own course. The music/songs created by AI still has to pass the test of the people using it. And when they change some chords or lyrics AI has proven it is not ready for prime time. As humans our creativity has always been our greatest talent. AI can mimic it, but will never be superior in that area. Bless you Mary for carrying the torch and leading the charge. I hope your peers cheer you on as your admirers do. Cheers!

[@InventorZahran]

On a technical level, this is no different from a Vocaloid "singing" human-written lyrics, to a human-written melody, backed by human-programmed MIDI instruments. But since AI-generated *anything* is trendy right now, news outlets had to sensationalize it!

[@DjNikGnashers]

It isn't the same. Human programmed MIDI instruments, are still programmed and composed by humans. Just because a human programs music on either hardware or software sequencers, to play when requested, is still a human composed piece of music. When a computer writes the music, it is not human. For the record, I sing and play acoustic guitar (fingerstyle, folk music), and have done for many years. I also have an advanced national diploma in music technology, which enables me to have experience of both. It is just as difficult technically to write complicated multi-tracked music on software (even harder on hardware), as it is to play an instrument. Producing and mastering is a very technically challenging art. As is practicing for years to be able to play complicated guitar fingerstyle music. Letting a computer write the music itself, using AI, is absolute bullshit, and is a completely different thing.

[@EmmyGuitar]

Thank you for using your platform to shed light on such important and current issues! This just inspires me to keep working hard as an independent artist.

[@Creaulx]

We had to know this was coming. Doesn't make it any easier to digest. Subscribed!

[@ragaloft]

“Welcome, my son. Welcome to the machine”

[@aaronbenson2767]

This is why Mary Spender will always be a true $&@%ing rock star in my eyes. ❤

[@MrMattMolloy]

Superb video as always and perfect take on this. Can't see this CGI "Pop Star" having any of the feel or personality that you put into even one sung note (and certainly nothing like the chills brought on by the solo in the "Taking Shape" video you had posted on the Gear4Music channel). Thank you again for speaking out.

[@rrrosecarbinela]

Thoughtful and well-spoken. Thank you.

[@randyrunyan1491]

It's a sad day for all forms of art, as AI takes over removing the beauty human thought and love that is added to art that AI won't have.

[@eldergeektromeo9868]

Oh Crap! Record labels have been trying to cut out the artist since the early 60's.....

[@p_mouse8676]

The thing with AI, is that it basically only works when the person or people who do the input know what they want. My GF is acutally and artist. I told her about this, this first thing she did.... she started laughing. I asked why she was laughing. She responded that 90% of the time her clients don't even know what they want. THAT is the power of human experience and a professional. :) Knowing and understanding either the things that people don't know yet, or being able to organically evolve to something that is much greater than anyone was able to predict for.

[@stuartd9741]

At the moment AI doesn't have emotion so we will be able to discern real from generated music.. .. In the future AI might get better. After all it would just be copying human traits. I guess that makes us analogue music listeners/lovers. Giving way to digital (generated) music fan/lovers..

[@MrSpike7590]

I'm just going to remain devoted to my guitars and tube amps. While I do use digital effects my source tones are organic in electric Guitar nature. AI has already figured out every possible chord combination, so I wonder how long it will be before all music is pre copywritten.

[@SineEyed]

That was already done a few years ago now. IIRC it was a project done by two lawyers, who knew how to code, and were both also musicians. Their interests converged in this project where their goal was to write a program which would, under certain constraints, come up with and catalog every possible combination of notes and note lengths which comprise every possible melody which could ever possibly be played. They landed on something like a few tens of quadrillions of melodies. Don;t remember exactly, but it was a lot. And they could have copyrighted every one at that point, but decided not to for some psuedo-altruistic reason or another. Anyway, the point is that it's already been done, yeah..

[@MrSpike7590]

@@SineEyed I didn't buy into it when that happened and I'm not buying into it now. You see it is my choice to believe or be a part of or ignore any form of music, philosophy, or social construct. If you want to buy into their form of Cyanide for the Soul, you're free to do so.

[@SineEyed]

@@MrSpike7590 huh? What are you talking about that you're not buying into? I don't see how your reply follows what I said at all..

[@davidgormley4419]

This is how I hope things go… as an artist and musician ai influence fills me full of dread and I hate it with a passion but the more I think about it the more I hope the truly passionate and true fans of real human creativity will turn away from this. Record companies have always pushed easily manipulated garbage when they can get a way with it and generally the masses buy into it. Real fans of music however don’t and I can only hope they turn to the truly independent creators for their entertainment and appreciation that if they don’t support them then it will be gone forever. People like you Mary are so important in this first wave of change and it does give me hope. Maybe if the big companies are distracted by peddling their disposable brain dead garbage to those that accept it, then we, the true creatives and fans can exit and enjoy our arts unfiltered, untampered and unhampered. I hope 🤞

[@tazstidson4231]

...Wow, well done Mary.. A bit of sanity in this crazy world... Reality is always where the music is... Keep it live, keep it real. Write the songs, spread some feels. 💜😍💯😇

[@Steven_SK]

So looking forward to ignoring this insanity......

[@robertcronin6603]

👍

[@legaleagles3654]

👌

[@LanceMabu]

This was hilarious, love that seething rage just under the surface. I think humans will always want real emotions, it's why Nirvana, Eminem and Post Malone have all become big stars.

[@macedindu829]

Doubt it. That strikes me as cope. Technology is the process of replacing the natural with the artificial. In early stages, it's mostly about environment. But as you can see if you look around, it's increasingly encroaching on what it means to be human. Will humans merged with machines or the result of gene-editing care about any of that? I don't see why. Turns out the way to bring about a utopia for mankind is just to do away with mankind, LUL! Oh well!

[@itheuserfirst3186]

Is this satire?

[@macedindu829]

@@itheuserfirst3186 Nope!

[@ROOKTABULA]

Not a fan of psychopaths who trivialize and glorify rape like Mathers did.

[@TheEndless560]

@@itheuserfirst3186is your comment satire? You know he's right...

[@robertgentry9436]

Great rant…well spoken. This has been a concern I’ve had for many years in watching this trend away from real, heartfelt music and less regard for the careers and livelihood of the true artists. Additionally, sickened at the damage to the young listening audience having soulless, robotic music as a benchmark of musical “taste”. The good news is that with the current state of technology and the music business, independent artists can compete on a somewhat level playing field without having to be signed by a label. As depressing as it is to hear so much lame content, it’s equally inspiring to hear some great talent. Thanks for your good work, Mary.

[@wile-e-coyote7257]

Thank you, Mary, for your passionate thoughts on this subject

[@johncurrie6359]

Not one artistic bone in my body, but I still agree with your provocation to independence from the mainstream ❤

[@kennycube5126]

Art/talent/skill doesn't exist in your bones. It's about perseverance, effort and dedication. Have a go, you may suprise yourself 😀

[@gibsonend]

​@@kennycube5126This is a great comment. I'm a musician, and I've spent 34 years of my life working to be the player I am. I played live for the first time in over twenty years last night, and it went wonderfully. Like most people, I enjoyed the music, the commeraderie, and the compliments. Most people don't realize that it's not second nature for me, or for most musicians. I have to work my ass off to be the player I am! Patience, practice, and determination have taken me a long way in the music industry!

[@mikemorrisonmusic]

This is ridiculous. What has become of the music industry that I spent so many years trying to break into?

[@franklinj1038]

Welcome to the Machine!

[@regisisasregisdoes3320]

@@franklinj1038 my son

[@itheuserfirst3186]

Like with any new trends, and technology, the rules can change overnight. Music is ultimately an entertainment business, and the entertainment business is built on ever shifting sand.

[@LupinoArts]

What are you talking about? The "music industry" has always been a cash-grabbing monster that defecates on artists; no news there.

[@Incomudro1963]

It started with hip hop. Where you no longer needed to sing, or play an instrument. Just sample music made by someone else.

[@michaeldoran2730]

A few years ago a friend of mine lamented the "dings" in his new hardwood floor. As a woodworker, I tried to calm him down by saying "It's wood; it's a natural product, and you have to expect that, over time, it will show some natural wear. That wear is just due to you going about your everyday life with a hardwood floor underfoot. Just think of it as "Patina"." I don't know if he was convinced, but I really meant it, and to prove it, I have a hardwood floor that I worked hard to install, all by myself, and that accumulates "dings" regularly that I don't stress about. Changing media, whenever I listen to anything by Jimmy Page, I keep that idea in mind. Even in their biggest hit, Stairway to Heaven, there are flubbed notes that would have been autotuned away today, e.g., a few of them at "And it's whispered that soon . . ." I'm glad he left them in. It's human-generated "patina". His acoustic stuff is what I love most, and you don't have to listen long to hear a similar imperfection in any of it. My point? It proves that it was done by a human. It's a sign of life! I won't listen to something generated by a computer, even if it's AI generated. For as long as it's been around, I have turned off the source the second I detect autotune. I want to hear what talented, skilled and inspired humans have come up with, blemishes and all, not the output of an algorithm. If it weren't for the natural variations that human voices create, the best choir would sound monotonous and uninteresting. I want the "patina" that the natural human touch gives. I will never be able to listen to anything machine-generated, especially if it is associated with an ET-like cartoon character. I like my music real.

[@Lehmannaudioamplifiers]

Your rant was so very much needed and it was about time that someone with an audience the size of yours - and maybe even with some support of even larger channels - tells people what "benefits" to expect from this side of the music industry. Thank you so much for that! In the times when fake accounts on Spotify tend to dominate the playlists and consequently the revenue side of the business, real musicians - be it Pop, Rock, Jazz or whatever genre - are so very much needed to resonate authentically with their listeners and also simply bring real joy to the world instead of artificial emotional emptiness and customer demand synchronised with industry requirements through AI. Real music can get us better through hard times and brings even more joy to the good times! I have been working on the Hi-Fi side of the business for over 35 years now and I firmly believe that all my work would be in vain without real musicians producing emotionally touching music the best possible way. Without real music High End Hi-Fi simply means nothing!

[@2000SkyView]

This is insane! I'm not really sure how to look at this trend being pushed or tested on us.

[@Maydoggie]

Thanks for your thoughts on this. One thing that I enjoy and that might be a good opportunity for artists is small music venues and festivals. Small enough that TicketMonster, Live N@tion, etc. can't get their grubby paws into the bucket, and keep ticket prices reasonable. Small enough that artists can interact with their fans face-to-face. Small enough that artists can sell music, t-shirts, caps, etc. for additional revenue. There are small bluegrass festivals all around the country that are hosted on someone's property somewhere out in the country. A property owner can add a few dozen up to a couple hundred RV hookups, a tent area, a bath house with restrooms, a concession stand, maybe some food trucks, and a stage. People sit in lawn chairs or on blankets and enjoy the music. Don't tolerate excessive drunkenness or a$$hole type behavior. Impromptu jams in the camping areas are always fun. It doesn't have to be bluegrass, but that template is a good starting point. Anyway, there are still millions who love live music performed by real people, and there are plenty of artists willing to provide. I'd much rather go to a music show with 200 people in attendance than one with thousands.

[@thephoenixhasflown]

Ticket monster that's a good one. I call live Nation zombie Nation.

[@juliahartmann688]

That's something I needed to hear. Thanks!

[@ryanbooth2666]

It's just getting started too. You are speaking a truth. Thank you.

[@davekimball3610]

Just think, once a mega corp like Warner decides what they want you to like, they'll just use a massive AI platform to force you into liking their music, their politics, their point of view on everything. Oh wait, that time is already upon us.

[@nirfz]

How exactely would they make you like their music? Also why do people care about the political (as an example) opinion of an artist more than their next door neighbour. The person is an artist nothing qualifies that person any more in the topic of politics as yourself or your next door neighbour. (a huge example for me in this case is Bono from U2. He is very vocal about politics and human rights, but U2 as a company is registered in a tax haven and they avoid taxes themselves, so i don't really have a high opinion of anything he says apart from music)

[@stuartd9741]

I was ok with this AI artist until the political activism.... .. Surely the subversive agenda of this artist other than music, would be to promote veganism and better treatment for animals as the target audience would be young..er... .. This is somewhat underhand in my book. Subterfuge....

[@clintonroushff7068]

What has happened to just playing music for the pure joy? When the public buys into watching cartoons....is back to Bugs Bunny. He's a huge star!

[@ocardaugh]

Authors, photographers, and many other creators are feeling the sting of AI, so the thought of AI-created music isn't far-fetched. Technology is always a two-edged sword. We must find a way to adapt. Great video, Mary. Please, keep them coming.

[@darrenjon240]

Signed up for the newsletter! And, thanks for the video! I've never heard of that AI Nanoorie(?) file before. Don't think I want to in the future. Yes, free money is what Warner is after. Totally. I've made about a $100 in my musical career, and spent thousands more. I keep saying I'm going to write and record an album (my last, as I'm old now!) as I love the act of recording music, and writing songs is just a way of getting to do that! I'm not passionate about writing songs anymore. But, I do love trying to get the sounds out of my head and onto tape. As I sit and watch friends put out album after album, I get so insanely jealous of their free time, of their energy, and their ability to tune out the world and just create. Just like I used to. I'm working on it, though. And, I'm working on myself. I want a little bit of life before I leave this mortal coil.

[@simonbrotherton678]

Great video, well said. It's incredible how record companies want to maginalise artists, whilst artists are the creators of what they offer. I met a (relatively successful )band on a visit to Dublin recently, who had decided to make their 4th LP totally independently. They had many reasons, but the one that stuck with me was this. They are a 5 piece band, and if they took the average salary of the average Spotify employee, multiplied that by 5, then they'd need 60m streams to generate the same amount. 60m streams just to pay each artist on the same level as each average Spotify employee. Unbelievable.

[@henryvanweeren7233]

Interesting how the rebels of yesteryear are selling out. The rebels of today need the clout of Taylor Swift to sidestep "the systems" and get their music brand out the way THEY want. It will be an interesting war of philosophies and approaches to music development and distribution in the years to come. Thank you so much Mary!

[@Slarti]

Don't worry Mary, I just listened to the song and it is dire. It's not going to be any real competition for a live singer.

[@Dignelson]

Just true! Amazing video, good way to think.

[@Creative_Dialogue]

The very best way to respond🙏🏼be yourself, always

[@bvalt1]

Real music, made by real artists, performed live will never be replaced by AI, I have a gig on Saturday, and it will be attended by real people wishing to listen to actual humans playing music live, this is what humans were meant to do, entraining thoughts and emotions is an art in and of itself, no AI BS will ever replace that!! Thank you for posting this, we build relationships with our audience, they come to see us because of this, that's the most important thing to me, I don't really make much money playing music, but it is precious to my own, and my fans' mental health, for a few hours we get to forget all the drudgery and horrors that the world can inflict upon us. That is the essence of music and why it plays such an important role in the human endeavor.

[@semmons123]

Abba have already gone virtual with Voyage, and I think Gorillaz (a band made up of people as cartoon characters) has already had a few animated concerts.

[@djanon22]

2Pac Hologram at Coachella. That is all. Have a nice day!

[@rickharper1497]

Your right Mary, they just suckered you into advertising for them! Greed is the driving force for this creation.

[@stuartd9741]

And left wing political activism..

[@sidneybos]

You are so genuinely inspiring! Keep it up ;)

[@1972hermanoben]

‘Music tunes are the beat of life’ ought to be on a bit of Mary Spender merch