Flying Lotus says AI-generated music will make demand to see real musicians go up

Flying Lotus has encouraged musicians to continue playing a real-life instrument, explaining that the rise of “one-click” AI-generated music will increase the demand by audiences to see artists who can actually play.

The American producer, DJ and rapper offers the advice in a new interview with MusicRadar, in which he’s asked about his views on the rise of AI in music production workflows, and how he thinks it will impact the future of the industry.

Asked to offer some advice on budding producers who are trying to make it in today’s uncertain music industry, FlyLo says: “Play an instrument. Don’t forget to play your shit.”

He continues: “More and more, as we are getting into the world of Suno and one-click music, the playing will be more valuable. People will want to go and see human music, to see people performing and playing. So play your instrument, don’t forget your instrument, now more than ever.”

In terms of whether he views artificial intelligence as a good or ill for the music industry as a whole, FlyLo reckons AI does have a place in the creative process.

“I think everyone should do whatever the fuck they wanna do, at the end of the day,” he says. “I hear these conversations with people talking about this stuff, and all I hear is ‘Auto-Tune sucks, get rid of it.’ I hear, ‘Drum machines have no soul.’ I hear, ‘You can’t make hip-hop on a laptop, computers have no swing.’ It goes to the same place.”

He goes on: “I just want everyone to do whatever they believe in. Just go with your fucking spirit and make some dope shit, if you’re going to use the AI to make that shit better than the shit that you’re doing. Be better than the machine, be greater. 

“I haven’t heard it yet, but I would hope that people use the shit to make a new genre, instead of trying to create what we’ve already done. Use these things to make the next version of electronic music that could only be possible with this technology. That’s what I want to see.”

AI music generators are becoming more and more prevalent, reflected in Suno’s recent $2.45 billion valuation following a $250 million investment round.

“We’re seeing the future of music take shape in real time,” said Mikey Shulman, Co-Founder and CEO of Suno. 

“In just two years, we’ve seen millions of people make their ideas a reality through Suno, from first-time creators to top songwriters and producers integrating the tool into their daily workflows. This funding allows us to keep expanding what’s possible, empowering more artists to experiment, collaborate, and build on their creativity. We’re proud to be at the forefront of this historic moment for music.”

Sam is the Associate News Editor for Guitar.com and MusicTech. Thoroughly immersed in music culture for the majority of his life, Sam has played guitar for 20 years, studied music technology and production at university, and also written for the likes of MusicRadar, Guitar World, Total Guitar and Metal Hammer.