“I’m one of the people that doesn’t really give a s**t”

Few conversations have dominated the music industry this year quite like artificial intelligence. Sure, the increasing prevalence of AI artists like the Velvet Sundown – powered by AI platforms like Suno – is a cause for concern, but should we really be that worried?

AI sceptics have voiced concerns over the increasing number of AI artists on streaming platforms like Spotify, and how they may be diminishing the reach of real human artists. There are also concerns over whether copyright laws are being bypassed by some of the biggest AI companies in order to train their models.

But not everyone is all that concerned. Kevin Parker of Tame Impala, for example, says he’s “not worried”.

In its current state, AI is exceptionally good at creating music based on styles on which it is trained. But as Parker explains, raw, gritty, imperfect tracks are where humans will continue to excel.

“I do feel like the music that I hear is getting more and more perfect, and more pristine,” he tells The Hot Hits and Hit Network.

“Production’s getting better, computers are getting better. AI is the elephant in the room. So for me I just like making music that’s a bit dirty, a bit scungy. That’s kind of what I want to listen to. I’m not sure if it’s because of the looming possibility of this AI thing, I don’t know.” 

He concludes: “I’m one of the people who doesn’t really give a shit [about AI]. I’m not worried.”

It’s been a busy year for Kevin Parker, owing mostly to the hype surrounding Orchid, his brand Telepathic Instruments’ first synth. Following a sellout second drop in May, the synth eventually got its global release in September, and was the centrepiece of a popup store at this year’s ADE (Amsterdam Dance Event).

We were lucky enough to get our hands on Orchid in October, and not at all to our surprise, loved it so much we scored it a 9/10 in our review.

Learn more about Orchid at Telepathic Instruments.

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.