As Musicians Rally Against AI, Will.i.am Takes a Different Approach

In a time when many musicians and creatives express anxiety and opposition toward artificial intelligence (AI), one prominent artist is choosing a different path. Will.i.am, the frontman of the popular group The Black Eyed Peas, is taking a pro-AI stance and encouraging his fellow artists to embrace the technology rather than resist it.

Will.i.am, whose real name is William Adams, gained fame in the 2000s with hits like Where is the Love?, Boom Boom Pow, and I Gotta Feeling. He is not only a rapper and songwriter but also a producer and actor. Recently, he launched a new technology start-up called Raidio.fyi, which he believes represents the future of radio broadcasting.

Raidio.fyi is a free platform featuring conversational AI-powered radio hosts that interact with users in real time. Listeners can engage with the AI DJs by asking questions about the music, news, or weather. While this innovative approach may put him at odds with other artists who feel threatened by AI's potential to replace them, Will.i.am argues that musicians should collaborate with technology instead.

"I’ve been working with computers my whole entire career," Will.i.am said during an event at CES, the largest technology expo in the world. "I make music on computers. Regardless of whether you are a creative in the era of Prince or Michael Jackson or now, technology should not stop you from expressing your passions and ideas. If AI is a part of your creative process, it should inspire and motivate you, not intimidate you."

Will.i.am's belief in embracing AI comes amid growing concerns within the creative community. Over 12,000 artists, including members of ABBA, Radiohead, and The Cure, have signed an open letter demanding that the unlicensed use of their works to train AI models be prohibited. This petition highlights the significant risks to artists' livelihoods without proper regulation and consent.

In addition to Raidio.fyi, Will.i.am is aware of the need for clear guidelines regarding intellectual property ownership in the age of AI. "Creators are feeling insecure, and I want to make sure they are protected," he emphasized. Despite the fears surrounding AI's rapid advancement in music creation, he reassured that sincere, heartfelt artistry will always have its place. "Songs that come from personal experiences, like heartbreak, will never disappear," he added.

Will.i.am also pointed out that the individuals who might be most at risk are personal assistants and financial professionals, due to the increasing investment in advanced AI systems designed to take over tasks previously done by humans. His longstanding interest in technology is evident in his past roles, including serving on the World Economic Forum’s Fourth Industrial Revolution Advisory Committee and working with Intel as their director of creative innovation.

At CES, he also introduced a new range of Bluetooth speakers and earbuds created in partnership with LG. These devices, known as Xboom by Will.i.am, use AI to optimize sound based on the content being played. Notably, they feature a button that directly connects users to the Raidio.fyi platform. Will.i.am expressed his vision for the future, stating, "By the end of the year, I hope it will be available on all LG TVs and radios, reaching hundreds of millions of devices worldwide."

AI, music, creatives