In a recent interview, acclaimed Irish musician Hozier expressed his willingness to consider participating in strike actions within the music industry to address the looming threat posed by artificial intelligence (AI). The conversation comes amid ongoing strikes by Hollywood actors and writers, who are grappling with concerns regarding fair contracts and the growing influence of AI on their creative domain.
Speaking to the BBC’s Newsnight, Hozier shared his openness to join potential strikes similar to those seen in the film industry. He delved into the philosophical debate about whether AI could be classified as art and questioned its ability to genuinely encapsulate human experiences.
AI’s implications have also reverberated within the music industry, where it has the potential to compose music and replicate established artists. Earlier this year, a song created using AI to mimic the voices of Drake and The Weeknd was removed from streaming platforms due to copyright concerns.
Hozier, recognized for his Grammy-nominated hit “Take Me to Church,” explored the convergence of AI and artistic expression, highlighting that AI’s lack of human experience might challenge its classification as art.
The discussion also ventured into the realm of AI-generated music, touching upon ongoing discussions between Google and Universal Music to license artists’ melodies and voices for AI-composed songs. While AI’s technological capabilities are evident, it raises questions about authenticity and copyright ownership.
Hozier also paid tribute to the legacy of Irish singer-songwriter Sinéad O’Connor, known for her bold protest against child sexual abuse in the Catholic Church by tearing a picture of the Pope on US television in 1992. Hozier commended her courage in addressing taboos and noted the evolving social landscape over time.
The conversation touched on Hozier’s debut single, which criticized the church’s stance on sexual orientation. He emphasized its continuing relevance as LGBTQ+ rights expand globally.
In addressing geopolitical matters, Hozier navigated the complexities of performing in countries with repressive policies towards minorities, such as Russia and Saudi Arabia. He shared his decision to decline an event invitation sponsored by the Russian state.
As Hozier prepares to unveil his new album, “Unreal Unearth,” his insights shed light on the intricate relationship between AI, artistic creation, and human expression within the music industry.