A Gainsborough musician with two decades of experience in the industry has raised concerns about the influence of artificial intelligence on music creation. Benjamin Spurr, who has been passionate about music since the 1980s, shared his thoughts in an interview with Lincolnshire Live. He fondly remembers spending hours watching MTV music videos at his grandmother's house, dreaming of writing his own songs and creating videos one day.
Since launching his music career in 2006, Ben has released an impressive array of work, including four studio albums, an EP, a remix album, a party album, and two compilations of his best tracks. At 44 years old, he cherishes the connections he makes with fellow creatives and the joy of bringing his artistic visions to life. "I've always loved studio sessions," he said, highlighting the thrill of performing live and the fun he’s had making music videos in various locations, from Lincoln Cathedral to Paris.
Ben started his recording journey at Fairview Recording Studio in Hull before moving to Swanyard Recording Studio in Retford. However, he now worries that the rise of AI could diminish the need for professional studios, which he believes would be a significant loss. "There is nothing like the magic of walking into the studio with a rough demo and walking out with a finely polished record that didn’t exist just a few hours earlier," he explained.
Despite his busy life balancing a full-time job and family responsibilities, Ben finds time for music because of his deep passion for it. He emphasized the importance of patience and seizing opportunities to write and record, allowing visions to come together into cohesive projects.
During the pandemic, when access to recording studios was limited, Ben adapted by creating a simple setup at home. This experience allowed him to hone his production skills and dedicate more time to his songwriting. However, he noted that the music industry has changed significantly over the years, particularly with the emergence of AI, which enables anyone to produce music at the touch of a button.
Ben has received remixes of his songs created using AI from friends, and while he acknowledges their technical quality, he feels they lack the emotional depth that comes from his own creative process. "What made me proud of a song was the fact that I had created it from scratch using my mind and songwriting skills," he stated.
As he reflects on his journey, Ben hopes that young artists today can enjoy the same creative process he has experienced. He finds inspiration in local talents, such as rapper Jmans, and wishes to inspire his daughters to explore their own artistic paths.
In a world increasingly influenced by technology, Ben's insights serve as a reminder of the unique human touch that defines true artistry.
What are your thoughts on the impact of AI in music? Do you think it enhances creativity or diminishes it?