Concerns that technology could completely replace artists do not affect Elvis Costello for rather simple – and curious – reasons
The discussion on the use of artificial intelligence in art, especially in music, has generated heated debates. Singers and instrumentalists fear being completely replaced by technology, which can already create songs from concise text commands. However, this is not the case Elvis Costello.
One of the most influential names in the so-called new wave and acclaimed as one of the greatest composers of his generation, the singer and guitarist declared himself indifferent to the fact that some robot imitated his style or even emulated his voice. The reason was explained during an interview with The telegraph (go Classic rock).
With his usual eloquence, the Englishman declared:
“No one wants to be me anyway, so I don’t see anyone designing an algorithm that specifically tries to track my style. That’s not going to happen.”
Even more clearly, Costello guaranteed that anyone who wants to develop a technological solution of this type will not even be rewarded. After all, he himself didn’t get rich doing what he does.
“There is no way to make money from this! Believe me. I live in a different universe than artificial intelligence. So they can continue with all this fantasy: get on your rocket and don’t come back!”
Elvis Costello without nostalgia
Another point raised by Elvis Costello during the interview is his absence from the mainstream. Although he has released some hits and classic albums, garnering a legion of loyal fans, the 70-year-old musician knows he is not an artist with highly exposed work. Eventually, the topic comes back to why he thinks it wouldn’t be imitated by any AI.
“I’ve been out of the pop music business for 40 years. A lot of people think that’s all there is to it “Oliver’s Army” [música de 1979]or they simply didn’t listen. I’m not sentimental and I’m the least nostalgic person you’ll meet. I don’t want to go back to the past. I experienced it once, it was enough for me, thank you.”
What if Costello decided to start his career today? What kind of musician would you be? He was asked this question and also gave an unconventional answer.
“Strictly speaking, I don’t think I’m a musician now, after all these years. It’s not false modesty. I would never hire myself to be in someone else’s band. I’m a writer who uses music as a chariot to make things happen. If I started now, maybe I would be less encouraged.”
It’s a good thing that rock’s second most popular Elvis began his career at a different time. This has given fans over 30 recorded albums, with the most recent being The boy named Sesince 2022. And despite the alleged large-scale failure, Costello has accumulated more than 10 gold, silver and platinum records. His best-selling new release in the United States is the debut My goal is true (1977), while in the UK he accumulated six gold certifications with This year’s model (1978), Armed forces (1979), Become happy!! (1980), Almost blue (1981), Blood and chocolate (1986) e Harpoon (1989).
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Source: Terra
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
