When Machines Make Music: AI’s Brave New Role in the Creative World

Artificial intelligence is no longer a thing of the future—it’s here, and it’s remixing the soundtrack of our lives. In a recent episode of Jams 'N' Cocktails Live, host Brad Brock dove deep into the high-tech frontier of AI-generated music with a dynamic panel including singer-songwriter Kevin McLoughlin, podcast host Paul Robertson (Riffs N Rhythms), and the ever-entertaining JNC Destruction Crew. This lively discussion explored not just the tech, but the emotional and ethical complexities of machine-crafted creativity.

The night began with a signature “Artificial Intelligence” shot (equal parts vodka, gin, and blue curaçao, chilled to futuristic perfection), setting the stage for a cocktail-fueled conversation about music, memory, and modern innovation. For musicians like Brad and his guests, AI isn’t just a tool—it’s a potential revolution. The group opened up about how they’ve used AI platforms like ChatGPT to brainstorm lyrics or generate promotional content, enhancing their productivity without sacrificing artistic control.

But the conversation soon took a more emotional turn. The panel reflected on the recent story of country legend Randy Travis, who—thanks to AI voice cloning—was able to “sing” a new track despite having lost his voice to illness. It was a poignant example of how technology can honor legacy and reconnect artists with their craft. On the other end of the spectrum was the curious case of Velvet Sundown, a completely AI-generated band whose vocals and music were produced without human input. The group had to grapple with this unsettling possibility: if a machine can make a catchy tune, where does that leave real musicians?

Brad and his guests didn't shy away from the big questions. Is AI-generated music art? Who owns it? And can a computer ever replicate the emotion and authenticity that human performers bring to the stage? Panelists offered a range of views—from excitement over new tools to concern over creativity being outsourced to algorithms. As Kevin put it, “Music is about struggle, about the journey. Can AI understand that?”

To put theory into practice, the crew closed the episode with a bold experiment: using Suno, an AI music generation platform, to create a brand-new JNC anthem live on the air. The result was equal parts hilarious and impressive, with the AI outputting surprisingly listenable (and very on-brand) songs based on the team’s prompts.

Whether you’re a musician, a tech enthusiast, or just curious about what’s next for creativity, this episode of Jams 'N' Cocktails is a must-listen. It offers a rare, behind-the-scenes glimpse into how artists are embracing—and challenging—the rise of artificial intelligence in their industry.

Listen to the full episode here and join the conversation every Wednesday night.

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