Will.i.am Discusses Vulnerability, AI, and Music’s Future

Will.i.am shared his thoughts on the intersection of art and artificial intelligence during an intimate conversation focused on the future of music. The Black Eyed Peas rapper, who was a headliner at the EXIT festival in Novi Sad, Serbia, on July 11, discussed how AI could democratize the music industry by leveling the playing field and reducing barriers for new artists.

The 49-year-old musician emphasized that the responsibility lies with artists to shape the use of AI proactively. However, he insisted that no amount of artificial intelligence could replace the vulnerability required to create meaningful music. “Art is a vulnerable thing, creativity is vulnerable. To get up and share your art, that’s a vulnerable moment,” he noted in an interview with The Independent.

Will.i.am has been a vocal advocate for AI in the music industry, having co-founded FYI.AI, a messaging and productivity tool aimed at serving the needs of creatives. Reflecting on the ongoing evolution of artificial intelligence, he referenced the future as “3008,” a nod to their hit single “Boom Boom Pow,” leaving fans curious about what’s next for the band.

Later, he treated fans to a nostalgic set filled with two decades of hits, including “Where is the Love?”, “Boom Boom Pow,” and “Let’s Get It Started” on the Tesla Universe Mainstage. The event attracted more than 210,000 attendees from over 80 countries, including the UK, US, Spain, Netherlands, and Germany.

Also performing on the main stage was Tom Morello of Rage Against The Machine, who revealed that the band was a significant catalyst for the creation of EXIT festival. “I was told that EXIT gathers revolutionaries both in the audience and on stage,” Morello said, adding that he had waited 33 years for this moment.

This year’s EXIT festival featured performances from some of the world’s top music stars over five days. It kicked off with Baby Lasagna and Iniko on Day 0 in honor of Nikola Tesla, followed by trap star Gucci Mane and electronic pioneer Carl Cox on the first official festival night.

The festival’s mts Dance Arena played host to major acts such as Maceo Plex, multiple Grammy award nominee Bonobo, and Barry Can’t Swim, who delivered electrifying sets from sunset to sunrise. Meanwhile, Black Coffee provided a mesmerizing conclusion with an unforgettable morning set.

Adding to the excitement, a grand celebration was announced, marking EXIT’s 25th anniversary next year. Fans can expect another lineup of stellar performances and revolutionary moments as the festival continues to be a significant cultural event in the music world.

Source: The Independent