Hate it or love it, AI is seemingly weaving its way into nearly every facet of our world. From workplace policies and TV screens to social feeds—and yes, even the music we listen to—it’s becoming more embedded in our daily lives by the day.
While plenty of artists critique AI’s influence on creativity and culture, just as many are leaning in. Whether it’s the Beatles reviving John Lennon’s cassette-recorded vocals with machine learning for Now and Then, or Imogen Heap releasing songs through her AI persona, the convergence of AI and music seems unavoidable.
But did anyone ask for this? And is there a cost to letting bots do everything for us?
While AI is great at simplifying complex concepts or creating custom workouts, writing a song that connects on an emotional level is an entirely different beast. While time may prove that all human emotions are, in fact, a complex biological algorithm, it has not yet been decoded. It’s that mystery and magic that defines us and our connection to music. Music speaks to us not despite its humanity but because of it. Without the blood, sweat, and tears that go into crafting the perfect album, one has to wonder if AI can ever capture the emotional grit that makes a song worth listening to in the first place.
Turns out, plenty of people are asking the same question.
What the Data Says
Angus Reid Forum USA recently surveyed a sample of 1,007 adults on their opinions around AI use in music and other music habits. Here’s what we found:
The data suggests that while Americans are cautiously curious about AI, 55% still prefer artists not to use AI in their creative work.
Interestingly, the digital generation—Gen Z—shows the strongest desire for music to be human-made, with 71% preferring artists not to use AI.
Just over a quarter of the sample (26%) said they are fine with AI-enhanced music as long as it doesn’t fully replace human artistry.
Rise of a Super Fan
Our research also explored how fans are supporting artists they like. While 58% say they haven’t directly supported artists beyond streaming or buying regular releases, there’s a subset experimenting with new forms of engagement:
Branding Beyond the Band
When it comes to how artists show up outside of their music, fans gravitate towards authenticity and impact:
Younger audiences, especially, connect with these lifestyle extensions. Only 34% of the total sample reported that none were of interest, reinforcing just how deeply fans value connecting with artists beyond their music. Modern fans want to align with artists politically and socially—or, at the very least, wear their lipstick or luxury threads.
Would you watch your favourite artist perform from the comfort of your couch? Four in ten U.S adults say “yes” to livestreamed shows. The other 64% are still willing to shell out their hard-earned cash for tickets (and the exorbitant service fees charged by ticket platforms) to see artists perform IRL.
The people have spoken; even with the rise of virtual formats, live music remains undefeated.
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