Musician Rachel Cousins Leads Call to Resist AI in the Arts
St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador – Rising concerns over the increasing leverage of artificial intelligence in creative fields have prompted local musician Rachel Cousins to publicly urge her peers to reconsider their reliance on AI-generated content. Cousins, a St. John’s-based singer-songwriter, has observed a growing trend among artists utilizing AI for tasks ranging from album artwork and promotional posters to even composing music itself.
The Rise of AI in Artistic Creation
Cousins expressed her worries during an interview on CBC Radio’s The St. John’s Morning Show, stating, “AI is used for everything that they’re doing when it comes to making music and, and making the visuals behind it.” She fears the impact this trend will have on both local artists and the fundamental human connection inherent in art.
“Art is very human to me, and it always has been. I consider that art comes with emotion and experience,” Cousins explained. “What a shame to have a machine strive and spit anything out at me that I’ve felt and it hasn’t.”
Balancing Cost and Supporting Local Talent
While acknowledging the financial pressures that may lead artists to choose AI-generated imagery for promotional materials, Cousins advocates for supporting local designers. “There’s so many brilliant artists who would absolutely die for the opportunity to make a poster for somebody for 50 bucks,” she said, emphasizing the importance of directing funds back into the artistic community.
Cousins also encourages artists to explore DIY options or collaborate with friends, stating, “I don’t care if they’re subpar. I just want them to be real and human.”
Concerns Extend to AI-Generated Music
Beyond visual arts, Cousins highlighted the emergence of entirely AI-created music, pointing to the example of Sienna Rose, a Spotify artist whose authenticity has been questioned by outlets like the BBC and Rolling Stone. BBC News and Rolling Stone have reported on the likelihood that Rose and her music are AI generated.
“I think it’s a shame that there are people listening to AI and maybe even crying to an AI song,” Cousins said. “They’re not real. They’ve never felt those emotions before.”
Preserving Newfoundland’s Artistic Community
Cousins believes it is particularly crucial for artists in Newfoundland and Labrador to safeguard the human element in their operate and the strong community that surrounds it. “People across Canada notice that special community that we have here. And I don’t want to lose that,” she stated. “I think we’re kind of expected to, as a people, fall into this AI hole right now. And I’m just hoping that people kind of start questioning more what they can do differently.”
Cousins, who released her first EP in 2017 and has since released three albums, including What Hasn’t Killed Me, is nominated in three categories at this year’s East Coast Music Awards. CBC Arts recently profiled Cousins and her new album.