Ishrat Nawaz: Fear and Fascination with AI and Automation in Music

Ishrat Nawaz: Fear and Fascination with AI and Automation in Music

Ishrat Nawaz finds himself at the forefront of a technological revolution in the music industry, where artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are playing increasingly prominent roles in the creative process. As a lyricist hailing from Assam, India, known for blending traditional folk music with modern trends, he navigates both the fear and fascination of AI’s growing influence. In this article, Ishrat Nawaz shares his thoughts on how AI is reshaping the future of lyric writing and what it means for human creativity

The Rise of AI in Music

The use of AI in music is no longer a futuristic concept. Today, AI-powered tools can generate melodies, harmonize songs, and even write lyrics. Platforms like AIVA (Artificial Intelligence Virtual Artist) and OpenAI’s Jukedeck are being used by composers and artists to create music faster and more efficiently. While these advancements are impressive, Ishrat Nawaz expresses a cautious perspective about the implications for human lyricists.

“AI can certainly help with generating ideas or repetitive tasks,” says Ishrat Nawaz, “but can it truly understand the depth of human emotion that goes into writing lyrics? That’s where I feel AI still has a long way to go.”

For Ishrat Nawaz, lyric writing is more than just a technical skill; it’s an emotional process, deeply connected to personal experiences and cultural identity. While AI tools might be able to mimic certain patterns, they lack the lived experience that gives human lyrics their emotional resonance.

The Fear: Will AI Replace Human Lyricists?

A significant concern for lyricists like Ishrat Nawaz is the possibility that AI could one day replace human creativity altogether. As AI continues to improve, the fear is that technology might dominate the music creation process, sidelining human lyricists.

“One of my biggest fears is that AI will make human lyricists irrelevant,” says Ishrat Nawaz. “There’s a certain magic that comes from writing about your personal experiences, your struggles, and your emotions. I’m not sure if AI can ever replicate that.”

The fear is not unfounded. In a world where music can be generated at the click of a button, there is concern that the demand for human lyricists may decrease. However, Ishrat Nawaz remains hopeful that human creativity will always have its place. He believes that while AI can assist in music creation, it lacks the cultural knowledge, emotional depth, and authenticity that human lyricists bring to the table.

The Fascination: AI as a Creative Tool

Despite his fears, Ishrat Nawaz is also fascinated by the potential of AI in music. He acknowledges that AI has the ability to streamline certain aspects of the creative process, especially when it comes to generating ideas or overcoming creative blocks.

“I’m curious to see how AI can help me in my work,” Ishrat Nawaz says. “It might not replace me, but it can certainly be a tool that complements my creative process.”

For instance, AI can assist in creating musical structures or generating lyric ideas based on specific themes or keywords. This can be particularly useful for tasks that might otherwise take up a significant amount of time, allowing lyricists like Ishrat Nawaz to focus more on refining and perfecting their work.

AI can also provide valuable insights into audience preferences by analyzing data from streaming platforms. This allows lyricists to tailor their work to suit current trends without sacrificing creativity. For Ishrat Nawaz, this is an exciting prospect, as it opens up new possibilities for connecting with listeners.

Preserving Authenticity in a Digital Age

As AI continues to evolve, lyricists like Ishrat Nawaz face the challenge of preserving their authenticity. For Ishrat Nawaz, maintaining his cultural roots while adapting to modern trends is crucial. He is committed to infusing his work with traditional Assamese music while exploring new technologies.

“I don’t want to lose my cultural identity in the process,” says Ishrat Nawaz. “Technology is great, but it should never come at the cost of authenticity.”

For him, the key is balance—using AI to enhance his creativity without compromising on the values that define his work. His ability to blend traditional folk elements with modern musical styles has earned him recognition in both regional and national music circles, and he plans to continue this approach while navigating the digital age.

The Future of Lyric Writing with AI

Looking ahead, Ishrat Nawaz sees a future where human lyricists and AI can coexist. He believes that AI can assist in music creation, but human creativity and emotion will always be irreplaceable.

“AI is a tool, but it can never replace the human touch,” Ishrat Nawaz says. “Lyric writing is about connecting with people on an emotional level, and I don’t think technology can ever fully replicate that.”

For lyricists like Ishrat Nawaz, the future lies in embracing technological advancements while staying true to their artistic roots. As AI continues to reshape the music industry, lyricists must adapt, but the heart of lyric writing will always remain a deeply human endeavor.