BLACK STONE CHERRY’s Ben Wells Talks A.I. in Music: A Tool or a Threat?
In a recent interview with TotalRock‘s “Louder With Ore B” radio show, Ben Wells, the guitarist for Kentucky-based rock band BLACK STONE CHERRY, shared his thoughts on the growing influence of artificial intelligence (A.I.) in the music industry. The conversation touched on whether A.I. is impacting the band’s creative process and the broader implications of this technology for musicians and industry professionals.
Ben Wells on A.I.: A Double-Edged Sword
When asked if A.I. has affected BLACK STONE CHERRY’s songwriting process, Wells responded thoughtfully, saying, “Not us, because… Well, I mean, I don’t know; it’s still somewhat early days in it. A.I. is a cool thing. It can be used in the right way. Just like anything, just like social media, used in the right way, it can be fantastic. Used in the wrong way, it does take away some of the art.”
Wells elaborated on the potential risks and benefits of A.I., noting, “It is scary to think that you can get on a computer and have a computer write a song for you [in a specific style] just like that… It is pretty bizarre that you can do that now. I guess I’m not surprised just to see where we are with technology. Who knows what it’s gonna be like 20 years from now?”
He expressed concern about the potential for A.I. to disrupt jobs in the music industry, saying, “If A.I. is going to mix a record for a band, that’s gonna take away the guy who mixes the record; that’s his job. So I would hate to see that ever happen.”
The Irreplaceable Magic of Live Music
Despite the rapid advancements in technology, Wells remains optimistic about the enduring appeal of live music. “For us, as long as people are still out there putting pen to paper and writing music, that’s always gonna be the number one thing. And at the end of the day, live music, you can’t recreate that,” he said. “I mean, they’ve tried — you can do different things, holograms and things of that nature — but human beings on stage playing for other human beings is something that I don’t think you’ll ever be able to replicate. I hope not anyway. I hope not.”
BLACK STONE CHERRY: A Legacy of Rock
Over the past two decades, BLACK STONE CHERRY has built a reputation as a powerhouse in the rock scene, performing at arenas and festivals across Europe, North America, and beyond. The band recently wrapped up a U.S. tour with CLUTCH and RIVAL SONS, further solidifying their status as a must-see live act.
Their latest album, “Screamin’ At The Sky”, was released in September 2023 via Mascot Records. The album is available in various formats, including white solid vinyl, a limited-edition vinyl box set, CD, and digital platforms. The lead single, “Out Of Pocket”, debuted earlier in the year and quickly became a fan favorite during the band’s U.K. arena shows.
A New Chapter for BLACK STONE CHERRY
“Screamin’ At The Sky” marks a significant milestone for the band, as it features guitarist Steve Jewell Jr. on an album recording for the first time. Jewell, who has been touring with BLACK STONE CHERRY since 2021, joins founding members Chris Robertson (lead vocals/guitar), Ben Wells (guitar/backing vocals), and John-Fred Young (drums/backing vocals).
The album showcases all-new material written collaboratively while the band was on tour. However, the recording process was anything but conventional. BLACK STONE CHERRY fulfilled a long-held dream by tracking the album at The Plaza Theater in Glasgow, Kentucky. This historic 1,020-seat venue, built in 1934, is renowned for its exceptional acoustics, providing a unique backdrop for the band’s creative process.
The Future of Music in an A.I. World
As A.I. continues to evolve, its role in the music industry remains a hot topic of debate. While some see it as a tool for innovation, others, like Wells, caution against its potential to undermine the human element that makes music so special. For BLACK STONE CHERRY, the focus remains on authenticity, creativity, and the irreplaceable connection between artists and their audiences.
Whether it’s through their electrifying live performances or their commitment to crafting heartfelt, original music, BLACK STONE CHERRY is a testament to the enduring power of rock and roll in an ever-changing world.
Originally Written by: TotalRock
