The 3 Paths for Musicians Facing AI
The Human-Only Artist
This is the artist who keeps their work fully human. They might use AI for boring admin tasks (scheduling, summarizing notes), but their art, marketing, and business decisions stay rooted in human hands, ears, and heart.
And guess what? This path is valid.
As more of the world gets flooded with synthetic content, there may be an increase in demand (and value) for purely human, handcrafted work. Think about the rise of analog vinyl or handcrafted instruments. Sometimes, scarcity and authenticity win.
The AI-Augmented Musician
This is where many of us might naturally land.
We remain at the center: making the creative calls, shaping the vision, connecting with fans. But we let AI help us write faster social posts, analyze our Spotify data, brainstorm merch ideas, or design visuals that match our brand.
The goal here isn't to replace yourself, but to amplify your strengths and cover your weak spots.
For example, I’m not a graphic designer. But with Canva's AI tools, I can create something visually polished without hiring a pro. That lets me move faster, save budget, and still stay in control.
The AI-Driven Entrepreneur
This is the musician who wants to build systems: automated marketing funnels, AI-generated compositions, virtual agents handling fan engagement.
It's a programmer's mindset: building systems that mostly run themselves, so you (the human) can step back and focus on the big picture or move on to other ventures.
This path isn’t for everyone. It requires different skills, priorities, and temperament. But it is a legitimate option — especially for musicians who enjoy the tech and want to experiment.
Where Do You Fit?
Here’s the thing: you don’t need to pick one path forever. But knowing where you are now can help you make smart, intentional decisions.
Ask yourself:
- Do I want my hands directly on the craft, or am I okay outsourcing parts of it?
- Am I using AI to help me do more of what I love, or to avoid what I hate?
- What parts of my business are sacred, and what parts am I willing to automate?
For me, teaching, writing, singing, and connecting directly with musicians are where I find meaning, healing, and purpose. So, while I’ll happily let AI draft a caption or transcribe a podcast, I don’t want it crafting my ideas for this newsletter or composing my next song.
Why This Matters
AI is not just about tools; it’s about identity.
Are you someone who values the process because you do it? Or someone who values the outcome, no matter how it gets done?
Neither is inherently better, but knowing your own answer can shape the way you move through this next phase of the music industry.
Let's Keep This Human
I know some of you are already experimenting with AI in your music careers, while others are staying far away. I’d love to hear where you stand right now. Hit reply and tell me: Which path feels most true to you today?
Always in your corner,
<3 Bree