Samuel Smith, a London-based singer-songwriter, has transitioned from years of strumming his guitar to utilizing artificial intelligence tools as a means to continue his passion for Americana music. This shift comes in light of his battle with Parkinson's disease, a progressive neurological condition diagnosed in 2020, which has severely impacted his ability to play the guitar.
Recently, Smith released his second album, titled “The Art of Letting Go.” Notably, for one of the tracks, “Horizon,” he turned to AI platforms for assistance in creating demo arrangements that would effectively communicate his artistic vision to the musicians involved in the recording process. These demos consisted of rough melodies that he hummed into his phone and then uploaded to music-generating tools like Suno and Udio. Although Smith clarified that these AI-generated demos would not feature in the final mix, they served as vital guides during his creative journey, as his guitar-playing skills diminished over the year-long process of making the album due to the challenges posed by Parkinson's.
Smith expressed the predicament he faced: “Should I abandon my music or find a new way to express it?” He chose the latter path, embracing AI as a valuable creative ally. The use of generative AI in the music industry remains a contentious topic, as some artists and record labels have raised concerns about their copyrights being exploited for training models behind these AI tools. Major entities like Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group, and Warner Records filed lawsuits against Suno and Udio in June 2024, although Universal later settled and formed a partnership with Udio, while Warner struck a similar deal with Suno.
What’s often overlooked in this debate is how these AI platforms can assist musicians, particularly those like Smith, who are dealing with disabilities that hinder their traditional methods of songwriting. Smith released his debut album, “In the Springtime,” in 2023, aiming to leave a lasting memory for his two sons of his musical endeavors before the effects of his illness became too pronounced.
“Music was always my outlet,” he reflected. “Realizing my ability to create was being compromised was a hard truth to face.”
Producing demos with AI tools requires considerable effort, with Smith recounting instances where he made “50, 100, or even 150 attempts” to refine what he was aiming for, enhancing the AI-generated tracks through extensive editing. By providing detailed prompts about instrumentation and mood, he was able to shape soundscapes that resonated with his artistic identity.
“AI isn't replacing my creativity; it’s enabling me,” Smith said. “It helps manifest my lyrics and music into a presentable form that I can share with session musicians.”
The production of “The Art of Letting Go” involved collaboration with Grammy-winning pianist and producer Matt Rollings and a talented team of musicians, including the renowned dobro player Jerry Douglas and others. For Smith, collaborating with musicians he admired was a surreal experience that underscored his journey.
One of the standout moments for Smith was achieving a guitar duet with Julian Lage, a Grammy-nominated guitarist, during the recording of “Horizon,” even after months of being unable to play due to his condition. “There was a brief window in the studio when I could play,” he recalled. “It felt as if I had recaptured a part of my musical spirit.”
Experts highlight that AI music tools can open doors for individuals facing similar challenges, democratizing music creation and promoting collaboration. Ruaidhri Mannion, a composer and educator, emphasized how AI could empower musicians to share ideas and interact within the creative community, although he cautioned against relying too heavily on technology at the expense of the collaborative process that enriches music-making.
Despite ongoing legal disputes in the industry, companies like Udio and Suno assert their intention to collaborate positively with musicians. However, skepticism remains among artists, with some viewing mass-distributed AI-generated works as threats to their creative output and financial stability.
Smith advocates for the responsible development of AI technologies that can enhance creative expression. “If these companies wish to prove their societal value, they need to engage meaningfully with health and music professionals,” he urged.
Recently, he participated in an event organized with the Berklee Music and Health Institute in New York, exploring the intersection of music and neurological health. Smith discussed his personal journey with Parkinson’s while performing alongside fellow musicians from his latest album.
Creating music holds significant meaning for Smith, particularly as he strives to forge a lasting legacy for his children, ages 4 and 17. “I worry my youngest may not remember me playing in the future, which is tough,” he admitted. “But I’m determined to transform this challenge into something meaningful, refusing to let my condition define me.”
