Singer-songwriter Paula Lleshi is known for her soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics, blending indie, pop, and soul influences to create a sound that is uniquely her own. But beyond her musical talent, Paula is also a passionate advocate for preserving the authenticity and emotional depth of music in an industry increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence. In this interview, we delve into Paula's concerns about the rise of AI in music creation and consumption, exploring the potential impact on artistic expression, originality, and the human connection that lies at the heart of music.
With a deep understanding of the music industry, Paula offers a critical perspective on how AI is shaping the creative process, the types of music being produced, and even how listeners discover and engage with new sounds. From the potential for homogenisation and over-commercialisation to the erosion of artistic individuality, we discuss the challenges and concerns that AI presents to the music world. Join us as Paula shares her insights on striking a balance between technological advancement and preserving the soul of music. Let's begin!
Paula, thanks for taking the time to chat with us today. You’ve been pretty outspoken about your views on AI in the music industry. To start, could you tell us a bit about your background and how you came to form your opinions about AI?
“Absolutely! I’m a singer-songwriter, my sound is a mix of indie, soul, and pop, and I’ve always tried to stay true to my own voice and experiences. My music is about real emotions and stories, and I think that’s what connects with people. Over time, I’ve seen how the music industry has evolved—especially with the rise of digital technology. But lately, I’ve become really concerned about AI’s role in this industry. At first, I was intrigued by the idea of AI tools in music production, but as I’ve learned more, I’ve started to feel that it’s undermining the very essence of what music is supposed to be about: authenticity, emotion, and human connection.”
That’s a fascinating perspective. What exactly about AI in the music industry bothers you? Could you give us an example of how you feel it’s negatively impacting the industry?
“Sure. I think one of the biggest issues I see with AI is that it encourages a kind of “mass production” of music. AI tools can generate melodies, beats, lyrics - essentially doing the creative work that used to be done by real people. The problem is that a lot of this AI-generated content is sterile. It lacks the heart and soul that comes from actual human experience. When you look at the music landscape, it feels like more and more songs are starting to sound the same. AI is great for creating “hits” that are designed to sell and stream well, but they often lack depth or any kind of emotional resonance. For me, music is about storytelling, personal expression, and sharing something deeply human with the world - and AI can’t replicate that.”
You mentioned the ‘mass production’ of music. Do you think AI could potentially make music too commercialised or formulaic, where the focus shifts from artistry to just what’s popular or trending?
“Exactly. That’s my biggest fear. AI can analyse data, identify trends, and produce music that’s calculated to fit the current sound of what’s popular. But this means we’re moving away from real artistry. There’s a risk of creating music based on what will get clicks or streams, rather than creating something meaningful. In the worst-case scenario, this could lead to a scenario where the human element of music - like unique perspectives or original sounds - gets lost in favour of algorithms that prioritise popularity over substance.”
“Take some of these AI-generated playlists or ‘AI-assisted’ tracks that pop up now and then - yeah, they might sound good or catchy, but they often feel hollow. It’s like the difference between eating fast food and sitting down for a home-cooked meal. One might fill you up, but the other nourishes you, you know?”
I totally get that. So, you think the emotional depth and individuality of music are being overshadowed by AI’s ability to generate catchy, formulaic tunes?
“Absolutely. And it’s not just about the music itself - it’s also about the process of creating it. When I write a song, it’s personal. It’s about my life experiences, my emotions, my thoughts. That process of creation is part of what makes the music feel real. But with AI, that process is taken out of the equation. If artists start relying too much on AI for inspiration or even for composition, what happens to their personal touch? If an algorithm can generate a song in a few minutes that’s already engineered to be a ‘hit’, what’s the point of the artist putting in the time and energy to write something truly meaningful? AI takes away that struggle, that journey of creation that makes music so powerful. And, frankly, it takes away the sense of authenticity that listeners connect with.”
You bring up an interesting point about the artist’s personal journey. Do you think that reliance on AI could diminish the value of music as a form of artistic expression?
“Definitely. The more AI gets involved, the more we risk turning music into a product, rather than a form of art. I think music should be about capturing a moment in time, reflecting a culture, or expressing a feeling that can’t be replicated. But if AI starts to dominate the process, it becomes a transaction - a formula that’s designed to sell or entertain, rather than something that’s genuine and expressive. Music should challenge us, make us feel something new, or make us see the world differently. But AI doesn’t "feel" anything. It just repeats patterns. If we let AI take over, we’re losing the magic of what makes music an emotional experience.”
That’s a powerful statement. Do you think AI is also affecting how music is consumed? In a world where streaming services and algorithms dictate what’s trending, do you feel like AI is shaping listener preferences in ways that might not align with true musical discovery?
“Yes, and that’s another big concern. The algorithms that power streaming platforms like Spotify or Apple Music are designed to push music based on your listening history and preferences. This is great for personalised playlists, but it also creates a feedback loop. It becomes harder for niche or unconventional artists to get noticed because the algorithms prioritise tracks that fit a specific formula.”
“AI is all about data - what people listen to, how long they listen, what kind of beats are popular - and it uses that information to predict what you’ll like. But the problem is that this creates a kind of musical echo chamber, where only certain types of music get visibility. It’s a self-reinforcing cycle, and it stifles discovery. If you’re an artist who doesn’t fit the ‘mainstream’ mould, it’s a lot harder to break through.”
You’ve painted a pretty bleak picture of AI’s influence on the music industry. Do you think there’s any way to strike a balance between using AI as a tool while still preserving the essence of music as an art form?
“I think it’s possible, but it’s going to take conscious effort from artists, producers, and fans. AI should be seen as a tool, not the artist. It’s okay to use AI for certain aspects of music production, like generating beats or helping with mastering, but the heart of the music should always come from a real person. Artists need to stay grounded in their own voice and resist the pressure to create based on what an algorithm tells them will work. And consumers also play a role - they have to be aware of the difference between music created with passion and creativity, versus something that’s just a product of a machine. Ultimately, it’s up to the artists to protect the integrity of their craft and the fans to continue supporting music that moves them emotionally, not just something that sounds good because it fits a trend.”
It sounds like you’re calling for a more mindful approach to AI in music - where it’s used to enhance creativity, but not replace it.
“Exactly. I believe that technology should serve the artist, not control the narrative. If we can find a way to use AI to assist in the process while still keeping the emotional heart of the music intact, we might have something really exciting. But if we let AI take over, then we risk losing what makes music truly special - the human connection.”
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Paula. It’s clear that you’re passionate about protecting the integrity of music, and I think your perspective will resonate with a lot of listeners and fellow artists alike.
"Thank you. I hope that as we move forward, we can find a way to embrace technology without losing sight of what makes music so powerful - the stories, the emotions, and the people behind it."
