Empire Of The Sun Singer Says “Of Course” He Uses AI
Empire Of The Sun frontman Luke Steele has said he uses artificial intelligence, responding "Of course!" when asked in an interview with iHeartRadio at the Osheaga Festival. His candid answer stood out amid an ongoing debate within the music industry, where many artists have argued AI should have no role in the creative process at all.
Pressed on the views of musicians opposed to AI in art, Steele described the technology as "just another tool," comparing it to "a really smart guitar pedal." He went on to warn that artists who reject AI risk being left behind, saying it would "empower artists that know how to use it" while those against it should "be careful, because it's going to come and swallow you like a boogie monster at night." Stereogum's write-up characterised his stance as more resigned and cynical than genuinely pro-AI, suggesting an attitude of "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em."
In short
- Luke Steele confirms he uses AI, calling it "just another tool"
- He likens AI to a smart guitar pedal in creative work
- Warns AI-resistant artists risk being left behind
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Artists have always adopted new tools—from electric instruments to digital production software—to expand their creative possibilities. Viewing AI as simply another tool in this lineage is reasonable; it can enhance artistic expression rather than replace it, allowing musicians to focus on vision and direction whilst automating technical work. Pragmatically, the technology exists and is advancing regardless; artists who understand it can leverage it strategically, whilst those who reflexively reject all AI risk genuine obsolescence as industry practices evolve.
The case against
The concern is not about tools generally but about what AI represents—outsourcing fundamental creative judgment to algorithmic processes trained on data often gathered without artist consent or compensation. Unlike previous tools that amplified human choice and skill, AI can generate content autonomously, raising profound questions about authorship, authenticity and artistic integrity. There is also practical concern: widespread AI adoption risks further devaluing creative labour, concentrating economic benefits among platform owners rather than artists, and eroding the human artistry that audiences genuinely value.
Explained simply
Empire of the Sun is an Australian electronic music duo, with Luke Steele as its singer and songwriter. Artificial intelligence tools can generate or alter music, lyrics and sounds, prompting debate about how they fit into making art.
Some musicians argue that AI should have no role in creative work, while others see it as a tool artists can choose to use. The debate touches on creativity, artists’ work and how music may be made in future.
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