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Empire of the Sun’s Luke Steele Says AI Can “Empower Artists That Know How to Use It”
Empire of the Sun singer Luke Steele has defended the use of artificial intelligence in music-making, telling iHeartRadio Canada that he uses AI tools "of course" and views them as simply another instrument at a musician's disposal. His comments add him to a growing list of prominent musicians publicly weighing in on AI's role in creative work, a debate that has intensified as more artists experiment with the technology while others warn it threatens the authenticity of songwriting.
Steele likened AI-assisted studio tools to "a really smart guitar pedal" and argued the technology would "empower artists that know how to use it," making them "unstoppable," while warning that artists who resist it "have got to be careful" or risk being overtaken. He declined to address questions about AI's environmental impact. The article contrasts his relatively measured stance with Boy George, who has used ChatGPT to write entire albums and recently released a controversial AI-made pro-Israel track, and with Jack Antonoff, who has strongly criticised AI use in songwriting as undermining a "holy process." Empire of the Sun are currently touring North America on their "Ask That God: Afterlife" tour through October.
In short
- Luke Steele says AI empowers musicians who embrace it
- He compares AI tools to a "smart guitar pedal"
- Contrasts with Boy George's AI use and Antonoff's criticism
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Advocates argue that AI represents the natural evolution of production technology—from synthesizers to digital software—and functions as a tool for skilled artists comparable to sophisticated studio equipment. They contend it democratises music-making whilst allowing musicians who master it to work more efficiently and achieve results they couldn't otherwise. The technology itself is neutral; those who thoughtfully employ it gain advantages over those who resist it.
The case against
Critics maintain that songwriting differs fundamentally from other technical creative work because it requires authentic human emotion, intuition and artistic sensibility that algorithms cannot replicate. They raise serious concerns about copyright infringement, job displacement for human musicians, and reducing creative work to a technical process. They argue that delegating core composition to machines undermines the authenticity and intentionality they consider essential to meaningful art.
Explained simply
Artificial intelligence (AI) tools can generate or alter music, words and sounds, and some musicians are using them alongside familiar studio equipment. Their growing use has prompted debate over whether they support creative work or change what songwriting means.
Luke Steele is one half of Australian electronic music duo Empire of the Sun. Musicians have taken different approaches: Boy George has used ChatGPT in making albums, while producer and songwriter Jack Antonoff has criticised AI in songwriting.
The debate matters to artists and listeners because AI could affect how music is made and who gets credit for creative work. Questions about its environmental impact and its effects on artistic expression are also part of the discussion.
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