Skip To...
Irish Singer Hozier recently made headlines with his bold statement about Artificial intelligence’s advancement in the music industry. During a chat, the entertainment star revealed he was willing to go on strike over the AI threat to music. Recall that in April 2023, a song that used AI to clone The Weeknd and Drake’s voices was released. However, after going viral a few days later, it was heavily criticized and taken off streaming services. Due to situations like these, Hozier said he doesn’t mind striking to protect the integrity of music.
Hozier’s Thoughts on AI Threat to Music
For the past few months, writers and actors in the United States have been on strike. Their demands include higher streaming pay and restrictions on the use of artificial intelligence to generate content. While the music industry is yet to follow suit, Irish singer Hozier said he’s willing to join similar action against the AI threat to Music. The 33-year-old made his thoughts known during a recent interview on BBC’s Newsnight. Presenter Victoria asked Hozier straight out if he could imagine going on strike over the threat AI posed to the music industry. Responding, the singer said, “Joining in solidarity if there was… action on that? Absolutely.” Hozier went on to say that AI being art or not was merely a philosophical debate. However, he believed artificial intelligence couldn’t create something based on human experience. As a result, he wasn’t sure if AI met the definition of art.
Hozier Discusses Sinéad O’Connor’s Death and Performing in Certain Countries
Besides his thoughts on AI’s threat to music as we know it, Irish singer Hozier also opened up about performing in countries like Russia or Saudi Arabia that repressed minorities. When asked about his thoughts regarding the issue, Hozier replied, “Do we not repress minorities here? Or in America?” Recalling his past concert experiences, Hozier explained that he was invited to perform his hit debut single, Take Me to Church in Vatican City. While he admitted it would have been a fun experience, the musician said he turned it down.
Also, Irish singer Hozier shared his thoughts on the demise of fellow Irish singer Sinéad O’Connor, who was found dead at her home in Southeast London in July 2023. Hozier relayed that he had been “walking on this road she had paved.” The Grammy-nominated artist explained that O’Connor paved the way when she tore apart a picture of the Pope on US TV in 1992 while protesting against child sexual abuse in the Catholic Church. O’Connor’s action sparked widespread condemnation, which Hozier claimed was due to her gender.
