Papa Roach singer Jacoby Shaddix recently shared his perspective on the growing influence of artificial intelligence in music. He addressed how rock culture is pushing back against AI-generated content in a statement featured on LA Lloyd.
Shaddix discussed the current state of the music industry and the choice between artificial and human-created music. He drew parallels to consumer choices in other areas.
“I think now, at this point, we’re at another kind of strange time in music where this A.I. element is coming through, and it can be frightening, I think, for a lot of people, for a lot of young artists maybe,” Shaddix said. “But then there’s this hopeful element in it that I feel. Will.i.am from the Black Eyed Peas was trying to explain it, and I think he kind of hit the nail in the head in a way of, like, when you go to the grocery store, you can get the organic or you can get the GMO. What do you want? So if you want music, do you want fake music or do you want the music that’s coming from a human being? And we have a choice.”
The vocalist emphasized his belief that rock culture can distinguish between authentic and artificial content.
“A.I. is really essentially studying us. It’s a study of us. And how does it regurgitate us back at us in a generic way? And that’s where it’s at right now. And it will be interesting to see how this plays out. But I love the pushback from rock culture against it,” he continued. “I think that a lot of people in rock culture can smell it. They can hear it in the song, they can see it in the art, and they’re, like, ‘Ah, that ain’t it.’ And I love collaborating with people. I love the humanness of it.”
Shaddix further elaborated on the value of human collaboration in the creative process.
“I love the push and pull in the relationship of creating with another person and having to have a conversation in a room, creating a song. And sometimes my idea isn’t the best idea in the room, and it gets shot down. And then sometimes my idea is the idea that sticks, whereas this other one is, ‘I have a prompt. Let me press a button.’ It’s just lazy, man,” he said. “I think the people in the rock culture and in the rock space, we could smell it a mile away. There’s room for the human in that.”
The singer concluded by reflecting on technology’s role in music and the importance of maintaining authenticity.
“Technology’s been a fun thing for us to experiment with, but I feel like it’s gotten us to a point where things started to feel a bit more homogenized. And I’m, like, ‘Okay, cool. How do we make this thing sound original, fun and off the chain again?’ And so I love this experiment that we have in art and music, and it’s a continual, like I said, experiment,” Shaddix noted. “And we just want it to be authentic and real and believable, and I think that we’re hitting that mark right now.”
Shaddix’s stance reflects a broader movement within the rock and metal community against artificial intelligence in music creation. The Papa Roach frontman joins a growing chorus of rock musicians who have voiced concerns about AI’s impact on the industry.
Louder Sound reported that other prominent rock figures have also taken public stands against AI music. These include Killswitch Engage’s Jesse Leach, Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page, and Holding Absence’s Lucas Woodland. These artists share similar concerns about the technology’s potential to undermine human creativity and authentic musical expression.
Woodland has been particularly vocal about the threat AI poses to emerging bands. The same Louder Sound report revealed that the Holding Absence vocalist has warned that artificial intelligence could effectively end bands like his. This highlights the existential concerns many rock musicians have about AI’s role in music production.
The resistance from rock culture comes at a time when Papa Roach continues to maintain an active touring schedule. NorCal Public Media noted that Shaddix and the band performed at Sweetwater Music Hall in Mill Valley in January 2024. This demonstrates their commitment to live, human-driven musical experiences.
The debate over AI in music reflects broader questions about authenticity and creativity in the digital age. Rock musicians like Shaddix appear to be positioning themselves as defenders of traditional musical craftsmanship. They emphasize the irreplaceable value of human collaboration and emotional connection in creating meaningful art.
