What happens when artists embrace AI instead of fear it?

An interview with Storm9000: Producing "Storm9000 and the Robot"

Storm9000 is a mysterious producer/mix engineer based in Columbus, OH. We love his sound—mellow and smooth, retro and modern all at once—and we find his humble attitude refreshing. He focuses on the music, finds other artists to collaborate with, and maintains his artistic integrity.

His recent excursion into releasing an album with AI as a collaborative partner is a lesson in open-mindedness and the constant evolution a true artist goes through as part of their journey through an ever-changing world.

LIE TO ME single cover art by Storm9000

Initial reactions to AI in music

I started out experimenting with sound on the family piano and performed at local recitals. During this time, I remember hearing about an IBM 7094 computer singing “Daisy Bell” using computer speech synthesis, which always intrigued me.

My first experience with “machine-made” sound was on equipment like the Roland S10 and Akai MPC series. When I heard AI was becoming accessible in creative applications, I was excited—“Finally.”

The approach: lyrics vs. production

I mainly use AI to sing over my productions and demo song ideas. It’s always good to hear some kind of vocal on a track, especially when the production is geared toward artists or when you’re in the business of selling productions.

I often find that, on the music creation side, the audio quality isn’t quite there yet. AI-generated files tend to stick out against sounds created from analog or synth instruments. The quality will only improve over time.

AI-generated files tend to stick out against sounds created from analog or synth instruments, but the quality will only improve over time.

Community feedback and local reception

I would say the initial reaction to anything new depends on the level of understanding that the disgruntled person has of the thing they think they don’t like. That’s just part of the creative process.

Overall, the reception of my album Storm9000 and The Robot has been great. I also held a sold-out workshop showing how the record was made, along with instruction on how creatives can use AI to augment their talent or choose to leave it alone.

A shift in the creative process

Creatively, AI is simply another tool, a different color to draw with. AI music generation and vocal synthesis, accompanied with the ability to break a finished song down into stems, further expand creative choices.

New tools are always a good thing, but ultimately it’s up to each individual creator to maximize those tools to the best of their abilities and beliefs.

Writing and voicing with AI

I’m primarily a producer and mix engineer who occasionally releases singles, EPs, and albums, not a songwriter. When I need lyrics, I draft them and let AI double-check my grammar, punctuation, and spelling to speed up the project.

Efficiency and human collaboration

For me, AI is the ideal tool for training and experimentation because it’s so readily accessible. I can “rehearse” with AI before collaborating with a human, ensuring I’m equipped with abundant ideas and examples that accelerate the creative process.

Preparation is crucial today, especially since many creatives operate without limitless budgets or unlimited time in our hyper-competitive world.

I can “rehearse” with AI before collaborating with a human, ensuring I’m equipped with abundant ideas and examples that accelerate the creative process.

Harrier Take-away

The world is changing; finding where you fit as an artist, musician, businessperson, or technologist is the key. Know your boundaries, know where you end and the tech begins, and keep your focus on your muse.

Listen to “Lie to Me” from Storm9000 and the Robot

https://youtu.be/vDDo2MAkRtM?si=AfWhzQh5MmuXlqvc

Learn more about Storm9000 at www.storm9000.com, and you can find his music and collaborations on your favorite major streaming platforms.