Sheryl Crow: 'Resurrecting Tupac with AI is hateful'
A New Battle: Sheryl Crow vs. Artificial Intelligence
Sheryl Crow, known for hits like "My Favorite Mistake" and "All I Wanna Do", and her activism in issues such as gun control and climate change, is now voicing her concerns about Artificial Intelligence (AI). In her new album, "Evolution," the title track addresses how AI affects people and the world.
AI in Music: A Terrifying Experience
Crow first became aware of the impact of AI when she met a young songwriter who used AI to replace her vocals with those of country star John Mayer. Crow found the software so realistic that she couldn’t tell the difference. She was "literally hyperventilating" upon hearing it.
The situation worsened for Crow when Drake used AI to bring back the voice of late rapper Tupac Shakur. Although the track was removed due to legal threats, Crow believes it never should have been released. "You cannot bring people back from the dead and believe that they would stand for that," she protests.
A Broader Concern: AI in Society
As a mother of two teenagers, Crow worries about AI's implications beyond music. Fake voices and likenesses can spread misinformation, and AI might take over everyday jobs. She discusses these concerns with her kids, warning them of AI's dangers gradually creeping up on society.
A Call for Action
Crow is calling on politicians to enact tighter controls on AI. Despite her concerns, she holds onto a bit of hope: "AI can do lots of things, but it can't go out and play live… So as long as we have live music, as long as we have hands holding a paintbrush, all is not lost."
Live Shows and Nostalgia
After concluding a week of concerts in the UK, Crow feels blessed to still perform hits from her early albums like "Everyday Is A Winding Road," "Soak Up The Sun," and "Leaving Las Vegas." She describes her career as one happy accident – a journey she never imagined reaching this far.
From Missouri to Stardom
Born in Missouri, Crow was an all-state track athlete and a majorette but often felt out of place. Music became her escape. Rejecting corporate bands, she leaned towards blues and rock. Starting her career singing commercial jingles, Crow eventually became a session singer and joined Michael Jackson's Bad tour. It was a significant exposure, but finding her own voice took time.
Breakthrough with Tuesday Music Club
Crow's breakthrough came with the songwriting collective Tuesday Music Club. Their sessions resulted in her debut album, released in 1993. Initially slow to gain traction, the album took off thanks to the success of the single "All I Wanna Do."
Recognition and Influence
Crow's career flourished with hits, collaborations with legends like Prince and Johnny Cash, and even offers to join Fleetwood Mac. She remains influential, inspiring younger artists like Olivia Rodrigo and the indie supergroup Boygenius.
A Mother's Wisdom
As a mother, Crow encourages her kids to make safe decisions and learn from her experiences. She talks openly about her past, emphasizing, "I cannot believe I'm alive…Some people aren't. I tell my kids, ‘Don't count on the angels'… But there are angels."
Sheryl Crow's journey from Missouri to international stardom is a testament to her talent and resilience, now fighting a new battle against the unchecked rise of Artificial Intelligence.
