London-based singer-songwriter Samuel Smith, diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2020, has embraced artificial intelligence tools to overcome the progressive neurological disorder's impact on his ability to play guitar and continue his passion for Americana music. Smith's journey illustrates a unique application of AI in music creation, offering a path forward for artists facing similar challenges, while also navigating the broader complexities and debates within the music industry regarding AI's role.

Smith, 49, recently released his second album, “The Art of Letting Go.” For one of its eight tracks, an instrumental piece titled “Horizon,” he utilized AI-powered music generation platforms like Suno and Udio to create demo arrangements. These demos served as crucial communication tools, conveying his musical vision to the session musicians who ultimately recorded the song. He emphasized that these AI-generated tracks were solely for preliminary arrangements and not intended for the final studio mix. The tremors, stiffness, and fatigue, common symptoms of Parkinson's, significantly deteriorated his guitar skills during the album's production, leading him to seek alternative creative avenues. Smith articulated his dilemma, stating, “Don’t play, don’t be creative, or find a way out, find a route.’ And for me, this was the route.”

To produce these convincing demos, Smith would hum rough melodies into his phone, upload the recordings, and then provide prompts describing the desired instrumentation, mood, and style. He noted that achieving a demo that closely resembled his musical ideas often required “50, 100, 150 attempts” and extensive editing. Smith firmly believes that AI is not a replacement for his artistry but rather an enabler. “AI is not replacing anything for me,” he stated. “It’s unlocking, it’s enabling. It’s allowing me to keep writing. I upload my lyrics; AI doesn’t create my lyrics. I upload my music; AI does not create my music.” This process allows him to effectively communicate his musical thoughts to professional musicians.

The integration of generative AI has sparked significant debate within the music industry, with many artists and record labels expressing concerns over copyrighted work being used to train AI models without consent. In June 2024, Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group, and Warner Records filed lawsuits against Suno and Udio. However, Universal later reached a settlement and partnership deal with Udio, and Warner did the same with Suno, indicating a shift towards collaboration. Less publicized, but equally significant, are the instances where these platforms empower serious musicians like Smith, whose physical capabilities are directly affected by debilitating diseases.

Experts, such as Ruaidhri Mannion, a composer and music producer at Brunel University of London, acknowledge the potential of AI-assisted music tools to benefit individuals with disabilities or illnesses. Mannion likened it to how affordable digital recording software democratized music-making decades ago, suggesting that AI tools could similarly help songwriters and musicians communicate ideas and collaborate more easily, encouraging broader participation in creative groups. However, Mannion also cautioned against overreliance on technology, warning that it could interfere with the essential trial-and-error, frustration, and synergy that are fundamental to a musician's artistic development and the meaningful collaborative element of music creation.

Smith's album, “The Art of Letting Go,” was produced by Grammy-winning pianist and producer Matt Rollings. It featured an ensemble of renowned roots and bluegrass musicians, including dobro player Jerry Douglas, banjo player Alison Brown, fiddler Stuart Duncan, guitarist Bryan Sutton, bassist Viktor Krauss, and singers Jonatha Brooke and Glen Phillips. Grammy-nominated guitarist Julian Lage performed on the album’s title track and on “Horizon.” A particularly poignant moment for Smith was managing to play a guitar duet with Lage on “Horizon,” which he described as a “bittersweet high point” and a “last breath” of his guitar playing, enabled by a brief window of improved mobility despite his disease progression.

Through his experience, Smith advocates for the responsible development of AI, highlighting its potential societal benefits and capacity to expand creative access. He challenges AI companies to “step up,” engage with health professionals, music therapists, and society to demonstrate their positive role. On May 21, Smith collaborated with the Berklee Music and Health Institute for an event in New York, bringing together industry leaders, researchers, and clinicians to explore how music can support individuals with neurological conditions. For Smith, creating music is integral to the legacy he wishes to leave for his children, ages 4 and 17, as he refuses to be defined by his disease.