Diplo Says Creatives Must Adopt AI or Accept Obsolescence
Producer and DJ Diplo has told creatives they need to start using AI tools or "give up," arguing that resistance to the technology is futile and economically irrational.
In recent podcast appearances, Diplo laid out a stark position: AI adoption is not optional for creative professionals. "You're not gonna win. There's no fighting AI," he said on the Behind The Wall podcast. "You have to just work your best to be the best at it right now."
Diplo pointed to specific capabilities that have emerged in recent months. He said AI-generated vocals now rival what he can extract from professional singers. "I have some voices, when I make some stuff in AI, I'm like, 'Damn, I couldn't even get this take out of the best singer,'" he said, adding that this shift happened within three months.
He described watching a young producer he signed react to AI music generation tools. After they created three beats using Udio in five minutes, the producer said he was "done" and "cooked." Diplo acknowledged the sentiment but explained his own position differently: he has enough established reputation to use these tools effectively, while emerging producers still need to develop their craft.
The Economic Argument
Diplo framed AI adoption as an economic inevitability rather than an artistic choice. He compared it to how the music industry absorbed sampling technology and platforms like Splice, which initially faced resistance but became standard.
"It's proven every time that technology wins," he said. "You're never gonna be like, 'I'm gonna choose the artistry and the hard work.' You can talk that all you want. Some people will love that. But 99% of people are gonna just want to love the best product, made the quickest, made the cheapest."
He drew a parallel to consumer behavior beyond music: people say they want healthy food but choose cheap options instead. The same logic, he argued, applies to music production and distribution.
Brand Over Voice
Diplo said the future favors producers with established brands who can leverage AI rather than individual vocal talent. "You do need the brand more than you need the voice," he said. "I don't even need a voice anymore. I can get the best voice from AI."
On another podcast, And The Writer Is..., Diplo discussed his experience with AI video generation tools and mentioned using AI on unreleased music. He also described himself as a skilled AI prompter, crediting years of experience and cultivated taste.
Diplo recently became an investor in the AI startup Aaru, cementing his financial stake in the technology's adoption.
For creatives evaluating their own approach to AI, understanding both the technical capabilities and the market pressures Diplo describes is essential. AI for Creatives courses can provide hands-on experience with the tools reshaping creative work.
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