Sonu Nigam, currently on his Satrangi Re tour, took a moment out of his busy schedule to discuss the impact of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in the creative fields. In a recent conversation with a media outlet, the celebrated singer shared his thoughts on the evolution of technology, particularly AI, and its role in music.
Nigam emphasised that AI should be viewed as a tool to assist, rather than replace, the creative process. “AI should be treated as an assistant, not as your boss,” he said. “It’s a tool that can support creativity, but it should never replace the human soul that gives music its true essence.”
The Kal Ho Naa Ho singer also addressed the shift in the music industry from cassettes and albums to digital platforms. Reflecting on the changing landscape, Nigam pointed out that in the past, people made an effort to physically purchase music, which created a personal connection to the art. In contrast, the ease of accessing music through services like Spotify has diminished that personal engagement, something Nigam admits he misses.
Regarding AI-driven algorithms, Nigam acknowledged their influence on music discovery, noting that the recommendations he receives align with his musical tastes for now. However, he remains curious about how this trend will evolve. “For now, I find that algorithms recommend music I’m genuinely inclined towards—so I don’t see it as a problem yet. We’ll have to wait and watch how it develops,” he said.
Nigam’s Satrangi Re tour, announced in July, is making its way across seven Indian cities. Following a successful performance in Mumbai, the singer will be performing in Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Pune, Kolkata, Shillong, and Delhi-NCR. Described as a musical journey of emotional contrasts, Satrangi Re promises to take audiences on a ride through the many shades of human experience, from the “camaraderie of yellow” to the “tranquillity of purple.”