Is AI actually ruining underground dance music — or is it exposing something deeper?

In this episode of The Listening Practice, I dig into the uncomfortable, nuanced reality of AI in music — not from a hype perspective, and not from a fear-based one — but from the lens of someone who has lived inside underground dance culture for decades.

We talk about:

• Why AI isn’t killing creativity, but exposing gaps in it

• The difference between generative AI and traditional music tools

• Why some AI-written music feels “too sweet” — and why that matters

• How digital retailers and streaming platforms are being flooded with AI-driven releases

• The shrinking retail and cultural space for the next underground genius

• Why sound quality and fidelity still matter on real systems

• The danger of confusing tools with authorship

• Why Bandcamp’s stance on AI actually makes sense

• How AI can be used responsibly as a creative assistant

• And why human intention, spirit, and collaboration still define great music

This is not an anti-AI rant.
This is not a hype piece.
This is a conversation about culture, intention, longevity, and soul — especially in underground dance music where those things still matter.

If you’re a producer, DJ, dancer, label owner, or lifelong listener — this one’s for you.