Baratunde sits down with James Andrews, the Chief Innovation Artist at Creator Mode Studios, to explore the intersection of AI and the creator economy, particularly in the music industry. Drawing on his deep experience in the music world, James shares how the creative ethos of hip-hop, with its emphasis on sampling and remixing, foreshadowed the principles of AI. He sees AI not as a replacement for human artists but as a powerful tool to amplify and expand creative expression. James highlights his work with artists like King Willonius, the creator of the AI-generated hit “BBL Drizzy,” as an example of AI's potential to push creative boundaries. He also advocates for fairness and equity in the evolving AI-powered music industry, ensuring that artists' rights and ownership are protected as they embrace these new technologies, and offers some choice words for Hollywood’s business leaders. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about how AI can democratize creativity and empower a new generation of innovative artists around the world.

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CHAPTERS

00:00 Intro to the show

01:22 Digital Twins and AI Innovations

02:17 Behind the Scenes and Setup

04:21 James Andrews' Journey and Ventures

09:40 Early Life and Tech Memories

15:04 AI in Music and Creative Industries

22:12 Challenges and Opportunities in AI

29:46 Hip Hop, Technology, and Innovation

35:20 Balancing Artistry and Technology

47:15 The Importance of Data Ownership in the Music Industry

48:13 The Evolution of Marketing and Insights

49:16 Web 3.0 and the Future of Artist Data Control

50:52 AI and Creative Innovation in Music

52:02 Case Study: Willonius and AI-Generated Music

56:52 Legal Challenges and the Future of AI in Music

59:37 Empowering Artists Through Blockchain and Smart Contracts

01:19:59 The Role of Education and Imagination in the AI Age

01:22:51 Final Thoughts and Future Speculations

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Send Questions, Comments, or Ideas: [email protected]

Write to Blair: [email protected]

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Created and Executive Produced by: Elizabeth Stewart and Baratunde Thurston

Executive Producer and Showrunner: Misha Euceph

Editor: Alie Kilts

Senior Producer and Writer: Alex Stone

Associate Producer: Layne Deyling Cherland

Video Editor: Erik Shute

Videographer and Audio Engineer: Mike O’Brien, Voicing Change Media

Theme Music: Andy Clausen

Special Envoy to the Machines: Peter Loforte 

Life with Machines is a Voicing Change Media production

Sponsored by Lenovo 

#DigitalInnovation #CreatorEconomy #HipHopTech #AIandCreativity #Blockchain #AIInMusic #FutureOfTech #ArtistEmpowerment #AIRevolution #DigitalTwin #Web3