Beans on Toast is known for his musical interpretations and observations of social issues and current affairs, often exploring difficult themes with wry humour and humanity. For his latest single, he turns his attention to the development of artificial intelligence. While he offers a balanced view on AI’s benefits or pitfalls, he is clear on one thing: the impact is likely to be huge. AI will affect all areas of our lives and a time of great change is likely in education, policy-making and creative endeavour. AI is already everywhere and it’s a mighty topic to grapple with in a song.
Beans says: “I’ve had an obsession with AI since first giving it a spin at the start of this year. It’s absolutely bonkers, and I really feel like every aspect of our lives will be affected by it, so I was always gonna write a song about it. In order to make a point I used AI to generate the lyrics to the chorus of the song, I’ve also used AI to create the artwork and press images, to make the video and even to write the press release you’ve just read. Moving forward I’ll go back to making my own art and writing my own words, but it’s important that people know this thing exists and it’s coming, fast!” That AI has been used so heavily in the songwriting and promotional process for this song should give everyone involved in music pause for thought. Beans has been entirely transparent here, linking it’s use to the song’s very theme. But is this the future of music? As he notes in the lyrics, the future is impossible to predict.
‘AI’ is from the upcoming album, ‘The Toothpaste and the Tube’, which is due on Beans’ traditional album release date of 1st December. The new record was recorded with Ferris & Sylvester and promises to be another outstanding look at life through the eyes of Beans on Toast. Throughout autumn and spring, Beans will be on an extensive, relentless tour. Get your tickets here. We can guarantee that it’ll be the real Beans on Toast at these shows.
