The Role of AI in My Music
Music has always been deeply personal to me. Every song I write begins with a real emotion, a real story, and a moment where I find the clarity to express what is on my heart and deep within my soul.
Technology is part of my creative workflow, but it does not replace the heart of the song. I hold the copyright to the songs I write, and the stories, lyrics, themes, and creative direction begin with me.
AI in Music Today
AI music generation is a hot topic right now. But the truth is, technology has been part of music production for a long time — we just didn’t always call it “AI.”
From auto pitch correction to systems that can generate full 4-part harmonies electronically, artists and producers have relied on technology for decades to shape and enhance sound. These tools have helped musicians refine their work, not replace it.
What’s different today is the rise of true artificial intelligence — systems that can generate entire songs on their own. This shift has created a lot of conversation, and in many cases, turmoil within the music industry. It raises real concerns about authenticity and has, in some cases, removed the visible talent behind true music production.
That’s where my approach is different.
I use AI as a tool — not as a replacement for creativity.
Where the Songs Begin
My writing process begins with being in the right mindset. Many of my songs are written while I am performing home dialysis, but inspiration can also come in quieter places — my office, Rock Creek State Park in Parks, Nebraska, or even sitting near a water pit in the pasture by my farmhouse.
Some days, the lyrics flow freely. Other days, they take time and persistence. Each song reflects the moment I am in and the mindset I bring to it.
My Lyric Workflow
I often begin with a simple quadrant of words and themes. These ideas start very literally, and then I work to transform them into something more creative and meaningful.
For example, I might begin with:
Money
And through the writing process, that idea may evolve into:
Gold
That transformation is where emotion and artistry begin to take shape. I use technology as a creative assistant to explore word choices, phrasing, structure, and lyrical direction, while the message itself remains mine.
Melody and Music Creation
After the lyrics are developed, I begin shaping the melody. Sometimes that starts with my own voice. Other times, it begins at the keyboard or piano.
From there, I continue refining the sound I am trying to achieve using technology-assisted production tools. This allows me to move efficiently from a rough idea to a complete musical concept while still staying true to the original vision.
Collaboration and Musicianship
While technology plays an important role in my workflow, my music is ultimately a collaborative effort with talented musicians around the world.
From skilled pianists and vocalists to full orchestral arrangements, I work with a freelance music team that helps bring each song to life. In some cases, that includes recordings with world-class ensembles such as the Budapest Symphony Orchestra.
These collaborations add depth, emotion, and authenticity that can only come from real musicians. Every project is a blend of personal songwriting, modern technology, and the artistry of talented performers working together to create something meaningful.
Vocals and Demo Releases
Most songs begin with AI vocals for the demo release. This allows me to release music more quickly, gauge listener response, and determine whether a song truly connects.
If a demo release performs well, I will often re-release the song with live human vocals to remove the AI vocal component and invest more deeply into the final production.
This approach allows me to balance creativity, efficiency, and quality while continuing to share music consistently.
Why I Use Technology
Technology gives me the ability to create and release music at a pace that would otherwise be difficult, especially given the realities of time, health, and resources. It allows me to test ideas, build full demos, and bring songs to life in a practical and meaningful way.
For me, AI is not the artist.
It is a tool.
The story, the struggle, the faith, the memories, and the message behind each song are mine.