Myles Kennedy “Absolutely” Refuses to Use AI to Write Songs: “Why Would I Cheat Myself?”

Alter Bridge and Slash singer Myles Kennedy says he refuses to use AI as a songwriting tool, explaining that doing so would “cheat” himself of the creative process.

In an interview with SiriusXM host Eddie Trunk, Kennedy said of AI (as transcribed by Blabbermouth), “I will absolutely refuse to use it as a, quote-unquote, writing tool. That, to me, is… So wait, you’re gonna go to something that goes through the entire Internet and takes other people’s work, and then somehow that’s going to be something you’re gonna feed off of as your… A.I.’s now your collaborator?”

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One of the primary reasons Kennedy cites is his own passion as a songwriter and the deep joy he gets from that process. He elaborated on that point:

“I’ve been writing for the last 10 weeks just because I’ve had some downtime, and there’s nothing I love more than writing — period. Nothing. So why am I gonna deny myself the joy of the great scavenger hunt? That’s the way I look at it. You’re trying to problem solve and find parts and navigate through all of this stuff, and then when you find it, it’s like finding gold. There’s nothing better, as far as just the satisfaction you get. So why would I cheat myself by using A.I. to cut to the a song that’s created in an afternoon? I’m kind of old school, I guess. But then there are other people who are gonna say, ‘You know what? I use AI, and it helps me write, and I’m more prolific because of it.’ And I’m, like, ‘Okay, well, if that works for you, good on you.’ But I’m not joining in on that one.

I’ve had a really great career because I can… I guess I’m known as a singer and whatnot, but ultimately I’m a songwriter, and I think that’s what’s helped me in all of the projects I’m in, is having that thing, whatever that is, to continue to create new songs. And the way I do it — you can ask [my wife] Selena — it’s a little crazy. It’s very obsessive. When I open up that portal, I don’t step out for a long time. And I’m convinced it’s probably not healthy for me, ’cause I don’t sleep real well and I’m always kind of on call for when the next idea’s gonna pop into my head. And a lot of times it happens when you’re in kind of that strange sleep state. But I don’t know. That’s all I’ve known for — jeez — 30-plus years. That’s just kind of what I do, and I love it. The process is so fascinating to me, and when you find something that’s finally good, and in some cases for me that never happens for months, and I’m still trying to find something good, frankly. But, look, it’s an incredible dance, and it’s an incredible joy that I would be lost without.”

These critical comments follow fellow Alter Bridge bandmate Mark Tremonti’s similar comments from earlier this year, with Tremonti saying the rise of AI means we are exiting the era where we know art is real.

Alter Bridge will embark on a headlining US tour this fall with support from Big Wreck and Tim Montana. The outing kicks off November 5th in Philadelphia, and runs through a December 5th show in Reno, Nevada. Pick up tickets here.

Once Myles Kennedy wraps up touring with Alter Bridge, the singer will turn his focus to Slash Featuring Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators, who are expected to release a new album in early 2027.