Mumbai’s celebrated lyricist, singer, and actor Swanand Kirkire, a National Award winner, has voiced deep concerns over a troubling trend in the music industry: the rapidly shrinking shelf life of songs. In an exclusive interview, Kirkire highlighted how artificial intelligence is accelerating production speeds but simultaneously making tracks obsolete almost overnight.
Kirkire explained that AI is infiltrating every corner of music creation—from composing tunes to penning lyrics. ‘The production speed is only going to get faster with AI,’ he said. ‘People are using it for everything. We truly don’t know what lies ahead, but exciting times are coming.’
This isn’t just an Indian issue, according to Kirkire. The entire global music world is grappling with AI’s dominance, raising questions about creativity, longevity, and emotional resonance in music. While technology promises new opportunities, maintaining a song’s lasting appeal remains a formidable challenge.
Kirkire remains optimistic, suggesting that AI could unlock fresh creative avenues. His latest project, the web series ‘Bandwale’ streaming on Prime Video, co-created with composer Ankur Tewari, exemplifies his evolving storytelling through music. As the industry navigates these changes, Kirkire’s insights underscore the need to balance innovation with timeless artistry.