Johnny Hachem’s name is synonymous with musical excellence. A composer whose works have earned him 10 international awards, he has established himself as one of the most influential voices in contemporary composition. With his orchestral pieces performed by prestigious philharmonic orchestras, Hachem has captivated audiences worldwide with his ability to blend technical mastery and emotional depth. His composition “The Battle of Siddim,” inspired by the biblical Valley of Siddim, stands as a testament to his artistry and profound connection to history. Yet, even with his remarkable achievements, the question of AI’s role in creativity has left him reflecting on the future of his craft.
The Emergence of AI in Music
Artificial Intelligence’s influence in the music industry is undeniable. AI tools like AIVA (Artificial Intelligence Virtual Artist) and OpenAI’s MuseNet have made it possible to compose music in virtually any style, from classical symphonies to modern pop. These programs analyze massive datasets of existing music, recognize patterns, and use that information to produce original compositions.
For industries like film, gaming, and advertising, AI offers efficiency and affordability, providing quick, tailored soundtracks for various applications. However, Johnny believes there is a distinction between technical proficiency and artistic depth. “AI can create music, but can it convey the emotions and stories that human composers infuse into their work?” he asks. “Efficiency is impressive, but the true value of music lies in its emotional connection.”
The Heart of Human Creativity
Johnny reflects further on the unique aspects of human creativity that AI cannot replicate. “Music is more than just a collection of harmonious sounds,” he explains. “It’s a living reflection of who we are as individuals and as a culture. The music I write is a product of my experiences and my journey.”
He points to “The Battle of Siddim,” a piece inspired by the biblical story of the Valley of Siddim. “Before writing it, I traveled to Jordan and spent time near the Dead Sea, feeling the history of the place,” Johnny recalls. “The air, the land, the stories—it all informed the music. Could AI ever experience that kind of immersion? Could it convey the depth of such a personal connection?” Johnny pauses, letting the question linger. “I don’t think AI can do that.”
AI as an Ally, Not a Replacement
Despite his reservations, Johnny is not entirely dismissive of AI’s potential in music composition. “I see AI as a tool that can assist in the creative process rather than replace the composer,” he shares. “AI can generate ideas, experiment with different harmonies or melodic patterns, and even automate the technical aspects like orchestration. But the creative spark, the vision behind the music, that comes from the composer.”
Johnny points out that AI can be particularly helpful in overcoming technical challenges or exploring new musical territories. “AI can provide a starting point or a foundation, but it’s up to the composer to shape that into something meaningful,” he explains. “It’s the composer’s touch that gives the music its heart.”
Ethical and Artistic Concerns
With the rise of AI in music, Johnny is also concerned about the ethical and artistic implications. “If AI creates a piece of music, who owns it?” he asks. “Who gets the credit for something that’s generated by a machine?” These are questions that are still being grappled with in the industry.
Moreover, Johnny warns of the risk of homogenization in music. “AI relies on patterns and data from past works, which means it might replicate what’s already been done,” he explains. “There’s a real danger of music becoming predictable or uniform if we rely too heavily on AI. Music needs to be diverse, expressive, and rooted in the unique perspectives of human composers.”
Finding Harmony Between Humans and Machines
Ultimately, Johnny Hachem believes the future of music lies not in the competition between human composers and AI, but in a harmonious collaboration between the two. “AI has its place in the creative process, but it will never replace the human connection to music,” he affirms. “The heart of creativity is inherently human—shaped by our emotions, our stories, and our experiences.”
For Johnny, AI is not the end of music as we know it, but a tool that can enhance the possibilities of composition. “The future of music is about collaboration,” he says. “Composers and machines working together to push the boundaries of what’s possible, while still preserving the authenticity and soul of human creativity.”
“Technology can help us explore new ideas,” Johnny concludes. “But it’s the composer who breathes life into the music. That will never change.”
