Donald Glover Shares His Thoughts On AI Being Used In The Entertainment Industry: 'It Is Scary On Some Level'

Donald Glover Shares His Thoughts On AI Being Used In The Entertainment Industry: ‘It Is Scary On Some Level’

Donald Glover might be open to joining the AI space, but he has a few precautions.

In a recent interview with Complex, actor/rapper Donald Glover, 40, discussed his career, plans for new music, and thoughts on the rise of AI (artificial intelligence).

In case you’re unaware, AI is defined by Google as,

“a set of technologies that enable computers to perform a variety of advanced functions, including the ability to see, understand and translate spoken and written language, analyze data, make recommendations, and more.”

Despite the good the software can potentially do, many have expressed concerns over AI being used to create fake music from musicians. When asked how he feels about artificial intelligence being accessible to artists in the music business, Donald Glover, aka Childish Gambino, admitted that he understands why some might be hesitant toward the application. He shared,

“I think there’s a good reason to be cautious. But at the same time, the scary stuff sells and people aren’t focusing on how AI can actually help us solve these problems that we have. I get it. It is scary on some level.”

Glover then explained how utilization of the technology could be beneficial.

He said,

“But I’m like, you could band together and do something really cool with it. Like, something really new. And you can do all that stuff faster. You know, AI’s not gonna take your job, the person who’s really good at AI is gonna take your job. All these things come with cautionary stuff and I think there should be legislation, although I doubt that will happen.”

Glover continued,

“Usually it’s in reaction and I think what’s scary to people is that we’re heading toward the precipice of an existential crisis, where we only get one chance to do it the right way. I think that’s what people are afraid of.”

The “Atlanta” actor added,

“But before that happens, there’s a lot of stuff where it’s like, ‘Well, how about we just aim it toward things that we actually want?’ As opposed to things that we don’t need and things that just seem like a fun idea. But I actually am a big proponent of, like… People are gonna be using this stuff, and people should be using this stuff, and it’s gonna figure itself out. I honestly have faith in humanity more than I think most people do.”

During the interview, Glover also addressed when fans can expect new music to be released. His last album “3.15.20” was released in March 2020.

“I feel like it’ll be clear sooner rather than later. It’d be better for people to just tune in, I suppose. But I’m trying harder to not be cryptic.”

Glover continued,

“You’ll see. [Laughs.] You’ll see. I know that’s cryptic, but I swear to God… You know, I don’t do this sh*t for money and sh*t.”

Childish Gambino

Apparently, Glover isn’t the only big-name celebrity who’s taking a stance on AI in music. As previously covered, Timbaland, 51, uploaded a track to his Instagram earlier this year with vocals that imitated the late rapper The Notorious B.I.G. (aka Biggie).

Thoughts? pic.twitter.com/K0lh9RJpRg

— Eduard (@edthesoundman) May 4, 2023

Despite causing an uproar online, the record producer said he’s focused on “commercializing” an AI voice filter software that could have a huge impact on the music industry.

Timbaland said,

“It’s going to really be a new way of creating and a new way of generating money with less costs. I’m already here. This is what I’m doing. I’m going to lead the way.”

He added,