In an era where generative AI, automated tools, and instant arrangement plugins promise to eliminate creative friction, the electronic music industry faces a crucial question: how much creative process can be handed off before the artist is no longer the creator of a track? For Manchester-based producer Yeadon, the line between technology as a helpful tool and technology as a surrogate decision-maker is clear. Having carved out a respected lane across progressive and melodic house with releases on Anjunabeats, his latest single ‘Don’t Forget’ serves as a timely reminder of what makes the genre work.
The Problem With Bypassing the Struggle
In a style defined by emotional patience, subtle detail, and delicate tension, Yeadon argues that genuine connection cannot be generated by an algorithm. While he is not anti-technology, he draws a firm boundary when it comes to generative plugins making artistic choices. “From my point of view, no significant parts of an artist’s work should be outsourced to a generative plugin or artificial intelligence, at least when it comes to the creative side of things such as writing music,” he explains. “I don’t really understand why we would want to outsource something so personal, rewarding, and enjoyable as writing music to AI.”
Adam explains that the very essence of production lies in the struggle, the happy accidents, and the mistakes that force a producer to become better over time. “I believe that when you’re in the flow, making music or creating art, you’re putting a piece of yourself into it,” he notes. “Handing this over to a generative plugin or AI is always going to mean the end result is less you.”
When AI is used as a shortcut to get to the end result without going through the creative process, I think we risk bypassing the whole point of making art in the first place: the chance to connect with something and express it.
-Yeadon
Polished vs. Personal
Yeadon’s perspective also touches on the illusion of technical perfection. With modern AI tools capable of delivering clean, radio-ready mixdowns in seconds, he points out that a technically flawless track can still leave a dancefloor completely cold. “For me, the records that speak to me are often less about whether they’re mixed well or technically perfect, and are more about the emotion and energy in the record,” says Yeadon. “A track can be super polished, perfectly balanced, mixed in the best studio, and still not say anything, or make the listener feel anything. When I hear AI-generated music, this is often the feeling I get from it.”
While Yeadon encourages artists to use technology for mundane administrative tasks or to free up creative time, he insists that taste and sonic identity must remain strictly hands-on. “There’s a difference between letting technology influence or inspire you and letting it develop your taste for you,” he concludes. “If you increasingly rely on generative tools to decide what sounds good or what should come next, you risk allowing the technology to shape your taste.”
Adam’s message on his latest release ‘Don’t Forget’ certainly lives up to its name: don’t let that creativity go away. Don’t become a template, willingly. Don’t replace your essence with an essence that’s going to be common to millions typing a similar prompt.