1010Benja’s AI-assisted single challenges perceptions of generative music tools
The Verge reports that 1010Benja’s track ‘Semiramis’ Dream’ demonstrates high production values, though the artist acknowledges the ethical and environmental costs of the technology.
Musician 1010Benja has released ‘Semiramis’ Dream’, the opening track of his EP Time Has Nothing To Do With What You Choose…, utilising the generative artificial intelligence platform Suno. According to reporting by The Verge, the release serves as a case study in how AI tools can be integrated into professional music production, moving beyond the perception of such platforms as generators of low-quality output.
The production process involved Benja writing lyrics and recording vocals, which were combined with a beat provided by collaborator Patrick Holder. These elements were processed through Suno and subsequently edited in Ableton. Benja describes an iterative workflow, feeding the AI-generated material back into the digital audio workstation for refinement before re-submitting it to Suno. He estimates this cycle was repeated several hundred times to achieve the final product.
Benja has been transparent about the technology’s role, with the track marked as AI-generated on streaming services such as Deezer. In an interview with Hearing Things, he stated there was no intention to conceal the method. "We’re not hiding it. We don’t feel any shame about it," Benja said, noting that the heavy processing and hyperpop-influenced vocal chops help camouflage the artificial nature of the backing vocals.
The decision to employ generative AI was driven by significant financial constraints. Benja, who has previously experienced homelessness and difficulty paying rent, cited the prohibitive cost of hiring professional musicians as a primary factor. He remarked sarcastically that he did not hire a professional children’s choir, highlighting the economic reality that his artistic vision currently exceeds his financial means.
While The Verge noted the track’s infectious jungle beat and high production quality, it also pointed out that the AI choir is not entirely convincing. The review contrasts Benja’s work with that of artists like Holly Herndon, who successfully integrate AI into their music. Benja acknowledges the ethical baggage and environmental impact of the technology, adopting a pragmatic stance on its use despite broader industry scepticism.
The release follows Benja’s 2024 EP Ten Total, which received a "Best New Music" designation from Pitchfork. Despite the critical acclaim for his previous work, the artist remains a struggling musician, using AI as a tool to realise compositions that would otherwise be financially out of reach. The track stands as a distinct entry in his catalogue, separate from the other three songs on the new EP which do not utilise the same AI-assisted production methods.
