'An insult': How AI entered Sydney's underground music scene

In recent weeks, a growing controversy has emerged within Sydney’s underground music community over the increasing role of artificial intelligence in creative expression. At the heart of the debate is a live music event known as *Mixed Bag*, hosted at Bootleggers in Newtown, where a performance by an AI-generated act sparked outrage among local musicians. The incident has ignited heated discussions about the boundaries of artistic authenticity and the ethical implications of using AI in music creation.

The event, organized by music services company Good Intent, featured a lineup intended to support emerging independent artists. Among these performers was Afro Charles, a project led by Damian Amamoo, who incorporated AI-generated vocal elements into his performances. Aidan Sammut, a local musician who had been rehearsing with his bandmates for the gig, expressed deep disappointment upon learning of Afro Charles' involvement. “It was an insult,” Sammut said, emphasizing that the slot allocated to the AI-based act could have gone to a human band seeking exposure. His frustration was compounded by the fact that the event was meant to provide a platform for smaller, less-established artists.

The controversy gained traction when Sammut shared his concerns on Instagram, where his video quickly amassed over 200,000 views. His message resonated with many in the local music scene, who felt that the inclusion of AI-driven performances undermined the integrity of live music. For Sammut, the use of AI represented a fundamental betrayal of the collaborative, human-centric nature of music creation. “It’s fundamentally based on this theft of human art,” he argued, highlighting his belief that AI-generated content lacks the emotional depth and cultural resonance of human-made music.

Despite the backlash, Amamoo defended his approach, explaining that he viewed AI as a tool akin to traditional instruments such as drum machines or synthesizers. He emphasized that his project, Afro Charles, includes both human and AI components, with two virtual avatars—Mei Ling and Afro Charles—whose vocals are generated by AI. Amamoo noted that he had used the Suno platform to craft his music, allowing him to experiment with different vocal styles and arrangements rapidly. “This latest new wave of artificial intelligence technology is just the latest change to making music—and it won’t be the last,” he said, suggesting that AI represents a natural evolution in the field.

However, the use of AI in music remains contentious, particularly due to legal and ethical concerns. Suno, the platform Amamoo used, has faced lawsuits from major record labels and production music libraries over its training data. Despite these challenges, Warner Music recently reached a licensing agreement with Suno following a copyright infringement case. Amamoo acknowledged that while AI is not entirely new—drawing parallels to the sampling practices of hip-hop—he believes that clear guidelines around intellectual property and fair use must be established.

As the debate continues, the broader implications of AI in music remain uncertain. While some see it as a revolutionary tool that can democratize access to creative resources, others argue that it risks diluting the value of human creativity. The incident at *Mixed Bag* highlights the tensions between innovation and tradition, raising questions about how the music industry should navigate this evolving landscape. With more artists exploring AI tools, the conversation surrounding its role in music is likely to intensify in the coming months.