Final Fantasy Composer Nobuo Uematsu Explains His Opposition to AI Music Generation

Nobuo Uematsu, the acclaimed composer known for his work on the Final Fantasy series, has clearly stated his position against the use of generative artificial intelligence in music production. He argues that human-created music, with its inherent imperfections and unique fluctuations, possesses a satisfying quality that AI cannot replicate. Uematsu's perspective highlights a broader concern within the creative community regarding the role of technology in artistic expression, emphasizing the irreplaceable value of human struggle and personal history in the creative journey.

In a recent interview with JASRAC Magazine, Uematsu firmly declared that he has never utilized AI for music generation and likely never will. He articulated that the distinctive character of music stems from the individual creator's unique approach and the subtle variations present in human performance. These elements, he contends, are what truly resonate with listeners and contribute to the emotional depth of a composition.

Uematsu's skepticism towards AI in music is not a new development. He has previously voiced apprehension about the evolving landscape of video game music. Last year, he pointed out a worrying trend among game directors who seem content with generic \"Hollywood-style\" scores. He stressed that an over-reliance on AI tools could hinder composers from delving deep into their own identities to unearth and express truly original musical ideas. More recently, he lamented a perceived stagnation within game music, where many composers appear to imitate the styles of established figures like John Williams, rather than forging their own paths.

The celebrated composer advocates for a more experimental and imaginative direction in video game music. He suggests that generative AI, by its very nature, can only produce content that mirrors the data it was trained on. This limitation, in his view, prevents AI from achieving the compelling imperfections and unexpected qualities that are the hallmarks of human artistry. Uematsu firmly believes that the challenges facing the industry are not technological but rather creative ones, stemming from a lack of willingness to embrace unconventional and personal musical expressions.

While acknowledging that AI tools might offer assistance in certain technical aspects of music creation, such as smoothly transitioning between different sounds, Uematsu ultimately finds more fulfillment in the arduous process of creating something entirely by himself. He posits that the enjoyment derived from listening to music is intrinsically linked to understanding the background and experiences of the person who composed it. This profound connection, he concludes, is something that AI, devoid of personal history and lived experience, cannot provide.