Hariharan Warns Against AI Voice Cloning: ‘It’s Sick’ (EXCLUSIVE)

Veteran singer Hariharan is aware of the growing use of artificial intelligence in music. The singer says that while AI can assist creators, it should never replace human creativity. Sharing his thoughts on AI-generated songs and voice cloning with Variety India, the singer calls the practice of recreating an artiste’s voice or composing style “sick.”

Hariharan compares AI to a musical instrument that can be used to enhance the creative process, but not to drive it entirely. “It’s like using a loop. It’s like using AI as a prop and an instrument. You can use it to make something more interesting. But you can’t depend on it for making a composition. That’s what’s happening. Everybody’s talking about using AI to make a song. That’s not the way to go,” he says.

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When asked whether AI recreating an artiste’s voice or composing style feels flattering or frightening, Hariharan did not mince words. “It’s sick. I’m sorry, but it’s sick,” he says.

Music composer and singer Leslee Lewis, who is also part of the conversation, offers a more balanced perspective. He points out that every technological advancement has faced similar questions in the past. “Computers came in during the ’90s. People asked whether it was good or bad to use them. At the end of the day, it’s how you use it,” Lewis says. He also stresses that musicians should remain in control of the technology rather than letting it dictate the creative process. “If you allow AI and such technologies to control what you’re doing, then you have to be a slave to the machine. But if you have a song and you want it done in a particular way, it’s quite amazing what AI can do to help you create what you want,” he explains.

Lewis also clarified that AI should be used to realize an artiste’s vision and not to imitate anyone. “It shouldn’t be used to copy existing work or create random new content. Instead, it should help you bring your creative vision to life in a realistic way,” he concludes.