Steve Aoki: “IA is still not there to take over humans in the creation process” 

• The popular DJ and entrepreneur explored at Talent Arena the intersection between music, technology and new digital experiences 

• Aoki analysed the impact of artificial intelligence, ethics and copyright in the era of generative music, highlighting the need to balance protection with new opportunities  

• “With every technological advance you need safety tools to protect the artists rights. Rules and regulations are needed” 

Talent Arena, the event organised by Mobile World Capital Barcelona dedicated to digital talent, closed its first day with a keynote address by Steve Aoki, an international DJ and producer, technology entrepreneur and pioneer in integrating digital innovation into music. His talk, focused on the evolution of the music industry and the impact of artificial intelligence, became one of the most anticipated moments of the day. 

During his speech, Aoki highlighted that IA can help artists to create, but “IA is still not there to take over humans in the creation process”, because IA still can’t reproduce human feelings and experiences: “The story is the most important, and how you explain the story matters”. 

Artistic reinvention in the age of AI 

Aoki reflected on the constant reinvention of artists, noting that change can stem from new tools, personal curiosity or market movements. He also examined how artificial intelligence can act both as a tool and as a collaborator in music production, raising questions about what makes a piece of work authentically “human”. Aoki accepted that he sometimes works with AI and it is helpful, but he clarified: “I still haven’t had a Steve Aoki kind of song”, he said, sharing his experience using AI. 

The artist further explored how AI is redefining artistic identity and the relationship between creativity and technology. The discussion addressed the evolution of music from a purely manual approach to an environment in which collaboration with AI expands the capacity for experimentation and expression, highlighting the idea that technology enhances creativity rather than replacing it. 

Copyright and ethics in generative music 

One of the central themes was intellectual property in the age of AI. Aoki reflected on the need to design copyright frameworks that protect artists while at the same time fostering responsible innovation. 

“AI is not a threat, a threat is a world without no rules. With every technological advance you need safety tools to protect the artists rights. Rules and regulations are needed”, Aoki stressed, underlining the importance of balancing artistic protection with new creative possibilities in an environment where AI plays an increasingly significant role. 

Beyond the musical sphere, Aoki reflected on the broader impact of technology on the human experience, expressing his interest in emerging technologies and in topics that may seem distant, but are not – such as longevity – emphasising how innovation can be applied beyond music to enhance the human experience. 

“Real experience” 

Aoki asserted that people want to be part of the real experience: “You live the music when you go to the club with your friends or you go to a festival”.  

Moreover, he set an example: “Gen Z is a generation that wants the unreal the unfiltered, and raw content. AI is becoming too polished, and they don’t want that. The human experience is the real thing”. 

Steve Aoki’s participation reinforces Talent Arena’s commitment to profiles that represent the convergence of creativity and advanced technology. Driven by Mobile World Capital Barcelona and co-located with MWC Barcelona and 4YFN, Talent Arena consolidates its position as a key European platform for debating digital talent, innovation and its cross-cutting application in areas such as cultural transformation.