Martin Nievera, Jed Madela, Mr. C on AI replacing live concerts: ‘Hindi kaya’

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape the music industry, Martin Nievera, Jed Madela and National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab believe there is one thing AI still cannot replicate; the human experience of watching artists perform live.

The three artists shared their thoughts on AI during a press conference for “Unang Siklab LIYAB: Mga Himig ng Dakilang Pag-Ibig,” an upcoming concert celebrating Cayabyab’s music through an orchestra and a massive 200-member choir.

For Madela, concerts like this remain important precisely because of what technology cannot reproduce. “Concerts and shows like this is very important kasi this is one thing that AI cannot do,” Madela said. “Kahit anong paki-generate mo sa AI, yes, it will produce something, but it will not replicate what a live singer can do.”

Nievera agreed, pointing to the emotion behind a live performance.

“AI, as useful as it is, walang bubuhat. And Mr. C, walang puso,” he said. “Mr. C has mastered the way of getting that emotion from us, that soul out of us, from his soul to our soul. Hindi kaya ng AI.”

Cayabyab, however, does not see AI as an enemy. For the National Artist, the technology remains a useful tool. but one that cannot replace the human connections created by live performances.

He believes live shows create an emotional and even spiritual connection between performers and audiences. “No amount of AI will ever, ever replace that experience,” he said. “But again, we’re not fighting AI. It’s a good tool.”

That human experience will be put on a massive scale at the Cayabyab tribute concert, which will bring together the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra and 200 voices from eight choirs. The performing choirs include the Ateneo Chamber Singers, Lobo Concertante, Concertus, UP Concert Chorus, UP Manila Chorale, PCSO Chorale, In Musicapella and Masa Pinos.

For Jonathan Velasco, one of the conductors involved in the production, hearing Cayabyab’s music performed by such a large ensemble is an experience in itself.

“When I let them listen to both the original recordings of the artists who sang Mr. C’s works and the orchestrated version, you know, nung ginawa na niya for choir, you will hear this in the concert, naku, kikilabutan ka talaga,” he said.

The concert will feature different sides of Cayabyab’s musical career, including sacred works, classical compositions, music from his theatrical productions and popular songs.

For the performers, the challenge is not simply singing familiar songs but finding their own connection to Cayabyab’s work.

With hundreds of musicians and singers coming together to perform Cayabyab’s works, “Unang Siklab LIYAB” aims to offer something technology cannot download, generate or reproduce on demand: a room full of people sharing the same music at the same time. — Ian Ureta