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What Can AI Musicians Learn From Traditional Musicians

The Backstory

This episode is a little different. I had a two-hour conversation with David Gersten, a seasoned songwriter who’s been writing since the 1970s—and who now uses Suno to bring his words to life.


Unfortunately, that interview had technical issues and couldn’t be released. But the wisdom David dropped? Still worth sharing. So in this episode, I pulled together 7 key insights from that convo that seriously shifted how I think about AI and songwriting. 1. Structure Still Matters

AI can generate melodies, harmonies, even lyrics—but it still can’t fix a song that doesn’t work. David reminded me that structure is the backbone of songwriting. Verses need to build. Choruses need to land. And you still have to know what works emotionally.

2. You’re a Curator Now

With tools like Suno or Udio, you might generate 20 versions of a song. The hard part? Choosing the best one. David talked about the power of self-editing, knowing when to walk away, and how being a great creator today means becoming a great curator too.

3. All Methods Are Valid If They Connect

Whether you're writing in your head, scribbling on paper, or feeding ideas into AI—if it connects with someone, it counts. David is old-school, but he fully embraces that the tool doesn’t matter—the connection does.

4. AI Doesn’t Replace Skill. It Expands It.

This hit me. He said AI doesn’t make a non-writer a writer—it makes a writer faster, more flexible, and better equipped. That’s how David uses it: to bring his decades of lyric writing into the now.

5. Your Voice Still Starts With You

You can prompt Suno all day, but if the idea isn’t yours—does it matter?

David reminded me that creativity still begins in your gut, your experiences, your POV. The AI is the brush—but you’re still the one painting.

6. Song Standards Still Matter

Hooks, contrast, repetition, lyrical payoff—all the things that mattered in the ‘70s? Still matter. David’s perspective here was clear: AI doesn’t erase standards. It actually makes them more important.

Because now everyone has access to music tools. But not everyone uses them well.


7. Longevity Comes From Adapting

David’s been writing for over 40 years and still evolving. That alone is inspiring. He’s not “fighting” AI—he’s using it to stay creative, relevant, and expressive. That’s the kind of energy we all need.

Final Thoughts: This Conversation Changed Me

I wish I could’ve shared the full interview, but I’m glad I got to share what I learned.

David’s insights helped me slow down, reflect, and refocus—not on what AI can do, but on what I bring to it. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or just burnt out on AI music—this episode is for you.

Let me know what resonated in the comments. And big thanks to David Gersten for the inspiration.

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