British jazz band Incognito warns AI could exploit aspiring musicians

From left: Jean-Paul ‘Bluey’ Maunick, Cleo Stewart, Francis Hylton, Francesco Mendolia

By Amanda L

KUCHING, June 28: Highlighting human connection over digital shortcuts, British acid jazz pioneers Incognito issued a passionate critique of Artificial Intelligence (AI) at the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) 2026, warning that over-reliance on automated creativity risks exploiting and under-nurturing the next generation of musical visionaries.

Speaking at a festival press conference, band leader Jean-Paul ‘Bluey’ Maunick acknowledged AI as an unignorable modern reality but urged a deeply cautious approach to its adoption in creative fields.

“AI is a reality; it’s a progression of what human beings are able to do.

“But like everything else, we have to use it responsibly and protect each other. If we let our children grow up on mobile phones without first experiencing the real world, we leave them vulnerable to exploitation,” he said at a press conference held at Sarawak Cultural Village (SCV) today.

Maunick expressed deep concern over the cultural push toward automation, recalling a television interview where an AI creator questioned the utility of learning a musical instrument, calling it “boring.”

“It’s basically to encourage people to take shortcuts,” he warned, contrasting this philosophy with the vibrant musical traditions he witnesses globally.

“If you want to give your children and the planet a chance, use AI, but also teach them to develop their own creativity, vision and tell their own stories. If everyone just takes shortcuts, we’re doomed,” he said.

Band members echoed the sentiment, pointing to a distinct lack of soul and identity in AI-generated art. Vocalist Cleo Stewart emphasised the necessity of real communication.

“I feel like it’s important for us to connect, not just through our music, but just as human beings and not rely on another entity,” she said.

Bassist Francis Hylton took aim at the commercialization of automated art, drawing parallels to the early days of the internet in 1999.

While recognizing its power, he noted that the current usage of AI often targets the “lowest common denominator” and serves as a disappointing proxy for genuine human expression.

“Nobody likes to feel like they’ve been fooled. You can kind of spot AI tunes. To have to compete with a lot of stuff which has just been done at the press of a button,” he said.

Drummer Francesco Mendolia offered a lighter yet firm take on the matter, expressing frustration over people bypassing the hard work required to succeed.

He emphasised that the true value lies in the dedication and education built along the way, which ultimately shapes a well-rounded individual.

“I don’t like shortcuts. I studied all my life and this is not fair.

“It’s important the way you reach a journey and study; it makes you complete,” he said.

While technology will continue to advance and draw from human history, the spiritual power of music comes entirely from unfiltered, lived human experiences. This unique, authentic touch is something that no algorithm can genuinely replicate. — DayakDaily