Confronting the rapidly advancing influence of artificial intelligence in the music industry, GRAMMY®-nominated artist Teddy Swims and his long-time manager Luke Conway offered a powerful counternarrative during their keynote conversation at SXSW Sydney. The duo’s “In Conversation” format, which took place during the conference in October 2023, highlighted the irreplaceable human elements of artistic creation that stand in contrast to AI’s algorithmic approach to music.
While not explicitly framing their discussion as anti-AI, Swims and Conway emphasized the critical importance of authentic human connection in music creation. They focused on their successful artist-manager relationship, demonstrating how interpersonal trust and creative collaboration form the bedrock of meaningful artistic output. This perspective implicitly challenges the notion that AI could replicate the nuanced understanding between artist and management that shapes career trajectories. Their discussion underscored the importance of brand storytelling as a uniquely human aspect of music promotion that AI cannot authentically replicate.
Human connection in music transcends algorithms, with artist-manager bonds creating the authenticity technology cannot replicate.
The keynote occurred against a backdrop of intense AI-focused discussions throughout SXSW Sydney, where numerous sessions explored AI’s transformation of content creation, marketing strategies, and audience engagement. Other industry experts demonstrated “digital twins” and algorithmic composition tools, highlighting technology’s growing presence in creative fields. Just as singers must master vocal techniques to project authentically without strain, artists must develop their unique voice to stand out in an AI-dominated landscape. Swims is scheduled to return for the 2025 conference as a Thursday keynote speaker, discussing his journey from grassroots to global entertainment. This context made Swims and Conway’s human-centered approach particularly significant.
Mental health emerged as another key differentiator in their conversation. The pair openly addressed the psychological challenges of steering through the music industry, suggesting that human support systems represent an aspect of artistic development that AI cannot authentically replicate. Their candid discussion revealed how emotional resilience, built through genuine human connections, remains essential for artistic longevity. Coming fresh from performances at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena, Swims brought real-world perspective to these industry challenges.
Cultural strategist Dr. Marcus Collins’ parallel session reinforced their position, arguing that cultural movements—not algorithms—ultimately drive music virality and lasting artist impact. This perspective aligns with Swims and Conway’s implicit thesis: while AI may influence distribution and creation tools, the human elements of storytelling, authenticity, and cultural connection remain the true engines of meaningful musical success. Their keynote effectively positioned artist-manager synergy as a bulwark against the impersonal tide of AI’s industry disruption.
