Digital Social Hour: How AI Is Revolutionizing Music Creation | Bonnie X Clyde DSH #1174
Host: Sean Kelly
Guests: Bonnie, Clyde, Paige, and Danielle
Release Date: February 11, 2025
Introduction
In this episode of Digital Social Hour, host Sean Kelly engages in an insightful conversation with the dynamic music duo Bonnie X Clyde, along with their collaborators Paige and Danielle. The discussion delves into the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on music creation, the evolution of their musical journey, festival experiences, and the personal practices that sustain their creative energy.
The Genesis of Bonnie X Clyde
Bonnie X Clyde recounts their origin story, highlighting their early days in high school and the eventual formation of their musical partnership in college. Bonnie shares:
“We were making music under it [Vibrato], and I just saw a lot more people like, oh, this is cool. Better reaction.”
[12:45]
The duo initially struggled with their financial situation, living frugally in Miami while pursuing their passion. Their breakthrough came when their track "Rise Above" was picked up by Trap Nation, leading to a surge in popularity and their first management deal.
Musical Evolution and Success
As their career progressed, Bonnie X Clyde transitioned from bass-heavy tracks to more melodic house music, aiming to appeal to a broader international audience. Bonnie explains:
“Afro house is like a very piano-based, kind of tribal, percussion-oriented thing. It’s very palatable so you can party on it for 12 hours.”
[17:16]
Their single "Bass Jam" topped US Dance radio charts, cementing their status in the EDM scene. This success provided them with opportunities to tour extensively and collaborate with major artists, including an unforgettable experience opening for Tiësto at the Brooklyn Mirage.
Festival Performances and Experiences
The conversation shifts to their vibrant festival experiences, where they perform to massive crowds. Clyde shares a personal anecdote:
“I bought something from some random guy, came out of his sock and. Yeah. Almost died.”
[05:14]
Despite the occasional mishap, performing at events like EDC Vegas and Electric Zoo has been exhilarating. Paige highlights the differences in performing at various venues:
“We do play music festival sets, I think differently than club sets.”
[04:16]
Bonnie emphasizes the importance of audience connection, whether performing to thousands or in intimate club settings:
“When you’re on one of those big stages and there’s 30,000, you’re not really connecting with... when you’re at a club and they’re right there, you can see how much fun they’re really having.”
[09:35]
Creative Process and Adaptation
Bonnie X Clyde discusses their creative synergy and how they balance visionary ideas with tactical execution. Bonnie states:
“I like to understand why and who’s it for and what the emotion that I’m trying to evoke out of the person that’s going to be consuming.”
[26:52]
Paige adds that her spontaneous creativity complements Clyde’s strategic approach, allowing them to produce unique and impactful music consistently.
Embracing AI in Music Creation
A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the utilization of AI in their music production. Clyde inquires about their experiences:
“Have you guys used AI to make any songs yet?”
[26:39]
Bonnie confirms their innovative use of AI, including generating intros with voices like Morgan Freeman and training models to replicate Paige's vocals:
“We’ve made like intros and like we had Morgan Freeman do our intro.”
[28:31]
Paige reflects on the dual nature of AI in music:
“It makes me feel like sometimes I’m like, okay, well, there are parts that it’s not hitting perfectly, which feels good. But at the same time, I’m like, oh, no, if I lose my voice, I’ll be good. But it’s also scary.”
[29:13]
They discuss the ethical implications and future potential of AI-generated music, acknowledging both the opportunities for creativity and the challenges of authenticity and artist rights.
Personal Practices: Meditation, Burnout, and Mental Health
The guests open up about their personal strategies to manage the pressures of their demanding careers. Bonnie shares her approach to maintaining mental clarity:
“I’m ascending into the universe and the speed of light when I’m doing that.”
[22:21]
Clyde emphasizes the importance of practices like breathwork and gratitude journaling to combat anxiety and prevent burnout:
“I have a gratitude journal every morning. Non-negotiable. 10 things.”
[24:37]
Paige discusses the societal pressures of constant busyness and how intentional relaxation practices like meditation help her maintain balance:
“Our schedule causes us to be really busy.”
[23:48]
Their candid conversation highlights the necessity of self-care and mindfulness in sustaining a successful and fulfilling career in the music industry.
Future Plans and Upcoming Performances
Looking ahead, Bonnie X Clyde shares their excitement about upcoming performances, including their participation in F1 events and future collaborations with renowned artists like Tiësto:
“We’re gonna put something together [with Tiësto].”
[32:13]
They also mention their plans to continue leveraging AI tools to enhance their music and expand their global reach, while staying true to their artistic vision.
Notable Quotes
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Bonnie on AI and Creativity:
“We’ve trained a model, so if people send us demos, I can go and separate... our boy actually created it.”
[28:37] -
Clyde on Maintaining Momentum:
“I have a gratitude journal every morning. Non-negotiable. 10 things.”
[24:37] -
Paige on Meditation and Balance:
“Our schedule causes us to be really busy.”
[23:48]
Conclusion
In this episode, Digital Social Hour offers a comprehensive look into how AI is reshaping the landscape of music creation through the experiences of Bonnie X Clyde. From their humble beginnings and rise to fame to their thoughtful integration of technology and personal wellness practices, the conversation provides valuable insights into the future of the music industry. Listeners gain an appreciation for the delicate balance between creativity, technology, and mental health that drives successful artistry in the digital age.
Where to Find Bonnie X Clyde:
- Spotify
- Apple Music
Be sure to check out their latest tracks and upcoming performances to stay connected with their evolving musical journey.