Fear Factory guitarist Dino Cazares hasn’t been shy about voicing his thoughts on artificial intelligence and its growing role in the music world and society at large. The band, known for its decades-long exploration of themes surrounding technology and its impact on humanity, is even delving further into AI’s societal effects on their upcoming record.
The discussion around Cazares’ views intensified a few weeks ago following an interaction with a fan. When the fan mentioned being “disappointed” by bands using AI for album covers, Cazares offered a challenging perspective on the ubiquity of AI technology:
“But wouldn’t you be a hypocrite too? Some of the software [you] use is AI. All information you put or see on social media is used to help AI grow, to help train it, just because you think you are not using it doesn’t mean it’s not using you.”
His argument centers on the idea that virtually any interaction with digital technology contributes to the training and advancement of AI systems, whether users actively realize it or not.
On May 3rd, Cazares continued this line of reasoning on Twitter (X), suggesting that the debate itself highlights AI’s advantage and that true resistance would require a radical step:
“We all can keep fighting about AI but the only one that’s winning is AI. People don’t realize it’s in everything we use, if you don’t want to help contribute to AI becoming more intelligent and powerful then get rid of all electronic devices, that’s where the battle begins because the Machines Of Hate prevail.”
This sentiment resonated with some users. When @entoatucasa commented, “I’m afraid the AI ship sailed a long time ago,” Cazares agreed, emphasizing the accelerating power of AI:
“Yeah and people don’t get it. They can cry all they want but it’s not going anywhere it’s getting more powerful every second…”
The inherent contradiction in discussing the abandonment of technology on a digital platform wasn’t lost. User @LegionofMaul highlighted this:
“If I get rid of my electronic devices, how can I read your tweets?”
Cazares acknowledged the irony but doubled down on the principle:
“Exactly but if [you] want to win the battle against AI, getting rid of your devices is a start.”
Amidst the discourse, user @brettis1ok pointed out the connection to Fear Factory‘s long-standing lyrical themes: “you guys warned us in your music lol years ago.”
This observation aligns with Fear Factory’s legacy of tackling concepts of man versus machine and technological evolution head-on in their music.
Cazares‘ pragmatic, almost resigned, stance prompted questions about the implications for creative work, specifically concerning AI generating music in the style of Fear Factory. His response focused on the lack of control artists have in the face of this technological advancement, comparing it to existing issues:
“You’re missing the point it’s already happening and there’s nothing I can do. I don’t have a choice in the matter. People have been stealing music and art for decades what’s any different then AI doing it? I’m not defending it just giving [you] the facts about it.”
In essence, Cazares seems to view the rise of AI, including its potential use (or misuse) in creating art, not as something to be endorsed, but as an inevitable technological wave that is already reshaping the landscape, much like digital piracy did before it. His core message remains consistent: AI is deeply integrated into modern life, and its influence continues to grow, regardless of individual approval.
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