Is AI Ruining Underground Dance Music?

Is AI actually ruining underground dance music — or is it exposing something deeper?In this episode of The Listening Practice, I dig into the uncomfortable, nuanced reality of AI in music — not from a hype perspective, and not from a fear-based one — but from the lens of someone who has lived inside underground dance culture for decades.We talk about:Why AI isn’t killing creativity, but exposing gaps in itThe difference between generative AI and traditional music toolsWhy some AI-written music feels “too sweet” — and why that mattersHow digital retailers and streaming platforms are being flooded with AI-driven releasesThe shrinking retail and cultural space for the next underground geniusWhy sound quality and fidelity still matter on real systemsThe danger of confusing tools with authorshipWhy Bandcamp’s stance on AI actually makes senseHow AI can be used responsibly as a creative assistantAnd why human intention, spirit, and collaboration still define great musicThis is not an anti-AI rant.This is not a hype piece.This is a conversation about culture, intention, longevity, and soul — especially in underground dance music where those things still matter.If you’re a producer, DJ, dancer, label owner, or lifelong listener — this one’s for you.