Final Fantasy composer Nobuo Uematsu says he will never use AI in his music

Legendary Final Fantasy composer Nobuo Uematsu has revealed his position on using generative AI to create music, stating he has never used the technology and has no plans to do so.

The details:

• As shared in a recent interview with JASRAC Magazine (via Automaton), Uematsu made it clear that he strongly opposes generative AI being used in music composition, explaining that the creative process is inherently rewarding precisely because of its challenges. “I’ve never used it, and I probably never will,” Uematsu said. “I think there’s more satisfaction in something you’ve created yourself after some effort and struggle. Also, when people listen to music, part of their enjoyment comes from discovering the background of the person who made it, right? AI doesn’t have that kind of background.”
• The composer went on to explain what makes music satisfying when created by humans, and noted how people tend to enjoy the imperfections that would be cleaned up with AI use. "Even when it comes to live performances, music produced by people is unstable, and everyone does it in their own unique way. And what makes it sound so satisfying are precisely those fluctuations and imperfections.”
• Uematsu has stepped back from composing full video game soundtracks in recent years after creating the OST for the 2021 Apple Arcade RPG, Fantasian, stating that he lacks the “physical and mental strength to do it anymore.” Despite this, he has remained active in music, composing the theme for Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and confirming that he will return for the third and final entry in the remake trilogy.