In this interview, Joey Rival explores Creative Destruction, reflecting on AI’s rising influence in music, artistic identity, and the challenges of staying authentic in an increasingly saturated, technology-driven creative landscape.
1. Can
you introduce your EP Creative Destruction and what inspired its concept around
AI in the music industry?
I wanted to
try taking my music in a slightly different direction than my previous
releases. I have honestly felt discouraged as an underground artist constantly
trying to be heard and recently been overwhelmed by A.I. content even more so
now in the music arena. Some of the things I’m seeing being done from the art
to the music is frankly scary. Not that I think it could replace artist but it
is surely making it harder in the already over saturated market to be seen and
heard. All these thoughts are what drove my initial creation of this story.
2. What
are your personal thoughts on the growing role of AI in music creation—threat,
tool, or something in between?
Its really
what we allow and accept as a community. I believe it is a double-edged sword.
There are people who type prompts and have created full albums, art work etc
and make an income off of zero talent or abilities. I find that personally
difficult to accept at times as one of the thousands of artists out there just
trying to create an be heard for who they are and not be over shadowed by the
volume of AI creations. AI like anything comes down to how its being used.
3. How
did your years of experience in metal shape the sound and message of this
release?
I planned
on taking this wring in a different direction intentionally doing things
against my norms and trying to focus on the simplifying of the tracks. I have
learned in our current industry the traditional 8 – 10 minuet tracks filled
with guitar solos doesn't seem to grab the attention it use to. Despite that
being my influence and how most of my prior writing has been done, I took this
concept as an opportunity to experiment with simplification.
4. As a
guitarist and vocalist, how do you approach balancing technical skill with
emotional expression in your music?
That's
tough to pin point exactly how it works for me. The foundation of any of my
music always starts with a riff. Something just grabs me about it as I’m
playing and I build from that. I let the music guide me in a sense. Once I have
a good foundation, I listen back and see what emotions it brings out what
melodies I hear and as cliche as it sounds again, I let to song guide me to
what its saying. In the case of this 3-song concept I started with an overhead
Idea and that would have me focus on a specific direction for the writing. The
rest just happens.
5.
You’ve worked across original projects, tribute acts, and session roles—how
have these different experiences influenced your artistic identity?
Getting to
work with everyone I have has been such a pleasure and eye opener into real
professionalism specifically when working with Chris and Dirk. Sending them a
track and how quickly they send back such quality performances blew my mind.
Just working with them in comparison to the ''local guy” was made so clear why
they are who they are. I got insight into how they record and track which
cardinally helped my own growth. Everything I’ve been involved in or those I’ve
worked with have left little marks that have helped shape my style.
6. What
was your creative process like when writing and recording Creative Destruction?
Being that
I wanted to take this whole EP in a different direction I threw away my
traditional way of writing. I approached this from a very different place. The
subject matter being AI I focused on that and even ironically used some of the
very tools I am speak against in parts of this creation. I was very story
focused on this one and everything from the artwork, the tracking, the songs
specific names and the order they appear on the EP. The whole thing was
designed with this specific theme in mind and is littered with easter eggs and
metaphors.
7. Do
you think AI will change the role of musicians in the future, and if so, how
should artists adapt?
I do, I
think its unavoidable. This is all in the starting phase and just over the last
few years has made insane improvements to what its capable of. I do believe we
can use it to aid artist in creation but we need to watch just how far we let
that go. Allowing FULL AI art and music to have a platform along actual artist,
now that's something I don't want.
8. What
challenges did you face while developing your solo project compared to working
within bands?
It’s all on
me, all of it. Writing, recording, artwork, promotions, acting as artist and
manager. The amount of hats I have to wear doing this honestly can be difficult
but I do it because I love making music. There are times I miss just being
another guy in a band that has others working towards the same goal, helping
along the way. Sadly, it’s hard to find people to connect with and work well
with as an adult with work and family. Things are not like when I was 16 in the
garage. Now I just take it little by little and do what I can, keeping myself
open to opportunity.
9. Are
there specific themes or messages in the EP that you hope listeners take away
after hearing it?
There are A
LOT. I don't like to throw out my own takes and specific things I did case I
love to hear what the listeners find our how things resonate with them. But to
those listeners out there that love to hunt through tracks for all the hidden
parts, there are plenty.
10.
What’s next for Joey Rival—can we expect more solo material, collaborations, or
live performances soon?
I felt this
was a turning point really. All my earlier work came from a different mental
space I had been in at that time. Where I find myself today, this EP is more
reflective of those struggles. The Eps title ''creative destruction “was not
only talking about what AI is doing but maybe implying my own. Often asking
myself what’s the point in these releases, these creations, if they only fall
on deaf ears. Ultimately music is what makes up most of who I am and I could
never really stop. I do have plans for continued solo releases and collaborations
for the future. I am always keeping myself open to working with other artist
and groups as well. Live, I sure would like to again at some point. It has
honestly been too long since I’ve gotten to enjoy that part of this and I do
miss it. Will see what the future holds.
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