Charleston, South Carolina, August 4, 2025
News Summary
Johnny Delaware, a Charleston-based songwriter and former guitarist for Susto, faces accusations of being AI-generated following confusion with the band The Velvet Sundown. With a performance planned in Charleston, he seeks to clarify his identity as a true artist amidst growing concerns about AI’s influence in the music industry. Delaware argues for the importance of human creativity and emotional depth in songwriting, highlighting the legal and ethical implications of AI-generated content.
Charleston, South Carolina –
Songwriter and former guitarist for the band Susto, Johnny Delaware, has found himself at the center of controversy after being mistakenly labeled as an AI-generated artist. This follows a recent incident where he was erroneously associated with the AI band The Velvet Sundown on streaming platforms, causing confusion among listeners.
Delaware, who has gained a dedicated following through his solo music, aims to dispel these allegations about his authenticity as an artist. His concerns were amplified when an article in The Atlantic referred to him as a related artist to The Velvet Sundown, a group that is entirely AI-generated and boasts over one million streams. With a performance scheduled at the Music Farm in Charleston on August 8, 2025, Delaware is eager to clarify his identity as a human artist dedicated to genuine creativity.
Moreover, the podcast “Switched on Pop” initially included Delaware in a discussion regarding AI music, presenting his work as potentially AI-created. However, the podcast later rectified this discussion, acknowledging Delaware’s music as a product of human artistry.
Music and AI: A Growing Concern
Delaware’s newest album, titled “Para Llevar,” features a song entitled “Stubborn Faith,” which has garnered attention in recent music discussions. His unique sound fuses influences from various music genres, particularly reminiscent of ’60s and ’70s folk rock, which contributes to the ongoing confusion regarding his musical identity.
The resemblance between Delaware’s sound and that of The Velvet Sundown has led to increased misunderstanding, with industry insights suggesting that renowned music professionals have also found it challenging to determine the source of his work. A computer science professor highlighted his own uncertainty concerning whether Delaware’s music was humanly crafted or AI-generated.
Delaware believes that AI’s rising influence on the music scene symbolizes a troubling trend toward laziness and a decline in creativity. He emphasizes the need for authentic songwriting, as the emotional depth and personal experiences integral to music cannot be replicated by AI. Audio engineer Ryan “Wolfgang” Zimmerman has echoed these sentiments, warning that the changes brought about by AI are critical and challenge the authenticity of music today.
Legal and Ethical Implications
The music industry faces uncertainty surrounding copyright issues, especially as AI technologies use existing human-created works to generate content without the necessary permissions. This raises questions about ownership and the rights associated with songs that incorporate AI technology. While AI can mimic the sounds associated with human artists, it often lacks the emotional resonance that comes from genuine human experience.
Delaware has described the surge of AI music as a “tidal change,” drawing parallels to technological advancements that have historically shifted various industries. He aims to continue promoting his music amidst these challenges and plans to tour Europe in May and June 2025, focusing on maintaining a presence in the ever-evolving music landscape.
Conclusion
As discussions surrounding AI’s role in music grow, Delaware remains committed to defining his artistry through authenticity and emotional connection, a sentiment shared by many in the industry. The fusion of technology and creativity poses both opportunities and challenges as musicians navigate their identities in a fraught landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Johnny Delaware?
Johnny Delaware is a songwriter and former guitarist for the band Susto, known for his solo music and performances.
What accusations has Delaware faced regarding his music?
Delaware has been accused online of being an AI-generated artist, a misunderstanding compounded by his association with the fully AI-generated band The Velvet Sundown.
How does Delaware view the impact of AI on the music industry?
Delaware believes that the rise of AI music indicates a decline in creativity and stresses the importance of authentic artistry and emotional expression.
What measures is Delaware taking to promote his music?
Delaware plans to continue performing and has scheduled tours in Europe in May and June 2025 to maintain his presence in the music industry.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Artist Identity | Johnny Delaware is a real musician, refuting claims of being AI-generated. |
| Musical Association | Misunderstanding linked him to The Velvet Sundown, an AI band. |
| Upcoming Performances | Scheduled to perform at Music Farm in Charleston on August 8, 2025, with tours planned for Europe. |
| Industry Challenges | Concerns about authenticity and copyright in AI-generated music. |
| Artistic Philosophy | Advocates for the importance of human creativity and emotional depth in music. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Charleston’s Concert Lineup for August 2025
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Johnny Delaware and the AI Music Controversy
- Big Takeover: Interview with Johnny Delaware
- River Cities Reader: Johnny Delaware at Raccoon Motel
- Grateful Web: Johnny Delaware on Music and Authenticity
- Wikipedia: Johnny Delaware
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
