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songwriter Lolito Go

Leah C. Salterio

As artificial intelligence (AI) increasingly reshapes how music is written, produced, and shared, Filipino songwriter Lolito Go warns that AI should serve as a tool to enhance human creativity, not replace it. Drawing from his experience in both mainstream and grassroots music, Go argues that while AI can speed up production, the emotional core of a song must still come from real artists.“AI is not a threat to music,” Go told ABS-CBN News. “Every time there is a new technology, we are always threatened, anxious or nervous. But eventually, that becomes part of the process.”But Go, who wrote the ukulele music for Moira de la Torre’s “Titibo-tibo,” the grand winner of Himig Handog 2017, is also careful about how he personally uses technology.“There is also a limit,” he said. “I only use AI for demos, to pitch ideas. But once the song is approved, it should get recorded by real musicians, singers, arranged and produced properly. It cannot be AI until the end.”That balance, Go believed, is essential to preserving artistry while embracing innovation.Go is a critical voice on social media whose commentaries span politics, music and pop culture. Beyond his online presence, his credentials in the local music scene make his perspective particularly relevant.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1771897428473Recording A Song.jpg" style="width:655px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-dragging" width="655"/>Songwriter Lolito Go</div>For Go, the rise of AI in music is not something to fear.Go pointed out that history has shown a familiar pattern. “When synthesizers first appeared, some musicians worried they would replace live instruments,” Go noted. “When digital recording arrived, others feared the loss of analog warmth.“Even streaming once sparked anxiety about the future of albums and radio. Yet music did not disappear. It evolved. Artists adapted, audiences adjusted and new creative possibilities emerged. I believe that’s what will happen to AI. It’s just a tool. It still depends on the people how to use it.”<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1771897458673Moira &amp; Lolito (Himig Handog 2017).jpg" style="width:655px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>Moira and Lolito Go </div>The discussion naturally shifted to the craft itself: Is songwriting easier with AI, and if the technology had existed earlier, would he have used it to create the songs he is known for today?“The process now is perhaps faster,” Go said. “But the message of the song, AI cannot do it in shortcut even if it has the tool that works faster. People should need to feel the song and what the writer wants to convey.”As for using AI on his past works, Go’s answer is measured.“I might have used AI for demo or guide,” Go admitted. “But the final song, I want it to come from the actual songwriter with his real experience.”Interestingly, Go believes AI’s growing presence could even spark what he calls an “offline renaissance.” As machine-generated music, art and video become more common, audiences may begin craving something AI cannot truly replicate: raw, human connection.“While AI content is growing, the live experience becomes more viable,” Go explained. “The actual voice, the real music, despite a few misses, you still can feel it. It’s really different when you are actually there hearing the music.”In this scenario, concerts, intimate gigs, and spontaneous performances could gain renewed importance. Rather than replacing artists, AI might actually push listeners to seek more authentic, in-person moments -- a shift that could ultimately benefit musicians.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1771897526913Lolito, Libertine, Charo (MMK Set).jpg" style="width:655px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>Lolito, Libertine and &quot;MMK&quot; host Charo Santos  </div>As the conversation drew to a close, Go offered a final, unmistakable thought: “AI should enhance artists, not replace them.”AI in music, ultimately, is neither purely good nor purely bad. Like every technology before it, its impact depends on how people choose to use it. What remains clear is that music itself is not going anywhere.If anything, AI is entering a new chapter -- one where rules and artistry co-exist and where the most human moments may matter more than ever.

AI is rapidly changing the sound of music — from reimagined classics to machine-generated demos — but Filipino songwriter Lolito Go insists the technology should complement, not replace, human artists.

AI is rapidly changing the sound of music — from reimagined classics to machine-generated demos — but Filipino songwriter Lolito Go insists the technology should complement, not replace, human artists.

Songwriter Lolito Go warns against replacing musicians with AI, urges balance

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Songwriter Lolito Go warns against replacing musicians with AI, urges balance

Leah C. Salterio

Published February 24, 2026 02:23 PM PHT

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