“As much as possible do it yourself… art is always personal” — BM DONAAL urges Kalinga young artists to limit use of AI

TABUK CITY, Kalinga – Board Member Atty. Christopher Donaal urged young and emerging artists to treat artificial intelligence (AI) only as a tool in developing their music, stressing that creativity and artistic expression should remain personal.

Donaal made the statement in an interview with Guru Press Cordillera while discussing the growing use of AI in music composition and its implications for young artists.

Artificial intelligence refers to technology that enables computers and machines to simulate human capabilities such as learning, problem-solving, decision-making and creativity.

The use of AI is also becoming more common in the Philippines. According to the 2025 e-Conomy SEA report by Google, Temasek and Bain & Company, 43 percent of Filipino consumers surveyed said they interact with AI tools and features every day.

AI as a tool, not the creator

Donaal said he does not support allowing AI to take over the creative process of composing music, arguing that artists should remain responsible for creating their own work.

He said AI may be used to provide suggestions or help improve a composition, but its role should remain limited.

“As an artist, I do not support [AI] composing the song for you. If AI was the one who composed it, you cannot claim the composition as your own,” Donaal said.

He added that artists should receive credit for their own creative work and be transparent when AI plays a major role in producing a composition.

For Donaal, the distinction lies in who actually creates the work.

“A musician is a creator. You create. But if you let AI create it for you, that is no longer your creation,” he said.

AI can help overcome limitations

Donaal acknowledged that AI can be useful to musicians, particularly when they lack resources or need assistance in developing an idea.

“There is nothing wrong with using AI to augment what is lacking in your resources,” he said, while emphasizing that artists should not allow the technology to replace their own creative work.

He also cautioned against relying on AI to perform the entire creative process, including writing and producing the music.

‘Art is always personal’

Donaal encouraged young artists to develop their own creative identity and use technology only when it helps enhance their work.

His advice was straightforward: create first, then use AI only when necessary.

“Do not rely too much on AI in creating music or composition. As much as possible, do it yourself because art is always personal,” he said.

He advised artists to create their own composition and music before turning to AI for limited assistance in developing or improving their work.

For Donaal, technology can support creativity—but it should not replace the artist behind it.