Concept
In producing albums for The Smoke Stings, I consciously focus on the often “less visible musicality (artistry)” found in genres such as AOR, Adult Contemporary, and Smooth Jazz. These genres are created by musicians with a high level of technical skill and performance ability; however, because they embody a kind of “non-intrusive musicality” (what Erik Satie referred to as “furniture music”), they are often treated as “light” music.
Yet in reality, this kind of music achieves its “listenability” as the result of more advanced composition and arrangement skills. Its musicality is rooted not merely in the sounds that appear on the surface, but in a deeper understanding of how sound is handled and connected—something that cannot be grasped by listening only to the audible layer.
Since the mid-2020s, AI-generated music has become increasingly prominent (and The Smoke Stings itself is an AI persona). However, rather than replacing human musicianship, the rise of AI music may actually highlight how those with a deep understanding of composition, arrangement, and the underlying “musicality behind music” are the ones best equipped to make effective use of these new capabilities.
Yet in reality, this kind of music achieves its “listenability” as the result of more advanced composition and arrangement skills. Its musicality is rooted not merely in the sounds that appear on the surface, but in a deeper understanding of how sound is handled and connected—something that cannot be grasped by listening only to the audible layer.
Since the mid-2020s, AI-generated music has become increasingly prominent (and The Smoke Stings itself is an AI persona). However, rather than replacing human musicianship, the rise of AI music may actually highlight how those with a deep understanding of composition, arrangement, and the underlying “musicality behind music” are the ones best equipped to make effective use of these new capabilities.