The use of artificial intelligence in music is merely a “phase” that will eventually lose its pull as listeners crave raw human expression, says playback singer and composer Papon, who believes that listener fatigue will ultimately drive audiences back to authentic art.
In a telephonic conversation with The Hindu ahead of his show in Bengaluru, the singer known for numbers such as ‘Jiyein Kyun’, ‘Moh Moh Ke Dhaage’ and ‘Bulleya’, says, “AI is a great tool, but there is a fear surrounding it. It is not a concern for me yet, because I believe people will eventually tire of machine-made music. At the end of the day, people want to see and hear a human. That will never change.”
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“Unless a day comes when the planet is entirely run by machines and humans are gone, which is a different story, as long as humans are here, we will always crave what is human. We want things raw, impure, and imperfect. ‘To err is human,’ right?” he says.
The musician also reflects on the growing influence of social media algorithms and viral trends on the way music is made, discovered and consumed.
Papon performing in Indore. For the singer, staying connected to Assam and its musical traditions has been important even as he explores newer sounds
| Photo Credit:
Instagram/@paponmusic
“Trends are not always evergreen. They could be quite interesting, but if we are not discovering good music simply because it isn’t trending, then we are missing out on a lot of good stuff. It is sad because music is meant to be experienced differently. It is about taste, different people and different moods,” he says. “It can be rather challenging and frustrating for people making good music when they are unable to present it in a way that the internet likes.”
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Despite these digital shifts, Papon says he continues to evolve. His upcoming show in Bengaluru will feature a new set of songs and sounds, which he is excited to present to the city’s audience. “Bengaluru has always been good as an audience, in their response and connect,” he says.
“I’ve modernised certain sounds and tailored them to today’s times, and I’m happy to see them being accepted by the new generation. Gen Z is showing an interest in folk music and exploring different styles. A changing, listening audience challenges you to create something different, and that keeps me excited,” he says.
Papon also reflects on the role an artiste plays in society. The singer-songwriter, who has often spoken out on issues close to his heart, believes artistes should not be expected to respond to social and political developments in the same way. “It depends on the person. Some are outspoken, some are a little louder than others, while others are quieter. We shouldn’t make it a blanket expectation that everybody has to react in a certain way,” he says.
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He adds that artistes need not always express their views through words, pointing out that music itself can be a powerful form of communication. “I’ve met people who feel strongly about things but sometimes cannot express themselves through words. They do so through music. They are healing the world through music and art, contributing to people’s mental well-being. Not everybody has the ability to heal, spread love or give positivity the way an artiste can,” he says.
While AI may be having a moment, Papon believes that listener fatigue will ultimately drive audiences back to authentic art
| Photo Credit:
Instagram/@paponmusic
This belief in music’s ability to connect with people also comes from his relationship with his cultural roots. For Papon, staying connected to Assam and its musical traditions has been important, even as he explores newer sounds. Drawing an analogy, he says, “The deeper a tree’s roots go, the more grounded the tree is. The branches can then go far, experience new weather and new atmospheres, and thrive.”
That sense of belonging also shapes his views on the visibility of musicians from the Northeast. He believes that making it to the mainstream need not be everyone’s ambition. “I don’t think everyone has to enter the mainstream or look for visibility. I see people from the Northeast who are quite content and happy within their own space. That is a whole different world for them,” he says.
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It is a sentiment Papon relates to personally. Speaking from Assam, where he is currently, Papon says he finds himself reluctant to leave. “The weather, the people — this is where I belong. It is my home, my comfort zone. I went out for various reasons, but that doesn’t necessarily mean everyone has to cross over.”
Looking ahead, Papon is keen to devote more time to his independent music. He is currently working on new music that he hopes to release soon. “It is a different sound, and I want to give more of my time to it.”
(Papon is performing in Bengaluru on November 14, from 7 pm at District Arena at Terraform, Yelahanka)
Published – November 11, 2026 07:33 pm IST
