Automation Blues: Songwriter Sings About A.I. Job Losses

COLD SPRING, N.Y. - May 11, 2023 - PRLog -- Steve Laifer, a Cold Spring NY songwriter, has composed a song called "Automation Blues" to express his concern about the impact of artificial intelligence (A.I.) and robotics on human workers. The song asks "Who am I as someone in this world without a job?" and reflects on the loss of income, dignity and meaning that will result from automation.

Mr. Laifer, 66, says he was inspired to write the song after reading a report that 30% of jobs will be eliminated in the next six years by A.I. and robotics. He says he felt compelled to say something about this issue through his music. "Sometimes songs can communicate and motivate better than anything else. They can disarm, entertain or amuse while simultaneously connecting with people at a deeper level. It's my hope that by highlighting this looming issue, some attention will be drawn to addressing the fallout. I think we need to have a serious discussion about how to prepare for this massive change and how to support those who will be affected by it."

Automation Blues on YouTube (https://youtu.be/lvpraX083jY)



Laifer is not anti-technology. He has a background in video production, computer animation, and software development, and has even invented an automated theatrical control system in the 1990s that was marketed by Sony Corp. He says he has always been fascinated and delighted by technology and its potential to improve human lives. But he also worries that the rapid advancement of A.I. and robotics will leave millions of people without a purpose or a livelihood. He is saddened by the fact that these incredible creations of the human mind will have such a detrimental effect on people's place in the world. He wonders what will happen to those who will lose their jobs and their identities to machines that are smarter and faster than them, and hopes that there will be an intelligent and thoughtful approach to take care of those whose very survival will be at stake as a result of these developments.

The music composer says he believes the best songs are about something meaningful and relevant. He says he grew up in the 1960s and 1970s, when songs were used to express social and political issues and to inspire change. He follows that tradition in his own songs. His other recent songs touch on topics such as Earth's environment, the war in Ukraine, alienation, loss of friendship over politics, tribalism, the Covid pandemic, disinformation, and hurtful speech. He says he hopes his songs will make people think more about the world they live in. Some of his recorded songs can be found on his YouTube page (https://www.youtube.com/@stevelaifer39)