Musicians shouldn't feel threatened by AI
He has embraced the latest technological advances throughout his career and believes musicians should not feel threatened by artificial intelligence (AI).
He was one of the keynote speakers at this year's Dublin Tech Summit, focussing on the impact of tech on the music industry.
At a time when many artists are worried that AI could steal their work and even one day replace them, Mr Copeland has a more optimistic view of how technology and music can work together.
"I was one of the first artists to be threatened by technology," he said.
"In the late sixties or early seventies someone invented the drum box.
"It was the beginning of the threat to all drummers because a machine played it better."
He agrees however that the threat was unfounded.
"As in most cases of advancing technology, some people are displaced and others and empowered and I think that is probably the case with AI," he said.
He believes AI is a blessing for creatives.
"At the moment, AI is generating lame music that people don't respond to, who knows maybe it will get better, but at the moment, the creative types who are interacting with AI are using their tastes to discern between lame and cool."
Mr Copeland says there are unanswered questions when it comes to AI and copyright, but believes it will be much harder for AI to replace musicians when it comes to live performances.
"The kind of artistic work I do, banging on drums, my gig is safe."
"As far as recording, yes the machines sought to replace me decades ago, but as for me showing up to perform in front of an audience, I don't think they want to watch a computer."
The Dublin Tech Summit (DTS25) welcomed more than 8,000 attendees at the RDS this week.
Industry leaders from around the world gathered to showcase and discuss the latest developments in technology, with a major focus this year on AI.
The summit is the centrepiece of Dublin Tech Week, a week-long celebration of all things tech from 23 - 30 May, incorporating both industry and community-led events, supported by Dublin City Council and major city stakeholders.
"DTS25 brings global tech leaders to our island not just to talk, but to shape the future. We want to bring people together to share ideas they can actually use in their work and in their everyday lives," said Clare Kilmartin, COO of Dublin Tech Week.
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