How AI Transformed My Journey As A Lyricist

I, Thorne Empire, have been writing lyrics for several years, and for most of that time, my creative process was both exciting and exhausting. Every time I wrote a new song, I felt the urge to record it as soon as possible. But recording wasn’t easy; it was expensive, time consuming, and often frustrating. Between studio costs, and trying to find the right people to collaborate with, every song felt like a small mountain to climb.

My last traditional recording project was in 2021. After completing that album, I decided to take a step back from recording and focus on writing. With a limited budget, finding the right producer or engineer became more difficult, and I realized I could do more by simply writing consistently. So, I wrote; anytime and anywhere inspiration struck.

I wrote lyrics during lunch breaks at work, in the car while waiting for someone, and even in the middle of vacations. Many nights, I would stay up until dawn, letting the words pour out until I couldn’t write anymore. My best inspiration often came in the middle of the night, when the world was quiet and my mind was free to wander. Between 2021 and 2025, I wrote over 80 lyrics; songs that I deeply wanted to hear brought to life.

From the very beginning, I had a feeling that technology would eventually make it possible for artists like me to record music without needing a full studio. I knew that artificial intelligence would eventually be able to create songs, and that realization kept me curious. So, when I learned that AI music programs had finally become capable of generating realistic vocals and instrumentals, I decided to give them a try.

I started by removing all my original songs from online platforms and re-recording them using AI. In hindsight, I rushed the process. At the time, I didn’t fully understand how to use AI tools effectively. I accepted the first version of every song the software produced, without experimenting or taking time to refine the results. I didn’t edit my lyrics or test different tones; I just wanted to hear the songs finished.

When my cousin, one of my biggest supporters, heard the AI versions, she was disappointed. She told me that I had “ruined” her favorite songs, and that the original versions were much better. I couldn’t argue with her; she was right. I had rushed, and in doing so, I had lost some of the emotional authenticity that made the originals special.

That experience taught me an important lesson about patience, creativity, and technology. After finishing my album Persona Non Grata, I decided to slow down and be more intentional. I realized that AI isn’t just a shortcut; it’s a tool, and like any tool, its value depends on how well you use it.

Today, AI has become an essential part of my creative process. When I’m stuck on a word that doesn’t quite fit or rhyme, I can simply ask an AI model for alternatives. For example, if I need substitutes for the word “success,” within seconds I can get dozens of options. I also use AI for grammar and phrasing checks; something I used to spend hours doing manually.

More importantly, I now use AI to experiment with different vocal styles, arrangements, and effects. I can re-record a song multiple times until it feels right, then go back and tweak the lyrics to make it even better. Each time I do this, my songs improve. Every new album feels more polished, more refined, and more representative of who I am as an artist.

Many artists today express concern that AI might replace them. Personally, I don’t share that fear; at least, not yet. AI still lacks the human emotion, intuition, and lived experience that make music meaningful. It can mimic a voice, but it can’t replicate a soul. If you have real talent, skill, and creativity, AI can’t replace you; it can only enhance what you already have.

I believe that AI is a tool for growth, not a threat. Real musicians and lyricists know that their art comes from something deeper than code. Those who fear AI often do so because they doubt their own abilities.

As for me, AI has made my life easier and my art more accessible. I’m still learning, still exploring, still improving; but now I have an assistant that helps me push my creativity further than before. The journey from pen and paper to AI powered recording has been full of challenges and lessons, but it’s also been liberating.

AI hasn’t replaced my artistry; it has helped me rediscover it.