Inspiring notes & quotes from Jack Conte’s SXSW 2026 presentation.
This was a presentation on the convergence of AI, human creativity and IP in a very ambiguous time for artists and creatives alike.
I’ve been a creative person my whole life, in physical media, digital, music, and applied design in software for my day job. Jack’s presentation was hands-down one of the most authentic, sobering, and inspiring tech talks I have had the opportunity to attend in person. I felt compelled to share a summary of this experience with others interested in the AI movement. Personally, working with new technology excites me in every way, despite its dystopian potential. However, whether you share the same view as I do or not, I hope you’ll find some solace and even inspiration from his reflections and guidance as I have.
Jack starts by drawing a correlation with some of the late 19th and 20th centuries most significant turning points for creativity by way of technological advancements. The examples he used were photography replacing portrait painting, film/cinematography taking the place of theater and the introduction of music recording which was claimed as having affected a large percentage (60%) of live musicians’ livelihoods in that time period.
He goes on to point out the resistance and fear from society in both cases but also points out their inevitable mass adoption and advancements which lead to major breakthroughs and even more creative works from artists we’ve all grown to love throughout our generations. He used a well known example, the Beatles Revolver album, which introduced studio recording techniques by way of artificial double tracking for vocals, tape looping etc. This work was described as “a new canvas for the band” and a significant milestone for how music would be composed and produced by the industry moving forward.
Reflecting on these moments in history helps us better understand the effects of change and the evolutionary nature that technology has on our human creativity.
For each of these moments in history there have been lulls or declines. Periods where creativity and economies are stifled. Jack points out when technology is used to do the mundane or replicate what is currently being done, slop can occur and that “Slop is the lazy phase after the introduction of a new medium”, the phase where societies are still trying to figure out how to apply it, much like our current moment with AI and its use in creative applications.
Jack shares some backstory on his career in music and Patreon, pointing out that with each successful period he has also had declines and that nothing stays the same forever. In these times of transition and conflicting perspectives its important to maintain an open dialogue, open mind and to force ourselves to see both sides.
“try to hold two opposing ideas in your heart and in your head at the same time”, “we are all capable of doing it..”, “think about the beauty, think about the technical ability, think about the terror it brings, think about the benefits it’s brought and think about the destruction…hold all of that in your hearts”
Get Ron Di Sandro’s stories in your inbox
Join Medium for free to get updates from this writer.
By doing this, we’ll maintain a balance of understanding, the ability to see the broader, long-view, and ultimately the opportunities to innovate. I have said and practiced as much in recent years for various reasons pertaining to conflict, contention, fear and polarizing moments and it has helped me greatly.
He goes on to mention that “it’s an important time for artists right now” and warns that “our work is being used to create these (AI) models” which we should be conscious of, remain ethical when using, and ensure that we stay proactive in the protection of IP.
At the end, Jack left us with a provocative and heartfelt speech:
“As creators here we are again…our life’s work is being used without our concern, without our creation. The companies claim its fair use. If it’s fair use then why are companies paying for it? And if they pay, why not pay the musicians directly? I’m not anti AI just like i’m not anti camera, nor anti synthesizer…I have a deep love for technology…and I still believe this tech can be used to help people, I don’t expect things to stay the same, I accept the inevitability of change, still the AI companies should pay creators for using our work. Not because the tech is bad or damaging but because it’s good or it will be soon…Societies that incentivize creativity and allow creators to thrive, win.”
“For the creators out there, what’s about to happen to us is going to be really hard but it’s not the end of creativity…it’s about to break a lot…but there’s something even more painful happening, the hopelessness that people are feeling now, but I believe in human creativity and it will go on for a long long time…”
“Change does not mean death”
“Happily ever after doesn’t exist”
“Great artists break traditions”
“Great artists take risks”
“Easy isn’t interesting”
“Hard is interesting”
This was written, typed and transcribed in its entirety by Me, Myself and I (not AI).
