Page 2 - Black Velvet Rock Magazine Issue 114

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CONTENTS
The Velvet View
03 PUNK ROCK PAMPERING
What’s everyone’s thoughts on AI and AI-generated
music? I might be seen as old-fashioned, but I don’t like 04 CJ WILDHEART
AI at all. Maybe it’s because I’ve always loved realness, 10 JAMES BRUNER
authenticity and hard work, but the thought of using 14 AUSTEN STARR
ChatGPT, Copilot or any other AI app or program just
doesn’t sit well with me. Also, the fact that it can be used 20 DEFENCES
for many negative purposes, creating deepfake images, 24 JAYLER
videos and whatnot. Not to mention the expanding car- 28 ALBUMS
bon footprint, including the excessive amount of water
used, and other negative environmental impacts. 30 CONCERTS
I went to Bristol for Parade For The Animals in May 40 PARADE FOR THE ANIMALS
and asked about the music that was used in some of the
videos that the organisers shared. The song used had 42 GOODHEART ANIMAL SANCTUARIES
catchy verses and great lyrics relating to animal rights. I 44 R.I.P. PHIL CAMPBELL
would have liked to have used the same music on one of
my Instagram posts - until someone replied that it was AI
music. How disappointing. While the song itself was fan-
tastic, it was disappointing to discover that there wasn’t BV Instagram
an actual band behind the song. Maybe, in some
respects, it could be seen as inspiring - showing real
bands that there’s still a gap in the market for songs like Follow us on Instagram at @blackvelvetmagazine for more
those - with compassionate lyrics revolving around ani- photos and quotes from our interviews.
mal rights. And, I suppose, they’re not ripping anyone off,
and the creator has created something with AI that really
did hit the spot and made an impact. It shows that non- “30 years ago, people called
musicians can use a tool to make music that musicians me the weirdo and now I’m a
currently haven’t. But still, I’m not keen. I’d like real proud weirdo. I’ve had a
artists to create something as impactful as that... A song great life and I’ve done stuff.
to make a difference... Something to get a message out... A lot more than what some of
Something for us all to sing at the top of our lungs, with the people who used to call
feeling. While there are artists out there doing something me that have done, that’s for
similar, I’d love to see more real bands out there making sure.”
a stand for an important cause, being voices for the
voiceless. Lauri Ylönen
If you’re a musician reading this, have you written
any songs that you’ve wanted to make a difference to the
world with? Are you proud of the music you’ve created? The Rasmus
Is it important? Is it monumental? Is it needed? Does it
come from the heart and have real soul? Make it matter.

Y & velvet kisses
Shari Black Velvet

BLACK VELVET STAFF
Publisher / Editor / Features Editor / Art Editor / Online Editor:
Shari Black Velvet
Writers:
Shari Black Velvet, Michael Coventry, Ian Trigg
Photographers:
Shari Black Velvet
Proofreader:
Find Us Online Ian Trigg

BLACK VELVET MAGAZINE Front Cover Photos: Main Photo - CJ Wildheart Photo c/o CJ
Wildheart. Inset Photos - Jayler Photo By Andy Ford. James
www.blackvelvetmagazine.com Bruner Photo c/o James Bruner.
www.instagram.com/blackvelvetmagazine Page 2 Background Photo: Ella Red By Shari Black Velvet.
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JULY / AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2026