Perth Voice Interactive

AI-generated music has a lot of musicians, especially older ones, spooked.

They’ve spent years learning their instrument and honing their songwriting skills, but now live in a world where they could be replaced  by a few clicks of a mouse.

Paul McCartney is the latest high-profile artist to raise concerns about the technology, warning AI could “rip off” artists if a proposed overhaul of copyright law goes ahead.

But is it an age thing and what do the next generation of musicians think?

Say hello to Twelve Parsecs – the Palmyra band was formed by siblings Riley and Georgia Spowart in 2021, after their performance of Led Zeppelin’s Black Dog at a school event went viral on social media (it now has more than 100 million views). 

At the time, they were just 12 and 10 years old. 

They went on to win the ‘Schools 14 And Under’ category in the 2024 WAM Song Of The Year Award and have just released their debut EP The Only Thing (That Matters). 

Given Twelve Parsecs are a rock’n’roll trio, it’s perhaps unsurprising that singer/guitarist Riley is not a fan of AI.

“While AI can be a useful tool for creatives, I personally think it sucks and don’t agree with how prominent it has become in the music industry,” Riley says.

“AI can’t replace the human connection between musicians and audiences.

“For us, music is all about sharing experiences and emotions, and I don’t believe listeners will ever fully connect with AI-generated music in the same way. Because of that, I don’t see AI music becoming a true genre of its own.”

However, Riley is concerned that AI could takeover the technical side of making a record, like the mixing and mastering.

“Not only is it taking work away from professionals who have dedicated years to perfecting their craft, but it also gives people an easy way out instead of learning those skills themselves,” he says.

There’s not a hint of AI on Twelve Parsecs’ new four-track EP – a rocking affair in the vein of Foo Fighters and Silverchair.

The award-winning title track The Only Thing (That Matters) features crunchy guitar, punchy drums and a slithering Jimmy Page-style riff.

Riley’s deep voice and mature delivery belies his tender years and it’s no surprise the band have already built up a solid reputation on the live scene, playing more than 80 high-octane gigs across Perth in venues like Freo Social, Rosemount Hotel, the Civic Hotel, Indian Ocean Hotel, Mojos and Clancy’s.

“The Only Thing (That Matters) taps into those emotions of feeling alone or undervalued, whilst also finding the strength to move forward and become a better person because of it,” Riley says.

“I feel like it captures that longing to be truly seen and appreciated, and the frustration of feeling like you’re not enough – or maybe too much.” 

The newest song on the EP, And I, is one of Riley’s favourites.

“It has a sense of fulfilment and resolution in its closing moments that I’m really proud of,” he says.

“The song reflects on hesitation, overthinking, and the complexities of timing and how we can sometimes throw away opportunities as a result.”

While Twelve Parsecs are currently busy gigging and promoting their new EP, their ultimate goal is to release a debut album.

While a lot of newer artists are content to record and produce their music on a computer at home, Twelve Parsecs are trying to crowdfund $25,000 to record in the studio.

“Recording in a studio has always resulted in a more inspiring and creative environment for us,” Riley says. “…We know that raising $25,000 is a huge challenge and will take time – in particular considering we are all still at school – but we believe it’s worth it to create the best possible album and one that truly captures our sound and energy.”

Twelve Parsecs will launch their debut EP at a special gig at Clancy’s Fremantle on March 15. Tix on sale soon. To find out more about the band see facebook.com/12parsecsbandofficial.

by STEPHEN POLLOCK