The thing Sessionistas say AI can never replace

Posted by ReyFort Media

For the Sessionistas, artificial intelligence (AI) may become an increasingly useful creative tool, but there’s one thing it will never replace: the experience of live music shared with other people.

As conversations around AI continue reshaping the music industry, the group believes technology has its place as long as it helps artists instead of taking their place.

“The problem starts when it affects someone’s livelihood,” Ice Seguerra said, referring to unauthorized AI-generated music using existing works.

Nyoy Volante said genuine artists will always use technology to enhance, rather than replace, their own creativity.

“The real musician uses AI to harness what already exists,” he said.

Still, all three agreed that no technology can replicate the feeling of being inside a live concert.

“No matter what happens,” Princess Velasco said, “there’s something different about appreciating live music with other people.”

That belief sits at the heart of “Sessionistas: The Playlist,” the group’s upcoming reunion concert.

After reintroducing themselves to audiences during their first comeback concert, the group is taking a different approach this time by shifting the focus from themselves to the audience and the memories they share through music.

“We started with kami,” Ice explained. “This time, it’s tayo.”

“It’s like someone starts singing, then suddenly everybody knows the lyrics,” Nyoy said. “That’s the experience we’re trying to create.”

The concert’s carefully curated playlist reflects that vision. Creative director Liza Diño and stage director Ice built the show around emotional “playlists” rather than traditional concert segments, selecting songs tied to heartbreak, romance and other life moments from hundreds of suggestions.

“It’s difficult for me to sing songs I don’t connect with,” Ice said. “If it’s a concert, the songs have to come from the artists themselves. That’s how you truly connect with the audience.”

In an era dominated by carefully curated social media personas, the members believe their greatest strength is simply being themselves.

“Sessionistas: The Playlist” will be held on August 22 at 8 pm at The Theatre at Solaire in Parañaque. (Malaya Entertainment)