Commentary: Ugh. The future is now. An AI 'singer' just hit the Billboard charts.

Plus, Ralph Edwards moves to 'The Voice' playoff round and a new music dump.

Nov 02, 2025

Per my original intent, I try to keep this newsletter as narrowly focused and Fresno-centric as possible.

That said, I’m still on a bunch of email lists due to my time as a music reporter/columnist at The Fresno Bee and I still get pitched industry stories on the regular.

Sometimes, the pitches are worth sharing.

For instance: Xania Monet, the AI-generated music creator (creation?) that hit Billboard’s Radio Airplay Chart last week.

That is a first-ever (that we know of) and “a defining moment for the intersection of technology and creativity,” per the press release, “proving that digital artistry can achieve mainstream success alongside traditional talent.”

Is that what it proves?

There is plenty in the release by which to be horrified and confused (or just plain angered). Choice quotes include references to an “AI-created recording artist known for her soulful vocals, emotional storytelling, and boundary-pushing sound” (italics are mine).

It also has a “human-like delivery,” which has always been a musical go-to for me.

“Her visuals, storytelling, and evolving persona have sparked widespread discussion about the role of AI in music — not just as a tool, but as a creative collaborator.”

The AI is bankable.

According to the release, Xania Monet (or more likely its creator Telisha “Nikki” Jones) secured a reported $3 million record deal earlier this year, “further establishing her as one of the most valuable and visible AI artists to date” (again, italics are mine).

Meanwhile, local artists are out grinding to get a 1,000 streams for their latest single or $100 bucks for a 45-minute set (and that’s being generous).

Here is where I argue that whatever AI might be doing, it isn’t creating art.

And that those using AI, aren’t creating any kind of art either, though saying such opens up all sorts of interesting questions about what even constitutes art in the digital age.

Is an oil painting more “artistic” than a photoshop rendering because of the required skill set? Are auto-tuned vocals any less “artistic” because the notes aren’t achieved naturally?

Or is it that technology just makes for lazy art? And if AI is pushing the boundaries of technology, is it also pushing the boundaries of our own laziness (as artists and as consumers of said art)?

Does the audience get the art it deserves? An exasperated commentator such as myself would point out that at least they’re being honest about it.

“Xania’s rise represents a shift in how audiences connect with creators. Her presence on the Billboard Airplay Chart challenges long-held ideas about authenticity in music, while her massive online following underscores a new kind of fan relationship — one built around curiosity, creativity, and cultural conversation.”

For reference, this is Xania Monet:

Ralph Edwards proceeds to ‘The Voice’ playoffs

For those checking back in, Ralph Edwards won his battle round against Jerrell Melton on Monday’s episode of “The Voice.”

This moved the Fresno singer into the Knockout round, where he competed against Kenny Iko, with a version of Ed Sheeran “Dive.” He won that, too.

According to NBC Insider, this puts Edwards as the frontrunner to win the season. And that’s coming from both his coach Snoop Dogg and fellow coach and judge Michael Bublé.

As a bonus, we got to see Edwards break news that he proposed to his girlfriend immediately following his Blind Audition back in September.

As of now, Edwards is the second most successful area musician to compete on “The Voice.” He’s made it further than Visalia’s Rudy Parris, who was eliminated in the Knockout Round in season three of the show, and only slightly behind Alyssa Witrado, who made it to the top 13 before being eliminated in Season 23.

According to this schedule from Wikipedia, the Knockout Rounds will continue for two more weeks, which means we likely won’t see Edwards perform again until Nov. 17 at the earliest. We’ll update you then.

“The Voice” now airs at 9 p.m. on NBC.

New music dump: Seven Asterisk, Out of the Ring, Ryan Gregory Tallman, Deep Forest Drive

Here’s a quick link drop of new music for y’all to check out:

“In the Grave (You’ll Rot),” Seven Asterisk

The latest from the Fresno indie-rock five-piece is a dark little tune fitting its release date on Halloween. It’s got some cool vocal tricks happening. The band is playing a lot right now, if you just wanna hear the song live, otherwise … lyric video below:

“Wool Over Our Eyes,” Out of the Ring

Out of the Ring seems to be sitting in a stack of tunes, which they’ve been releasing as singles. The band dropped at least three in October, including the latest, which is a classic ’80s anti-government punk rock tune.

You can hear the song on tonight’s episode of Homegrown on NewRock 104.1.

“Desolation Waves,” Ryan Gregory Tallman

Ryan Gregory Tallman released his “Desolation Waves” EP last week, though he had been chronicling the creation of several of the tracks on TikTok, for those who want to look back at the process.

This EP follow Tallman’s album “Everything Hums,” which was released in May.

“Fissures,” Deep Forrest Drive

Deep Forest Drive is singer songwriter and producer Scott Smith, whose five-track “Fissures” EP oscillates between quiet finger-picked indie-folk and louder indie-rock layers (reverb drench guitars, but also horns and hand claps and vocal melodies).

The EP features drums and engineering from Joey Vannucchi (From Indian Lakes) and is streaming now, but also available on vinyl through Bandcamp.

Bandgeeeek!

Ready for more?