I attended a workshop on people pleasing earlier this month. The workshop’s goal wasn’t to provide attendees with people-pleasing strategies, but to allow them to learn to do the opposite, consider themselves before acquiescing to others’ requests for their time, energy, resources. People-pleasing behavior often leads a person to say “yes” when they don’t have the time, bandwith, or ability to honor another’s request. In these situations, responding “no” or “I need to think about that” would be a healthier response.

At the beginning of the session, there was background music playing as we logged into the ZOOM room. The singer’s voice had a rich, gravelly R&B sound, much like Wilson Pickett. And the lyrics were related to the workshop’s focus. Someone posted “that’s AI” in the chat, referring to the music. The event’s moderator replied, saying we’d table that discussion to a later time since we needed to get started. This worked to bring participants’ focus back to the workshop’s topic. Then, they introduced the workshop facilitator, and we got started. The workshop was interactive and offered us plenty of reflection and writing time. It was well designed and encouraged us to continue exploring ideas and reflections beyond its duration.

Of course, the AI comment peaked my interest, so I did a little research on the artist whose music served as a background as we entered the workshop. I found their YouTube channel with a name provided during the workshop and immediately noticed that every video had an image in a similar style that sometimes included a man with a cowboy hat. These were not photographs, but renderings of art. I found it strange that there were no mentions of live appearances, since artists make their money through concerts and club dates. And it was also strange that there were no photographs of this singer, or mention of their band members. There was no website listed on which one might find out more about B. Devon. However, they have TikTok, Instagram, Spotify, and LinkTree accounts. And you can become a member of their YouTube Channel, if you wish.

From the description in YouTube “B. Devon is the stage name of B. Houston , an independent singer, songwriter, and creator Blending country rap, southern soul, and R&B, B. Devon delivers music that speaks on hustle, real life, love and staying focused through it all.”

Being the avid researcher and rabbit hole navigator that I am, I also searched B. Houston. The only B. Houston on YouTube appears to be a car enthusiast and gamer. They are also someone who thanked the artists whose music is used on their channel. B. Houston does include a real photo in their YouTube introduction. I have no idea whether they are the B. Houston referred to on B. Devon’s channel.

I reached a dead end and concluded that B. Devon’s music is AI generated. What has me shaking my head is that the voice and accompanying music sound authentically R&B Soul. We’re talking Muscle Shoals, Alabama R&B Soul.

How does an AI-generated singer reach their audience in real time and go on tour?