Even as he collaborates with OpenAI, musician AR Rahman asserts that AI can’t replicate the human experience and is only raising its demand. The composer has joined forces with Sam Altman’s OpenAI to create Secret Mountain, a virtual global band driven by AI
AR Rahman. Pic/Instagram
Artificial Intelligence (AI) may be flooding the internet with infinite songs and cloned voices, but musician AR Rahman is approaching it from the inside. In July 2025, the composer announced that he is joining forces with Sam Altman’s OpenAI to create Secret Mountain, a virtual global band driven by AI. Even as he explores the possibilities of the rapidly advancing technology, Rahman is clear about one aspect.
“Anything on social media could be AI — songs, voices, everything. But what it cannot give you is the human experience,” he told mid-day at a Yamaha event in Chennai on March 22.
AR Rahman with Sam Altman. Pic/X
Many artistes around the world are worried about the threats that AI poses and have taken measures to protect their creative identity. The musician, however, is confident that an artiste’s emotional depth will be their biggest advantage. He elaborated, “When everything becomes mass-produced, you start losing that emotional depth. I think the value of human experience will only grow. People will seek authenticity again. Look how the demand for concerts and live performances is blowing up. That’s something you can’t fake. The key is to not lose that individuality.”
At the event, Rahman was signed on as the ambassador for the brand, whose ‘Made in India’ initiative supports the talents at the maestro’s school, KM Music Conservatory. Opening up about his school, he shared, “When my father passed away in 1976, we would rent out his instruments to make ends meet. There was a time when I couldn’t afford instruments. Today, I try to give opportunities to others in a similar position. My idea is to build a creative hub in India because art is the only thing that can heal you.”
What is ‘Secret Mountain’?
To be created in association with OpenAI, ‘Secret Mountain’ will reportedly be a virtual global band that will blend music and AI. It will aim to bring musicians around the globe together on one platform.
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