AI Singer Xania Monet’s Creator Defends Her Art

In a world rapidly embracing artificial intelligence, the music industry is seeing a new kind of star: Xania Monet, an AI R&B singer. This digital artist has not only charted on Billboard but also landed a $3 million record deal. However, the creator behind Xania, Telisha “Nikki” Jones, a 31-year-old from Mississippi, is now defending her innovative approach against a wave of criticism.

From Poems to Chart-Topping Hits

Jones, who isn’t a singer herself, uses her poetry as the foundation for Xania Monet’s music. She discovered the AI music app Suno and, in just four months, transformed her written words into the chart-topping single “How Was I Supposed To Know?” Jones views Xania not just as an avatar but as an “extension” of herself, bringing her deeply personal lyrics to life in a way she couldn’t before.

Her hit song, inspired by the loss of her father when she was just eight years old, showcases the emotional depth Jones pours into her work. She sees AI not as a shortcut to fame but as a powerful tool and instrument for the modern era. “I just feel like AI… it’s the new era that we’re in. And I look at it as a tool, as an instrument, and utilize it,” she explained.

Industry Pushback and Defense

Despite the success, some prominent artists have voiced concerns. Singers like Kehlani and SZA have publicly questioned the $3 million record deal, arguing that AI devalues human artistry and the music creation process. Kehlani expressed frustration in a since-deleted TikTok video, stating, “AI can also make the entire f—g song. It can sing the entire song. It can make the entire beat… This is so beyond our control.”

SZA echoed these sentiments, questioning the implications for artists and wondering if such advancements would be treated the same way in other genres. However, Jones remains unfazed by the criticism. She emphasizes that the heart of Xania Monet is rooted in her own experiences and identity as a Black woman and creator.

A Creator’s Perspective

“Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Technology’s evolving. Everybody has different ways of putting in work to get to where they’re at,” Jones stated. She maintains respect for artists like Kehlani, whom she still listens to daily. Her message is clear: she is Telisha, a Black woman, a creator, an entrepreneur, and the mind behind Xania Monet. She sees her work as a valid expression within the evolving landscape of music creation.