Interview with Teanko

I really like the warmth of Teanko's “We Still Believe the Voice.” The idea behind the AI voice is interesting, especially because it’s built from Theo Konst’s own recordings rather than someone else’s voice. But what matters most to me is that the song still feels human. The warm guitars and melodic pop-rock approach give it an easy, timeless quality, while the indie influence adds a little extra character. I also like how the technology becomes part of the story without taking over. For me, it’s a thoughtful way of bringing something modern into a very traditional songwriting approach.

Interview with Teanko

1. "We Still Believe the Voice" explores the relationship between human creativity and AI. What inspired you to tell that story through music rather than simply discussing the technology?

Because music is about emotion, not technology. I could explain how an AI voice works, but that wouldn't tell the real story. What fascinated me was the moment people stopped talking about AI and started talking about what they felt. That inspired me to write this song. I wanted to ask a question rather than give an answer.

2. The AI voice on this release was trained exclusively using your own recordings. Why was maintaining that personal connection so important to the project?

Because I wasn't trying to create a new singer. I wanted to preserve my own voice and musical identity. Every recording used to build the model comes from my own performances over more than four decades. My phrasing, timing, breathing and expression are all there. In many ways, it isn't a copy of my voice—it is my voice, built from a lifetime of recordings.

3. Some people see AI as a threat to music, while others see it as a creative tool. Where do you believe the balance lies?

For me, AI is simply another creative tool. It should never replace creativity or songwriting. A good song still needs a strong melody, meaningful lyrics and genuine emotion. Technology can help, but it can't replace inspiration.

4. At its heart, the song is about emotional connection. What do you think makes a voice feel genuinely human, regardless of how it's created?

I don't think emotion comes from technology. It comes from the person behind the voice. Over the years I recorded songs in every mood imaginable—from quiet and intimate moments to powerful performances. Those recordings became the foundation of this project. I believe listeners recognise those emotions, even if they don't know why.

5. Having spent more than three decades writing and recording music, how has your creative process evolved while remaining true to your songwriting roots?

The tools have changed, but my starting point never has. I still begin with a melody, a chord progression and an idea I want to express. Technology has given me more possibilities, but songwriting is still the heart of everything I do.

6. Your music blends timeless songwriting with modern production. How do you decide when technology enhances a song rather than distracting from it?

I always ask myself one question: does it make the song better? If technology serves the music, I use it. If it becomes the focus instead of the song, I leave it out.

7. Was there a particular moment during the creation of "We Still Believe the Voice" that changed your own perspective on AI in music?

Yes. When people started telling me they were emotionally moved by the songs, I realised they weren't reacting to the technology. They were reacting to the voice. That was the moment I understood this project wasn't really about AI anymore. It was about the emotional connection a voice can still create.

8. As both a songwriter and producer, what challenges did this project present that were unlike any of your previous releases?

The biggest challenge was finding the right balance. I wanted people to hear my own voice and personality, not a technical experiment. Everything had to serve the song first.

9. The song raises thoughtful questions without taking an extreme position. Was it important for you to encourage conversation rather than provide definitive answers?

Absolutely. I don't believe music always has to provide answers. Sometimes asking the right question is more powerful. I hope listeners think about it and form their own opinion.

10. Your music has always emphasized melody and storytelling. Why do you believe those elements remain essential, regardless of how music is produced?

Because that's what people remember. A good melody and an honest story can outlive any technology. Production styles change, but great songs remain.

11. Do you think listeners will focus more on the technology behind the song or on the emotions it conveys?

At first, some people may be curious about the technology. But if the song works, they soon stop thinking about AI and simply listen. That's exactly what I hope will happen.

12. Living and creating in Portugal after years in the Netherlands, has your environment influenced the way you write and produce music today?

Living in Portugal has given me more peace and time to create. It hasn't changed who I am as a songwriter, but it has given me the opportunity to finish ideas that had been waiting for many years.

13. Looking ahead, do you see AI becoming a regular part of your creative process, or was this project a unique artistic exploration?

I believe AI will remain one of the creative tools I use, just like a microphone, a piano or a guitar. But it will never replace songwriting. Every song still begins with an idea, a melody and something I want to say. Technology can help bring that idea to life, but it should never become the story itself.

14. If someone hears "We Still Believe the Voice" without knowing its backstory, what do you hope they take away from it?

I simply hope they enjoy the song. If it moves them emotionally, then it has already done its job. If listeners enjoy the song first and only afterwards become curious about how it was made, then I think I've succeeded.

15. What does the title "We Still Believe the Voice" ultimately mean to you on a personal level?

To me, the title means that even in a world where images can be altered and technology keeps evolving, we still connect emotionally with a human voice. We may question what we see, but we still believe what we feel.

That is what this song is really about.

(•)> That's all, Folks! Check out Teanko on the Pigeon Opinion Playlist