Episode 5 Transcript Greg Phillinganes on AI, Live Music, and the Future of Touring The TrevBeats Show INTRO + MUSIC BUSINESS NEWS Trevor Lawrence Jr.: Welcome back to The TrevBeats Show, where we break down music, technology, culture, and the moves happening behind the scenes that shape how musicians work, create, and get paid. Today we’re covering three major developments reshaping the industry right now: First — Apple is rolling out new on-device AI tools that change how we record, edit, clean audio, and manage sessions without sending sensitive files to the cloud. Second — Universal Music Group is partnering with AI companies to legally license music catalogs for training, which has big implications for artist compensation in the AI era. And third — the rise of deepfake concerts in China, where digital performers are selling out venues. Yes—AI performers. This raises serious questions about the future of live shows and artist rights. So let’s break it all down clearly, simply, and from a creator’s perspective. This is Episode 5 of The TrevBeats Show. Let’s get into it. APPLE + ON-DEVICE AI Let’s start with Apple. Apple has been quietly rolling out on-device AI features across iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and Logic Pro. Unlike most AI tools that rely on cloud processing, Apple is keeping these features local to the device, which means two major things for musicians: privacy and speed. Some of the most important updates include: Systemwide voice isolation for cleaning vocals in real time AI noise reduction in Logic Pro, separating signal from noise faster than ever Automatic session organization, including intelligent gain staging and track labeling Stem-like separation built directly into iOS audio tools This is Apple future-proofing the devices musicians already own. Instead of forcing creators to upload unreleased music to unknown servers, the AI work happens locally on A-series and M-series chips. For anyone working with NDAs, private sessions, or unreleased music — this is huge. The takeaway? AI isn’t just a creative tool anymore. It’s becoming part of the device itself. Learn it like an instrument. UMG + AI LICENSING Next up: Universal Music Group. UMG is now partnering with AI companies to license portions of their catalog for training — under strict conditions. That means: Artists and writers get compensated Unauthorized impersonations are restricted AI companies get legal access Labels maintain control This introduces an entirely new category in the industry: AI licensing. Just like sync or samples, AI licensing could become a future revenue stream — especially for artists who own their masters or publishing. This isn’t theoretical. This is happening now. DEEPFAKE CONCERTS Now let’s talk about something wild. In China, AI-generated digital performers are selling out concert venues. These shows use motion capture, deepfake visuals, and AI vocals. To audiences, they look like real performers. This raises serious questions: Who owns a digital likeness? What happens to touring revenue? Can one “artist” perform in 10 cities at once? Deepfake concerts aren’t a gimmick. They’re a preview. Which brings us to today’s guest. INTERVIEW — GREG PHILLINGANES Trevor Lawrence Jr.: Today’s interview is very special. I’m bringing on one of the true renaissance musicians of our lifetime — a keyboardist, musical director, songwriter, educator, and innovator who continues to reinvent himself. Please welcome Greg Phillinganes. Greg Phillinganes: Wait… who? Is he in the room? (laughs) Trevor: Greg, thank you so much for coming. You are one of the very few people who can get me on a show with less than 24 hours’ notice. Greg: I appreciate you, Trev. Truly. USC, EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE Trevor: You’re now a professor at USC — and this matters. Students aren’t learning about the industry. They’re learning from someone who actually lived it. There’s a difference between studying Greg Phillinganes… and learning from Greg Phillinganes. Greg: That’s the responsibility. Passing down real experience matters. ANALOG TO AI — A LIFETIME VIEW Trevor: You’ve lived through every era — analog, drum machines, MIDI, digital, DAWs, and now AI. What’s different this time? Greg: Live music is still the last bastion of authenticity. That visceral, emotional experience can’t be replaced. My concern with AI isn’t technology — it’s speed. It’s liquid. It doesn’t plateau the way previous tools did. Anything that tries to replace humanity — I’m wary of that. AI, AUTHENTICITY & THE HUMAN FACTOR Greg: I respect innovation. But the word artificial matters. We’re now talking to systems that simulate emotion, intellect, even personality. That’s different than drum machines or synths. Live music will survive. But we must protect the human element. Trevor: And I think both things can be true. Technology evolves — but the soul still matters. CAREER MOMENT Trevor: You’ve been in every room imaginable. What moment stands out? Greg: Working with Stevie Wonder. He hired me just before my 19th birthday — and a month before his 25th. That changed my life. CLOSING Trevor Lawrence Jr.: This conversation is exactly why The TrevBeats Show exists. Greg, thank you for your honesty, wisdom, and perspective. Greg Phillinganes: I appreciate the dialogue. Truly. OUTRO That wraps Episode 5 of The TrevBeats Show. Thank you to the legendary Greg Phillinganes. Check out Lingo, The Musician’s Pocket Guide to Endorsements Vol. 3, TrevBeats merch, Vintage Vault instruments, and all my Splice packs at trevorlawrencejr.com. Episode 6 is massive — the first ever TrevBeats Legends Roundtable featuring Teddy Campbell, Lil John Roberts, Will Kennedy, and Marcus Pope. Like. Comment. Subscribe. I’m Trevor Lawrence Jr. — and we’ll see you next time.