Reggio Emilia03Rock
Zero Ideale
Quelli di Ieri
“Time changes everything. We give voice to what it cannot take away.”
3/6 by the artist
By InvitationRockTorino
Metaxa
Founded in Turin in 1997 by Luca and Luciano, Metaxa blend the spirit of '90s Italian alternative rock with a new creative approach. Reborn as a hybrid project, they combine real instruments, artificial intelligence and human production.
Rock never dies.
— Metaxa
Transparency
Human × AI
How "Le Doppie Facce" was made, role by role, as declared by the artist.
4Of 6 roles
by the artist
by the artist
Human
Lyrics
Human
Melody
AI
Vocals
AI
Arrangement
Human
Production
Human
Mix & master
Made by the artistMade with AI
AI tools used: Suno, ChatGPT
The Interview
In conversation with Metaxa
How did you start making music with AI?
Metaxa were a real band from 1997 to 2003. When we stopped playing together, the project never really ended. It continued to live on my computer and within the walls of my home. Over the years, I kept writing lyrics, composing music and looking for a way to bring Metaxa back to life. Then I discovered generative AI, and a whole new world opened up. Suddenly, I had a way to give shape and sound to ideas I had been carrying with me for years. Today, I'm Luciano, and I manage the entire Metaxa project on my own, combining AI with real instruments, creativity and human production. But one thing hasn't changed: Metaxa started as a band, and that's what they'll always be to me.
What does AI do in your creative process — and what stays human?
AI helps me develop my ideas, but it doesn't decide what Metaxa should sound like. With Suno, I can turn musical sketches into fuller arrangements and explore sounds that would be difficult to create on my own. ChatGPT also helps me understand technical aspects of production. The human part is the creative direction. I write lyrics, play and record instruments, make choices and decide what works and what doesn't. But above all, what stays human is the emotion behind the music. My songs come from experiences, feelings and my way of seeing the world. AI can help shape the sound, but the emotions and the message come from me. I often start with a clear idea of how a song should sound and keep working until I get close to that vision. I handle editing and post-production myself. My workflow changes from song to song, but the final decisions are always mine. For me, AI is a powerful creative tool, not a replacement for human creativity.
Tell us about "Le Doppie Facce". How was it made?
The title says it all. "Le doppie facce" isn't about anyone in particular. Anyone can dedicate it to someone who smiles and jokes with you, then stabs you in the back. Who hasn't met someone like that? The song began with a guitar sketch I recorded using music software. I then recorded the bass part with my electric guitar, using a VST to make it sound like a bass. I put the parts together and brought them into Suno, already knowing the sound I wanted. From there, I guided the whole process. Once the backing track was ready, I wrote the lyrics and put everything together. Finally, I separated the song into individual tracks again and did the post-production myself. AI helped bring the track to life, but the idea, direction and final decisions were mine.
“Rock never dies.”
Which tools do you use, and how?
I use Reaper to record my guitar, build demos, edit tracks and handle post-production. With my electric guitar and VSTs, I can create bass and violin parts, and I use virtual instruments for keyboards too. I use Suno to develop ideas, often starting from music I've already played and recorded. I usually have a clear idea of the direction, so I guide the process and make the final creative decisions. My workflow isn't always the same: it changes depending on the song and how much time I have. I also use ChatGPT as an assistant and creative partner, especially to guide me through mixing and mastering. I'm not a sound engineer, and I'd never claim to replace one. Sound engineers are highly skilled professionals and I have great respect for their work. These tools help me bring Metaxa's music to life.
What does it mean to be an Italian artist in the AI music scene?
For me, it means keeping my roots while exploring something new. Metaxa started in Turin in 1997, influenced by the Italian alternative rock of those years. I write in Italian because it's my language and it's how I can express myself best. Making alternative rock in Italian isn't the easiest road, and using AI brings even more questions and criticism. That's fine: everyone can have their opinion. I only ask people to listen before deciding what a song is worth. I don't hide the use of AI, but I also don't want it to erase the years I spent writing, playing and composing. AI has given me a way to bring Metaxa back, without changing what I want to say. For me, being an Italian artist in this scene is exactly that: using new tools without losing my identity.
What's next for you?
After releasing our latest album, "Ci vuole ossigeno", I'm already working on new Metaxa tracks that will see the light of day in the future. In the meantime, I'm continuing to promote our music, create videos and experiment with new ideas. I want to keep exploring what AI can offer, combining it with real instruments and my own creativity. I don't know exactly where this journey will take us, and that's part of the fun. What matters is having the freedom to create, experiment and make music without following any particular rules. We still have plenty to say, both through our music and our lyrics. So yes, you'll definitely be hearing new songs from Metaxa!
Are the original Metaxa members aware of the band's revival through AI?
Yes, almost everyone knows about the new Metaxa project and its use of AI. The only exception is Angelo, our drummer, who is the only member I've lost contact with over the years. Luca and I are still close friends, and I regularly keep in touch with the other guys through messages and conversations. We have a great relationship, even though life has taken us in different directions. Today I'm the one running the project, but the original members will always be part of Metaxa's history. That hasn't changed, and it never will.
Will people ever get to see Metaxa perform live again?
I really don't think so, unfortunately. These days, finding the time would be difficult, and we all live too far apart to get together and play again. And there's another important thing: if we replaced even just one member, we wouldn't be the same Metaxa anymore. That's how I see it. On top of all that, there are also some physical issues that make the idea of playing together again even more complicated. So, when I put everything together, I honestly think a live reunion would be extremely difficult, if not impossible. It's a shame, but that's life. At least the music is still here, and Metaxa can keep going in a different way.
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