In an age where artificial intelligence is generating music with startling accuracy and efficiency, Montreal’s So Not AI takes a different route altogether. With the debut single “fa’real fa’real,” Eldad Tsabary—the mind behind this project—answers the question “what makes music human?” not with critique but with unabashed joy. The track, released on June 20, 2025, is a celebration of quirks, of rhythmical oddities, of playful melodies that revel in their flaws. It is a cheeky provocation and an irresistible invitation: dance to this, not because it’s perfect, but because it’s alive. From the very first measure, the single radiates an energy that feels distinctly unpolished in the best sense of the word. It’s a reminder that sometimes what gets us moving isn’t technical precision but character—the charming stumble that somehow lands right on the beat.
Musically, “fa’real fa’real” thrives in its refusal to conform to sterile polish. Its DNA contains echoes of early IDM and glitch, but with a warmer, more irreverent personality. Bright synth stabs tumble over funky, syncopated rhythms, while custom-designed sound effects give the piece its signature texture. Nothing feels like it was cut and pasted by a machine; instead, the song’s sonic fabric is stitched together like a patchwork quilt, each irregular seam adding to the charm. The grooves wobble, the melodies dart and duck, and yet everything converges into a flow that keeps your body engaged. It’s dance music that winks at you while it’s playing, daring you not to take it too seriously.
At the core of the track is Tsabary’s philosophy of “goofy soul.” Rather than chasing the elusive perfection that AI can render, So Not AI leans into unpredictability. A drum hit comes in slightly late, a melody hiccups, or a rhythmic loop shifts unexpectedly—each moment feels like a human presence making decisions in real time. That imperfection is what keeps the listener locked in. It’s not the glossy sheen of predictability but the thrill of surprise that makes “fa’real fa’real” so addictive. The song understands that dance floors don’t demand flawless symmetry; they crave momentum, mischief, and the chance to laugh while moving. This isn’t music that could live in a sterile AI prompt—it’s too self-aware, too delightfully weird.
Beyond the technical, there’s a cultural statement embedded in this single. So Not AI isn’t waging war against AI music but rather carving out a parallel lane, one rooted in human eccentricity. The project acknowledges the power and beauty of AI-generated work while asking listeners to remember why we seek out music in the first place: to feel connection. When a track like “fa’real fa’real” surprises you with an odd break or a playful melody, it feels like someone is nudging you from across the room, sharing an inside joke. In this way, Tsabary is opening a dialogue about presence, authenticity, and why imperfections aren’t flaws but lifelines.
What makes “fa’real fa’real” shine most is its ability to balance substance with silliness. It’s genuinely fun—goofily danceable and packed with color—yet behind its cheeky grin lies a thoughtful artistic manifesto. The track embodies Tsabary’s belief that being “so not AI” isn’t about resisting technology but embracing humanity’s peculiar brilliance. It reminds us that music is more than data—it’s the flawed, funny, heartfelt noise that keeps us tethered to one another. As a debut, it’s whimsical and profound, setting the stage for a project that dares to keep things joyfully human in a digital world.
