I’ve always loved when my work and hobbies overlap. As a freelance B2B marketer who helps knowledge-intensive companies grow organically, I’m constantly exploring new digital frontiers. But my latest project brings together several of my greatest passions: Formula 1, music, podcasting, and artificial intelligence.
Who Am I?
My name is Jerrel Arkes. My podcasting journey began around 2019 with the “Lomp” podcast about radio and radio pirates, where I created nearly 100 episodes with Alfred (who still continues the show). A few years ago, I launched my own B2B-focused podcast with approximately 180 episodes now online.
When I’m not helping companies grow, you’ll find me following Formula 1, making music, playing with AI tools, and keeping up with the latest AI developments.
The AI Influencer Project
I’m creating an AI influencer – literally an influencer that doesn’t actually exist. This fictional character, generated using various AI tools, will target Formula 1 fans and create music specifically for them. The entire process will integrate AI technology as much as possible.
Through this podcast series, “AI Influencer Lab,” I’ll share transparent updates about my progress. I’ll also interview people who can help advance this journey – marketers, real human influencers, artists, Formula 1 professionals, AI specialists, and many others.
Why Am I Doing This?
There are several motivations behind this project:
- I want to unite my various passions within a single creative venture
- I’m eager to experiment with AI in a more purposeful way
- I believe this will make me a better B2B marketer
- I want to answer a fundamental question: do AI influencers have a legitimate place in our world?
The Human Connection Question
I have conflicting thoughts about AI and human connection. On one hand, I believe AI is creating a greater need for authentic human connection – something our evolution-driven brains naturally crave. We want to be part of a group and form real connections.
On the other hand, I see more and more people building relationships with AI – sometimes as coaches or therapists, and sometimes even romantic relationships.
My Neutral Stance on AI Influencers
I’m neither for nor against AI influencers as a concept. I think each situation deserves its own evaluation. For instance, AI companions might provide valuable company for lonely elderly people, even if the interaction isn’t “real” in the traditional sense.
Conversely, we see young people potentially isolating themselves or receiving harmful advice from chatbots, which can lead to dangerous situations.
The Growing Trend of AI Personalities
Regardless of my personal opinions, AI influencers are becoming more prevalent. Some already have substantial followings, influence, and profitable business models. AI artists are breaking through as well – I recently read about one signing a record deal, while others have millions of Spotify streams. I’ve even had some small successes in this area myself, which I’ll discuss in another article.
Living in a Hybrid World
I believe we’re moving toward a hybrid world where some of the artists we listen to, guests on talk shows, radio personalities, and social media influencers will be real humans, while others won’t be. These AI personalities can have unique characters, worldviews, and content approaches designed by their creators.
No one knows exactly how this will develop or how significant the AI role will become. Will it be a 50-50 split? Will AI make up 80% of content creators? Or will it remain a smaller 10-20% segment? This fascinating question is one I hope to explore through this series.
Expectations and Approach
This podcast won’t follow a fixed schedule. I’ll publish episodes when I have conversations or updates to share. I’m doing this alongside my client work, not as a full-time endeavor, which means taking small steps, testing ideas, and sharing as I go.
My goal isn’t explosive growth for the AI influencer. While success would be nice, I’m primarily interested in exploring how this new world will evolve. If my research reveals that AI influencers won’t play a significant role in our future, that’s valuable information too.
I also plan to address the critical aspects and potential downsides of AI influencers in certain episodes – this won’t be solely a positive narrative.
Join Me on This Journey
If you have ideas, suggestions, or connections to people I should speak with, please reach out through my website, Instagram, LinkedIn, or any other platform. I look forward to seeing you in upcoming episodes!
Listen to this article
This article is based on one of my Dutch podcast monologues. You can listen to it in the episode below. It is part of the AI Influencer Lab series, in which I take my listeners through the steps of developing an AI influencer for a Formula 1 audience.
