Jazz legend Herbie Hancock has revealed an unexpected reason for his 15-year album hiatus - getting lost in YouTube videos. The 84-year-old pianist and composer admitted to falling into frequent online viewing sessions, watching content about music software, health, and technology.
"I get victimized by it, so to speak, but that's life," Hancock said with a laugh during an interview from his West Hollywood home. The admission comes as the musical pioneer prepares to receive the prestigious Polar Music Prize in Stockholm next year.
Despite his YouTube distractions, Hancock remains actively engaged with modern music and technology. The Grammy-winning artist has collaborated with contemporary stars like Kendrick Lamar, who has visited Hancock's home studio multiple times.
Throughout his illustrious career spanning over 60 years, Hancock has consistently pushed musical boundaries. From writing jazz standards like "Watermelon Man" in the 1960s to pioneering synthesizer use in the 1970s with instruments like the Fairlight Computer Musical Instrument (CMI), his influence spans multiple genres and generations.
His innovative spirit extends to emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence. Unlike many skeptics, Hancock maintains an optimistic view of AI's potential. "I have this feeling that AI is going to help us all understand and get closer to becoming more ethically responsible people," he stated.
When asked about piano practice habits, the jazz master showed his humorous side. Despite encouraging young musicians to overcome their resistance to practice, he admitted with a chuckle that he hadn't practiced that day "and probably won't."
Hancock will receive the Polar Music Prize, often considered music's equivalent to the Nobel Prize, alongside a distinguished list of previous recipients including Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan, and Stevie Wonder. The ceremony will take place on May 27, 2025, in Stockholm, Sweden.