Will Douglas Heaven, a prominent figure in the tech journalism sphere, recently shared three areas of interest that are currently capturing his attention. These include the drumming of El Estepario Siberiano, the exploration of AI-generated content that borders on the uncanny, and the broader implications of human effort in an increasingly automated world.

Heaven expressed particular enthusiasm for the YouTube channel of El Estepario Siberiano, the online moniker of Spanish drummer Jorge Garrido. Garrido's videos feature high-energy cover versions of popular songs, showcasing a level of speed and technical skill that has garnered widespread attention, including reaction videos from fellow musicians. Heaven noted Garrido's dedication to his craft, emphasizing the countless hours spent practicing to achieve his level of proficiency. "At a time when machines appear to do it all, there's a kind of defiance in that level of human effort," Heaven stated. He specifically cited Garrido's covers of electronic music as a highlight, where the drummer's performance surpasses the capabilities of drum machines.

Another area of interest for Heaven is the emergence of increasingly realistic AI-generated content, particularly videos created using tools like Sora. He described experiencing a sense of "flashbacks" when viewing Sora-generated videos depicting surreal scenarios, such as Michael Jackson stealing chicken nuggets or Sam Altman interacting with a Pikachu. This interest reflects a broader fascination within the tech community with the rapid advancements in generative AI and its potential to blur the lines between reality and simulation. The ethical and societal implications of such technology are subjects of ongoing debate and analysis.

Heaven's third area of focus centers on the value of human effort in an era of increasing automation. He sees Garrido's dedication to drumming as an example of the unique qualities that humans bring to creative endeavors, even in fields where machines are becoming increasingly capable. This perspective aligns with a growing conversation about the future of work and the need to identify and cultivate skills that are difficult to automate, such as creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence. The discussion extends to the role of education and training in preparing individuals for a job market that is constantly evolving due to technological advancements.