# Songwriters stay in river, keep swimming

> Songwriter Karen Poole and Universal Music Publishing Group UK's David Gray discuss creativity, AI, and staying in the game.
- Title: Songwriters stay in river, keep swimming · Music Ally
- Summary: Songwriter Karen Poole and Universal Music Publishing Group UK's David Gray discuss creativity, AI, and staying in the game. Songwriter Karen Poole says…
- Keywords: karen poole, david gray, universal music publishing group uk, songwriting, creativity, music industry, collaboration, music, business, technology, Songwriters, stay
- Source: Music Ally — https://musically.com/2026/10/13/creativity-and-change-in-songwriting-stay-in-the-river-keep-swimming
- Author: Stuart Dredge
- Published: 2026-10-13T09:19:59+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: karen poole, david gray, universal music publishing group uk, songwriting, ai, creativity, music industry, collaboration, music, business, technology
## Music Ally Publishing Summit 2026
This week’s Music Ally Publishing Summit featured David Gray, MD of Universal Music Publishing Group UK, and songwriter Karen Poole.
## Karen Poole’s career
Poole wrote for Kylie Minogue, Will Young, Sugababes, Becky Hill, Lily Allen, Janet Jackson, and co-wrote PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson’s ‘Stateside’.
## Poole’s motto
Poole says: 'I’m just trying to diversify constantly. My motto is just: stay in the river, keep swimming. Don’t get out.'

> I’m just trying to diversify constantly. My motto is just: stay in the river, keep swimming. Don’t get out, because it’s just so important to stay with it and try to diversify as much as you can
## Poole’s age and energy
Poole, over 50, says she pushes forward in sessions to prove why she’s there and has energy for creative work.
## Gray’s praise for Poole
Gray notes Poole has as much energy and creative interest as anyone starting, which is a win for publishers.

> most people at this stage start winding down or giving up, but Karen has as much energy and creative interest as anybody who’s just starting
## Ex-artists as songwriters
Gray says ex-artists bring unique perspectives and lyrical skills that new writers lack.

> it’s not a hard and fast rule, but i think ex-artists make great songwriters because you bring something to the table that somebody who’s never been an artist doesn’t
## Songwriting chemistry
Gray emphasizes complementary skillsets and personalities over volume in songwriting sessions.

> it’s chemistry, and also not duplicating or triplicating what people do
## AI in songwriting
Poole uses AI to change her voice to male for songs but says AI will never stop her writing songs.

> i know it’s not going to be released, but i just want to hear how i sound as a guy
## Human songwriting wins
Gray and Poole agree human connection and creativity outweigh AI for hit songs.

> when you have a hit that is created by human beings, nothing beats that
## Key takeaway

Songwriter Karen Poole says staying in the river, keep swimming, is key to creative success amid AI changes.