An AI Collaboration Across Space and Time
In a fascinating melding of past and future, The Beatles, one of the most influential bands in music history, have used artificial intelligence (AI) to create what is being hailed as their 'final song' with the voice of the late John Lennon. This groundbreaking endeavor comes just a couple of months after the music industry was taken by storm when AI was used to create a viral hit song featuring simulated voices of Drake and The Weeknd, and shortly after Oasis were digitally reformed in the form of AISIS.
The Story Behind the Song
Paul McCartney, one of the remaining members of the Beatles, revealed that they had used AI to "extricate" Lennon's voice from an old demo to complete the song1. The song, expected to be "Now And Then," was originally written by Lennon in 1978. The demo was a part of a cassette titled "For Paul," recorded on a boombox in Lennon's New York City apartment. Lennon was tragically assassinated in 1980, leaving behind a rich legacy of music and a world of fans who mourned his loss.
The song is slated for release this year, although McCartney did not specify which song it was.
The Beatles and AI: A New Symphony
The idea for this final Beatles song originated during their work with director Peter Jackson on the 2021 documentary "Get Back." The documentary recounts the making of the Beatles' album "Let It Be." During its production, Jackson's team utilized AI technology to separate the members' voices from background noises and their own instruments, creating "clean" audio. This innovative use of AI set the stage for their latest venture.
When it came to Lennon's voice, McCartney stated that they were able to isolate his voice from a "ropey little bit of cassette" with the help of AI. The technology was used to distinguish between Lennon's voice and a piano, allowing them to remove the latter and retain a pure vocal track. This paved the way for the creation of what is being referred to as the last Beatles' record.
The Future of AI in Music
Despite the successful use of AI in this project, McCartney expressed his reservations about the technology, highlighting that some people are using it to recreate Lennon's voice to sing their own songs. While acknowledging the potential of AI, McCartney emphasized that this final song is genuinely Lennon's, setting it apart from AI-generated recreations.
The use of AI in music is both "scary and exciting," according to McCartney. It's a glimpse into a future where technology could further blur the line between the past and the present, opening up new possibilities in the world of music and beyond. As McCartney said, "We'll just have to see where that leads”.
This venture by The Beatles demonstrates the potential of AI in preserving and enhancing our cultural heritage. It is a testament to how technology can breathe new life into art, connecting generations of music lovers, and allowing legendary artists like John Lennon to posthumously continue their musical journey. This innovation serves as a reminder of the limitless potential of human creativity, especially when it's harmoniously combined with advanced technology. The combination of AI and music is a complex symphony of innovation, creativity, and legal conundrums. As we continue to explore this uncharted territory, we must strive to balance the marvel of technology with the respect for originality and individual rights.
As with any powerful tool, it is the way we wield AI in music that will ultimately define its future.
