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The Rising Influence of AI in the Music Industry

Artificial intelligence is increasingly being recognized as a potential disruptor within the music realm. Many AI models are being developed, often without authorization, on copyrighted music originally created by human artists. This has led to a situation where AI-generated compositions can be misrepresented as works of human musicians on streaming platforms, adversely affecting both their streams and income.

While the legal challenges posed to AI music companies by record labels are significant, the entertainment industry is also exploring the economic advantages that AI technology offers. These innovations provide cost-effective solutions, extend careers, and create new revenue streams.

A notable instance of AI’s application in music was the release by Universal Music of a Spanish rendition of the classic Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree by Brenda Lee, originally recorded in 1958 when she was only 13 years old. Now 80, Lee was not available for a studio session, prompting the label to utilize AI for a virtual replication of her vocals in Spanish. Lee was pre-informed about the project and expressed her astonishment at the remarkably accurate outcome.

This example exemplifies just one of the numerous inventive uses of AI in the music sector. Another fascinating application involves Japanese artist Yumi Matsutoya, aged 71, who is collaborating with Dreamtonics to produce her latest album. The company’s pioneering voice synthesis technology allows her to perform alongside her younger self. Utilizing their Synthesizer V tool, the current Yumi’s voice has been blended with that of Yumi Arai, her birth name during her early years in music from 1972 to 1976. With a staggering catalog of over 600 songs, Matsutoya remains a celebrated figure in the Japanese music scene.

Celebrating a Musical Milestone

The new song, titled Call Me Back, is being released as part of her celebration for five decades in the industry. This innovative duet showcases a vision reminiscent of Blade Runner.

Masataka Matsutoya, the album’s producer, remarked, “It’s like recording sound beyond time. Anyone who listens to it can hear the old Yumi, yet the results are strikingly new.” He acknowledges the challenges of public perception, stating that if the project were viewed as a means for Yumi to circumvent traditional singing, it may be criticized. He suggests that AI technology holds its true value when integrated seamlessly into the creative process from the beginning.

This evolving dialogue opens an interesting avenue concerning the concept of voice aging. As artists mature, their vocal qualities often transform, leading to a deeper voice and diminished range. Fans of legends like Paul McCartney and Elton John will note that older performances frequently require musical adaptations, such as lower keys, to accommodate age-related changes in their voices.

Similarly, artists like Ozzy Osbourne have utilized various methods to enhance their vocal performances, including the use of backing tracks and assistance from other vocalists. Moreover, there exist performance groups whose shows are almost synonymous with lip-syncing to pre-recorded tracks.

Real-time vocal modification has become a staple in live performances, allowing for adjustments to be made instantaneously. This technology enables entertainers to capitalize on their live shows even when faced with vocal challenges.

While Dreamtonics has yet to disclose specific details about its technology, the possibilities for its use extend far beyond simply enabling nostalgia-driven duets. There is the intriguing potential for aging vocalists to create entire albums leveraging the sound of their youth. Additionally, could this technology be adapted for live performances to artificially restore youthful qualities? If so, it could provide a lifeline for artists whose vocal deterioration has led to early retirement from touring, particularly as demand for performances by legacy acts continues to grow.

The film industry has explored similar technological advancements, employing non-makeup de-aging techniques since at least 2006. Iconic figures like Patrick Stewart and Tom Hanks have benefited from these innovations in recent films, showcasing the potential effects on audience experiences.

However, the embrace of such technology in music will likely encounter resistance from segments of the audience craving authenticity in live performances. Some listeners favor the unfiltered human experience, while others may advocate for the polished sound that technological enhancements can deliver, especially when purchasing concert tickets.

As this technology evolves, the music industry is on the cusp of a significant transformation in the way music is both created and performed, paving the way for a new era in musical expression.

Source
globalnews.ca