The Beatles Revive John Lennon’s Vocals with AI
Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, the surviving members of The Beatles, have released a song that was written by John Lennon in the 1970s. They utilized artificial intelligence (AI) technology developed by filmmaker Peter Jackson to enhance Lennon’s vocals from a low-quality mono recording. Unlike recent AI-generated songs imitating artists like Drake and The Weeknd, this record utilizes the same technology used in Jackson’s 2021 Beatles docuseries.
Extracting and Restoring Lennon’s Vocals
The Beatles did not create a new song but rather used Jackson’s technology to extract and polish up the vocals Lennon had recorded. This is not an instance of AI-generated music; it is the real John Lennon whose voice was buried in tape hiss and a wobbly piano on an old demo.
The Restorative Process
In 1994, McCartney and Starr began working on the track after receiving three demo tapes from Yoko Ono, Lennon’s widow. However, they were dissatisfied with the original recording quality and decided to halt production until restorative technologies were developed. Jackson’s documentary tech allowed them to separate different elements of the original mono recording, similar to isolating ingredients in a stew.
Contemplating Posthumous AI Art
The release of this restored track raises ethical questions about posthumously releasing an artist’s work with the assistance of AI. McCartney himself wrestled with these ethics and wondered if Lennon would have consented to using his vocals. However, McCartney ultimately concluded that based on his relationship with Lennon, he would have agreed to the process. Nonetheless, concerns remain about whether an AI-generated song can disrupt fans’ connection with the original artist.
The Importance of Human Judgment
Music publisher Michael McCarty argues that snippets of Lennon’s voice should not be conflated with his true musical legacy. He believes that AI may not fully capture the nuances and soul of an artist’s composition. Therefore, any restorative effort requires human judgment to preserve and enhance an artist’s well-established legacy.
Hot Take: AI and the Boundaries of Artistic Integrity
The release of The Beatles’ song using AI technology to revive John Lennon’s vocals sparks a debate about the boundaries of artistic integrity. While some may appreciate the opportunity to hear new material from a deceased artist, others argue that AI-generated music fails to capture the essence and authenticity of the original artist’s work. The use of AI in music production raises questions about preserving an artist’s legacy and the impact on fans’ emotional connection to their favorite musicians. As technology continues to advance, it is crucial to consider the ethical implications and find a balance between innovation and artistic integrity.
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