In a world where technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, it comes as no surprise that AI is making its mark in the music industry. The recent release of a new song by country singer Randy Travis, created using AI software and a surrogate singer, has sparked a debate about the ethics and implications of AI-generated music.
The process of creating Randy Travis’ new song, “Where That Came From,” involved training an AI model with 42 of his vocal-isolated recordings. Under the supervision of Travis and his long-time producer Kyle Lehning, country singer James DuPre then laid down the vocals to be transformed into Travis’ voice by AI. The end result is a gentle tune that captures Travis’ signature relaxed style.
While some may argue that AI-generated music signals the death of human-made music as we know it, others believe that it showcases the capabilities of AI tools in the right hands. The use of AI to clone Travis’ voice has been described as “AI for good” by Cris Lacy, Co-president of Warner Music Nashville.
Warner Music Nashville’s use of AI to clone Travis’ voice raises questions about the legality and ethics of AI-generated music. The recently-passed ELVIS Act in Tennessee, which allows labels to take legal action against those using software to recreate an artist’s voice without permission, reflects growing concerns about the use of AI in the music industry.
While Travis’ song serves as a compelling example of AI being used to create legitimate music, it also raises concerns about the potential for profit from digital resurrection of music from deceased artists. As Warner Music Nashville and the record industry as a whole navigate this new territory, it remains to be seen what lessons will be learned from this groundbreaking use of AI in music production.
The intersection of AI and music production raises complex ethical questions about authenticity, legality, and the future of the music industry. As technology continues to evolve, it is crucial for stakeholders to carefully consider the implications of AI-generated music and ensure that ethical standards are upheld in the creation and distribution of music.
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