Randy Travis's New Song Recreates His Voice With AI Technology

🌈 Abstract

The article discusses how country music singer Randy Travis, who lost much of his speech after a 2013 stroke, used artificial intelligence (AI) technology to clone his voice for his first new recording in over a decade. The article explores the implications of this landmark moment for AI music and the ongoing debates around the use of AI in the music industry.

🙋 Q&A

[01] Randy Travis's New Song

1. What is the title of Randy Travis's new song that features his AI-cloned voice? The new song is titled "Where That Came From".

2. How was the song created?

• Another singer initially performed the vocals, and then Travis's AI-cloned voice was overlaid on the raw performance.
• Travis, his longtime producer Kyle Lehning, his wife Mary, and Warner Music Nashville co-chair and co-president Cris Lacy were involved in the process.

3. What is the significance of this release for AI music?

• "Where That Came From" is one of the first commercial releases to feature AI-cloned vocals, marking a landmark moment for AI music.
• The use of AI to recreate Travis's voice has become a pressing topic in the music industry, as artists, record labels, and lawmakers grapple with how to regulate the technology.

[02] Implications and Debates around AI Music

1. What are some of the concerns and debates around the use of AI in music?

• There are concerns about the negative aspects of AI, such as the potential for misuse or unauthorized use of artists' work and digital likenesses.
• However, the industry has also said that AI could be helpful in the creative process if the proper guardrails are put in place.

2. How have other artists used AI in their work?

• FKA Twigs revealed that she developed an AI deepfake of herself to interact with fans on social media, allowing her to focus on making music.
• Drake released a song featuring AI-generated vocals of Tupac, which led to a cease and desist from Tupac's estate.

3. What questions does Travis's AI song raise?

• The song raises questions about how copyright and credits are handled, such as how the singer who recorded the initial vocals is cited or compensated, and what type of license, if any, was needed to use Travis's AI vocals.