Renowned music composer AR Rahman, known for his innovation in music production, has once again embraced technology to create something extraordinary. In a groundbreaking move, Rahman has utilised Artificial Intelligence (AI) to resurrect the voices of legendary playback singers Bamba Bakya and Shahul Hameed, who passed away in 2022 and 1998, respectively.
The Resonance of Thimiri Yezhuda in Lal Salaam
In the upcoming movie “Lal Salaam,” featuring superstar Rajinikanth, Rahman has woven the mesmerising voices of the late singers into the song “Thimiri Yezhuda.” This remarkable feat was made possible through the application of Timeless Voices AI, a Chennai-based music platform dedicated to preserving the voices of iconic artists using AI technology.
Ethical Usage of AI in Music Production
Rahman, acknowledging the significance of ethical practices, shared in a tweet, “We took permission from their families and sent deserving remuneration for using their voice algorithms… technology is not a threat or a nuisance, if we use it right.”
TimelessVoice employs AI to model legendary voices, providing music producers with the ability to create timeless vocals. The platform operates under Studio-Grade, allowing creators access to ethically trained voice models from high-fidelity studio recordings. This ensures fair compensation for artists and their estates, granting them revenue and retaining release rights for content created with their voice models. Under the principle of “Artist First – Protecting artists is our priority,” TimelessVoice aims to maintain ethical standards in the evolving landscape of AI in music production.
Diverse Reactions and Perspectives
Reactions to Rahman’s innovative approach have been varied. While some, like Aravind, express concerns about potential unemployment for trained singers, others, like Shouvik S Mazumdar, applaud the ethical use of AI as a powerful innovation.
A Tribute to Unfulfilled Legacies
The request for Rahman to bring back the voice of the legendary playback singer SP Balasubramanian, who passed away in 2020, prompted discussions on the ethical considerations surrounding the use of AI in music. A professional singer in the industry sees Rahman’s endeavor as a tribute to artists like Shahul Hameed and Bamba Bakya, who left the world without achieving great heights in their careers.
Ethical Dilemmas and the Evolution of Technology in Music
An emerging singer in the southern film industry reflects on the ethical concerns raised by using AI to create new works featuring deceased artists. While acknowledging the need to respect the legacy of artists, the singer emphasises the evolving nature of technology and suggests that the perspective on using AI in music will likely change over time.
AI in Automotive: MG’s Experiment
In a parallel development, automotive company MG has utilised AI to create a virtual representation of Cecil Kimber, the visionary behind MG’s legacy of joy since 1924. This experiment showcases the diverse applications of AI technology across different industries.
AR Rahman’s exploration of AI in music production has sparked discussions on ethical considerations and the evolving role of technology in the creative domain. As the music industry continues to embrace innovation, the use of AI raises questions about preserving artistic legacies while paving the way for new possibilities in musical composition.
