Artificial intelligence has played a remarkable role in the music industry, particularly in resurrecting the iconic voice of John Lennon. Paul McCartney recently revealed that AI technology was employed to extract Lennon’s voice from an old demo, breathing life into what McCartney called “the last Beatles record.” In this groundbreaking development, director Peter Jackson utilized AI to separate the Beatles’ voices from background sounds during the production of the 2021 documentary series, “The Beatles: Get Back.” The resulting “new” song is set to be released later this year, marking a significant milestone in music history.
The Magic of AI Technology
During a BBC interview, McCartney shared insights into the process of resurrecting Lennon’s voice. Jackson effectively utilized AI to isolate Lennon’s vocals from a humble cassette recording and a piano. With the help of AI, the technology discerned between different audio elements, distinguishing Lennon’s voice from the accompanying guitar, ultimately allowing the team to create the last Beatles record. McCartney expressed his excitement at this groundbreaking achievement, highlighting the freedom and flexibility provided by AI technology.
Unveiling the Last Beatles Record
While McCartney did not disclose the specific name of the demo, it is widely speculated to be an unfinished love song by Lennon called “Now and Then,” dating back to 1978. The demo, included on a cassette labeled “For Paul,” was entrusted to McCartney by Lennon’s widow, Yoko Ono. This treasure trove of Lennon’s raw recordings, combined with the power of AI, has paved the way for the creation of a final musical masterpiece by the legendary band.
The Impact of AI in Music
The successful collaboration between AI technology and the Beatles does not stop at resurrecting Lennon’s voice. In a moment of virtual harmony, AI allowed McCartney to “duet” with Lennon at the 2022 Glastonbury Festival on the timeless classic “I’ve Got a Feeling.” This remarkable feat demonstrates the immense possibilities and potential that AI holds for the music industry, both in terms of preserving musical legacies and creating innovative musical experiences.
Beyond Music: McCartney’s Photographic Journey
In addition to his musical endeavors, McCartney is preparing to showcase a captivating exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery in London. Titled “Eyes of the Storm,” the exhibition features a collection of more than 250 previously unseen photographs taken by McCartney himself during the early days of the Beatles. These photographs provide a unique glimpse into the rise of “Beatlemania” and depict the band’s members, including Ringo Starr, George Harrison, Lennon, and their manager Brian Epstein.
The utilization of AI technology to extract John Lennon’s voice from an old demo represents a groundbreaking achievement for the music industry. With the aid of AI, the last Beatles record is set to captivate fans around the world. McCartney’s exploration of AI extends beyond music, as he continues to express his creativity through photography. As we witness the convergence of technology and artistic expression, it is evident that AI has become a powerful tool in unlocking new possibilities and preserving the legacy of iconic musicians like Lennon and the Beatles.
