How AI has helped Sir Paul McCartney finish his unfinished songs

Sir Paul McCartney uses AI to complete unfinished Beatles song

Sir Paul McCartney has revealed that he enlisted the help of artificial intelligence (AI) to complete a previously unfinished track by The Beatles. Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, McCartney spoke of how the technology was used to “extricate” John Lennon’s voice from an old demo so he could finish the 1978 composition, which is believed to be titled “Now And Then”. The lo-fi and embryonic nature of Lennon’s original boombox recording had led to mixed attempts at working on the song in the past, including sessions that were quickly abandoned or categorised as “rubbish”. McCartney’s use of AI in the creative process highlights the potential power of machine learning in the music production process.

Creative benefits of AI in music production

The use of AI in music production has long been debated as to whether such technology threatens to replace human creativity or instead enhance it. McCartney’s example demonstrates the latter, providing an example of how AI can offer greater possibilities, unlocking treasure troves of previously unused audio elements. By allowing producers to extract individual tracks and voices, this technology can be used to create new mixes or even produce new songs from scratch, as has been demonstrated by AI-powered projects such as Amper and AIVA.

A cautionary note on the dangers of AI in music production

Despite the creative benefits of AI in music production, there are also concerns over the technology’s limitations, including issues involving copyright, ownership and the need for adequate input data. Additionally, there have been instances when AI-generated music has been passed off as genuine, which raises questions about the technology’s potential to deceive audiences and diminish the value of human creativity. While AI can add new dimensions to music production, it must be approached with caution and its use should be governed by established standards and regulations.

Final thoughts on McCartney’s use of AI in music production

McCartney’s use of AI to finish an old track by one of the most iconic music groups of all time demonstrates how technology can be leveraged to resurface long-forgotten sounds, creating new and exciting artistic achievements. However, it is important to balance this with a clear-eyed view of the necessity of human creativity as its foundation. By being mindful of the implications of AI, the music industry can continue to evolve and avoid the risks inherent in unchecked technological proliferation.