In an extraordinary revelation, the iconic British band, The Beatles, are set to release what could be their “final” record, thanks to the application of cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) technology.
Paul McCartney, one of the band’s surviving members, recently disclosed that AI was utilized to isolate John Lennon’s vocals from an old demo, resurrecting his voice decades after the band’s breakup.
This groundbreaking achievement was made during the production of director Peter Jackson’s acclaimed documentary series, “The Beatles: Get Back.” The highly-anticipated new song is scheduled for release later this year.
Unleashing Lennon’s Voice with AI
Paul McCartney, aged 80, discussed in an interview with the BBC the significant contribution of AI in the separation of the Beatles’ voices from the background sounds in the documentary. Peter Jackson utilized this technology to extract Lennon’s voice from a deteriorated cassette recording that only contained a piano.
McCartney clarified that the AI system could distinguish between different elements, such as voices and guitars, enabling the removal of unwanted components. This innovative application of AI facilitated the band’s collaboration on a demo tape originally recorded by John Lennon, ultimately preserving his unadulterated voice for the mixing of the final Beatles record.
Unraveling the Demo: “Now and Then”
While McCartney did not specifically disclose the name of the demo, sources speculate that it is an unfinished love song written by Lennon in 1978, titled “Now and Then.” The demo, which was part of a cassette labeled “For Paul” gifted by Lennon’s widow, Yoko Ono, provided the raw material for the AI-assisted project.
By employing AI technology, the Beatles’ team successfully preserved Lennon’s vocals, granting them the freedom to artistically mix the record. McCartney marveled at the possibilities AI presented, stating, “It gives you some sort of leeway.”
AI Resurrects Lennon for Virtual Duet
This groundbreaking use of AI is not the first instance where the technology has bridged the gap between the living and the deceased members of The Beatles. Last year, McCartney virtually reunited with Lennon during his performance of “I’ve Got a Feeling” at the renowned Glastonbury Festival.
Utilizing AI algorithms, McCartney was able to perform alongside his late bandmate, creating an emotionally charged moment for both the performer and the audience. The collaboration demonstrated the potential of AI in revolutionizing the music industry.
“Eyes of the Storm”: McCartney’s Unseen Photographs
In addition to his musical endeavors, Paul McCartney is preparing to open an exciting exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery in London. Titled “Eyes of the Storm,” the exhibition will showcase a collection of over 250 previously unseen photographs taken by McCartney during the early days of Beatlemania, from 1963 to 1964.
These photographs offer a captivating glimpse into the lives of the Beatles during their meteoric rise to worldwide fame. The collection includes portraits of Ringo Starr, George Harrison, John Lennon, as well as the Beatles’ manager, Brian Epstein.
Looking Ahead
Paul McCartney’s exploration of AI in the Beatles’ final record signifies a groundbreaking advancement in the realm of music. The ability to resurrect John Lennon’s voice and create a new song using AI technology stands as a testament to the enduring impact and innovation of the band.
As McCartney himself described the AI technology, it is both “scary but exciting.” With the upcoming release of the “last Beatles record” and McCartney’s exhibition of unseen photographs, fans and music enthusiasts alike can eagerly anticipate immersing themselves in the timeless legacy of the iconic British band.
