How magical would it be if your favorite song could be covered by the artist you adore the most? For me, that artist is Winter from the Korean group, AESPA. Her voice stands out, with a metallic crispness, yet imbued with a deep warmth. As a Korean singer, most of her songs are in Korean with an occasional mix of English. The language barrier, unfortunately, prevents me from fully grasping the emotional depth of her songs.
One day, to my astonishment, I stumbled upon a video titled “AI WINTER Kim Min-jeong covers ‘Under Mount Fuji’” on a streaming platform. This song is a well-known Cantonese track. Driven by curiosity, I played the video, only to be overwhelmed by a profound sense of familiarity and understanding, all because of the power of my native language. It made me realize how her original fans feel when they listen to her.
（A Video Showcase: Winter – English song AI Cover)
This fascinating discovery propelled me into the world of AI song generation. It’s a technology that can analyze the original song and reproduce it in different voices or styles. What’s even more impressive is that this can all be accomplished without the need for a full band or backing track, opening up infinite possibilities for music creation. (Tucker, 2023) The production process is incredibly straightforward. To craft an AI cover, the model simulates the original artist’s voice, which can then be blended with that of a real singer. Technologies like RVC, for instance, can synthesize high-quality voice outputs based on existing audio. With a simple upload, you’re all set for a musical treat. (Wodecki, 2023) Advanced machine learning algorithms, like deep neural networks, drive most of these AI models. They are trained on vast datasets to understand various facets of music, from harmony and melody to rhythm. (Tucker, 2023)
In this ever-evolving tech era, we’re witnessing the golden age of music intertwined with technology. AI offers us a unique way to reshape and experience music, breaking down barriers of language and culture. It promises a world where music lovers across the globe can revel in this innovative charm. I eagerly await further blends of technology and art, where every individual can bask in the sheer beauty of music.
However, like all technologies, there’s a darker side. There have been real-world instances of deep fake audio deceiving unsuspecting victims, like the 2021 incident where a bank manager in Dubai was conned out of $35 million. (Wodecki, 2023b) Additionally, such undertakings might irk record companies. Universal Music Group, for instance, has expressed concerns over AI encroaching on their territory, hinting at lawsuits against platforms like Spotify if they launch AI-generated music products. (Wodecki, 2023)
This serves as a reminder that as we embrace and utilize these technologies, we should respect original works, abide by copyright laws, and ensure personal privacy against potential risks.
References:
Tucker, O. (2023). [Most are Online] Make AI Cover Song with 9 Free AI Cover Generator Now! www.unictool.com. https://www.unictool.com/text-to-speech/ai-song-cover-generator/
Wodecki, B. (2023). AI covers Flood YouTube: creativity or controversy? aibusiness.com. https://aibusiness.com/ml/ai-covers-flood-youtube-creativity-or-controversy-
Wodecki, B. (2023b). UAE authorities request US help in tracking down ‘deep voice’ scammers. AI Business. https://aibusiness.com/verticals/uae-authorities-request-us-help-in-tracking-down-deep-voice-scammers
