NEWS  AI  November 16, 2023  Reading time: 2 Minute(s)

Max (RS editor)

YouTube has introduced Dream Track, an experimental artificial intelligence tool that empowers users to replicate the voices of pop icons such as Demi Lovato and John Legend. The innovative feature lets users craft short songs by specifying attributes like lyrical content and mood. Noteworthy artists, including Charli XCX, Troye Sivan, T-Pain, and Sia, have permitted their voices to be "cloned" by the software.

Currently accessible to approximately 100 creators in the US, the tool is restricted to providing soundtracks for YouTube Shorts, the platform's answer to TikTok.

Dream Track was showcased through two sample videos featuring imitations of Charlie Puth and T-Pain. While the results were passable, they were deemed inferior, with digital artifacts marring the quality, leading to a recognizable but subpar rendition.

YouTube's Head of Music, Lyor Cohen, stated in a blog post that the tool is a means to "test, learn, gain feedback, and hear ideas" from both artists and viewers. The experiment aims to explore how the technology could foster deeper connections between artists, creators, and their fan base.

This unveiling follows YouTube's recent announcement about notifying viewers when they're watching AI-generated videos. The company also pledged to permit the removal of videos using AI to simulate identifiable individuals.

Dream Track stands out due to explicit approval from the involved artists, highlighting a broader discourse on AI's role in the creative industries. Past AI tools have faced legal challenges for being trained on copyrighted material, prompting concerns from artists and labels.

Universal Music successfully compelled streaming services to remove a song with AI-generated vocals from artists Drake and The Weeknd, citing a potential violation of copyright law. However, despite concerns, head of Universal Lucian Grainge commended YouTube's new development, emphasizing the need for collaborative engagement in shaping a responsible AI environment in the music industry.

Artists, including Charli XCX, expressed cautious optimism about AI's transformative potential, acknowledging the need for active involvement in shaping the future. T-Pain emphasized artists' role in shaping the evolving landscape of AI technology, a sentiment echoed by Demi Lovato.

While the ability to replicate famous voices captures attention, Google also revealed other AI music projects, including a tool enabling artists to hum a melody and have software generate an instrumental based on the tune. Additionally, AI-generated content produced with these tools will be watermarked for transparency.

(Cover Image by marymarkevich on Freepik)