The Beatles release a new single with AI-generated John Lennon

The Beatles, one of the most influential and popular bands in history, have surprised their fans with a new single featuring the voice of John Lennon, who died in 1980. The song, titled “Now and Then”, is a collaboration between Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and an artificial intelligence (AI) system that extracted Lennon’s vocals and piano from an unreleased demo.

The demo, which was recorded by Lennon in the late 1970s, was given to McCartney by Lennon’s widow, Yoko Ono, in 1994. McCartney and Starr attempted to complete the song with producer Jeff Lynne, but they faced technical difficulties. The analog tape technology at the time could not separate Lennon’s blended piano and vocals, making it hard to add new instruments and harmonies.

The project was shelved until 2023, when McCartney and Starr decided to revisit the song with the help of AI. They used a new AI audio processing technique that isolated Lennon’s parts from the demo, allowing them to overdub new bass, drums, guitar, and strings. The result is a stunning new song that features all four members’ performances, with McCartney calling it “likely” the final new collaboration featuring the full band.

The song, which was released on April 1, 2023, as part of the 60th anniversary of the Beatles’ formation, has received rave reviews from critics and fans alike. Many have praised the song’s nostalgic and emotional appeal, as well as the AI’s ability to recreate Lennon’s voice and style. Some have also expressed awe and discomfort with the AI’s role in the music industry, questioning the ethical and artistic implications of using technology to revive old material and unlock new collaborations.

The Beatles are not the first artists to use AI to create music. In recent years, AI has been used to generate songs, lyrics, melodies, and even vocals for various genres and purposes. Some examples include [Daddy’s Car], a song composed by AI in the style of the Beatles, [Lost Tapes of the 27 Club], an album of songs in the style of musicians who died at age 27, and [Project Magenta], a Google initiative that explores the intersection of AI and music.

However, the Beatles’ new single is arguably the most significant and impactful use of AI in music so far. It is a testament to the power and potential of AI, as well as the enduring legacy and influence of the Beatles. It is also a reminder of the challenges and opportunities that AI poses for the music industry and society at large. Listen to the Beatles’ new single “Now and Then” here.