On Friday, Universal Music Group (UMG) released “Noche Buena y Navidad,” a Spanish rendition of Brenda Lee‘s iconic 1958 holiday song “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” This new version uses AI technology from SoundLabs with the full approval of Brenda Lee, who worked alongside award-winning Latin music producer Auero Baqueiro. The project exemplifies a collaborative approach to integrating AI in the music industry, with a focus on respecting artists’ consent and ensuring they retain creative control.
UMG’s decision to use artificial intelligence for this project reflects a growing trend in the music industry, where AI is increasingly seen as a tool to expand creative possibilities while addressing the ethical considerations that have become more pressing with recent advancements. Using SoundLabs’ MicDrop AI plug-in, the team replaced Lee’s original vocals with a Spanish-language vocal track that accurately mimics the sound and style of her original performance. This AI-generated vocal was built upon a model trained specifically on Lee’s voice, giving the impression of her singing the new version herself.
The song retains the original music and background vocals but presents a reimagined lead vocal in Spanish, making the holiday classic accessible to a new audience. “The result is a fresh rendition of the beloved song that feels as though the young Brenda Lee is singing it anew,” Universal Music said in a statement.
Universal’s collaboration with SoundLabs, which began in June, highlights a commitment to ethical AI use in entertainment. This partnership allows artists to develop high-quality vocal models based on their voice data, enabling innovative projects while preserving their ownership rights and ensuring complete artistic approval.
The use of AI in entertainment has sparked considerable debate, with some artists and industry professionals voicing concerns about copyright, unauthorized use, and potential impacts on artistry. Universal Music’s approach with “Noche Buena y Navidad” demonstrates that AI can be harnessed responsibly, creating new experiences without compromising artistic integrity. By requiring artists’ explicit authorization and oversight, the project offers a model for ethical AI applications in the industry.
The release of “Noche Buena y Navidad” reflects UMG’s interest in leveraging advanced technologies to reach broader audiences, particularly in Latin music markets, while maintaining a commitment to artist rights. This pioneering project illustrates how AI can enhance creativity, allowing fans worldwide to enjoy a timeless classic with a fresh cultural perspective.
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