The influence of generative AI on popular music: Fan productions and the reimagination of iconic voices

Abstract

This essay explores the burgeoning phenomenon of fan-generated content that utilizes generative artificial intelligence (AI) to mimic the voices of deceased or retired popular music artists. This practice can be seen as an extension of Digital Audio Workstations’ (DAWs’) capabilities, potentially leading to the creation of musical pieces that resemble traditional covers and mash-ups. The essay analyzes three representative works in this creative category. Two of them are of a fan nature, exploring imagined alternative paths in the development of popular music, while the third is a parody. As these examples demonstrate, the rise of AI covers raises numerous questions. These include concerns about the nature of human creativity and the potential response of the music industries to this technology’s proliferation.

Keywords

artificial intelligence the Beatles cover fandom mash-up popular music Voicify/Jammable YouTube

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