Dae Lims, a YouTube user, has utilized artificial intelligence to produce new versions of solo songs by John Lennon and Paul McCartney that sound like they were created by the Beatles. The modified track of “New,” the title song from McCartney’s 2013 album, incorporates more vocal harmonies and segments that sound like Lennon is singing, making it stand out. In comparison to the original, McCartney’s vocals sound more youthful, reflecting his Beatles-era voice.
The modifications are much more noticeable in the AI-generated version of Lennon’s “Grow Old With Me.” The demo was originally recorded by the renowned artist in 1980 and appeared on the Milk and Honey album in 1984. The AI version enhances the song’s depth by adding a more expansive vocal harmony and a fuller instrumental arrangement, similar to the classic Beatles songs.
Although Dae Lims provides little information on the process of creating these songs, the user’s profile includes the quote “Nothing is real,” from the Beatles’ 1967 hit “Strawberry Fields Forever.” In the rapidly developing world of AI, nothing seems authentic. AI-generated music has become a contentious topic in the music industry, with some artists advocating for greater government regulation of AI-generated music, while others support the unrestricted reuse of their vocals in AI songs. Recently, an anonymous music producer created the song “Heart on My Sleeve,” which purportedly included vocals by rapper Drake and pop singer The Weeknd. The AI-produced song became a viral sensation before being removed from streaming sites due to the lack of approval from either artist or their respective record labels.