Randy Travis Uses Artificial Intelligence to Record New Song After Stroke: A Landmark Moment for AI Music

Country music icon Randy Travis has made a significant breakthrough in his musical career by utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) technology to clone his voice, allowing him to record his first song in over a decade. Travis, who suffered a near-fatal stroke in 2013, lost much of his ability to speak, making this accomplishment all the more remarkable.

In an interview with CBS Sunday Morning, Travis, along with his longtime producer Kyle Lehning, his wife Mary, and Cris Lacy from Warner Music Nashville, shared the details of how AI was employed to create his latest song titled "Where That Came From." The heartfelt track was released on Friday, marking a momentous occasion for AI music.

To create the song, another singer initially performed the vocals, which were later overlayed with Travis's voice clone generated by AI technology. Producing the song in this manner allowed Travis to actively participate in the decision-making process and retain his unique musical identity. Lehning emphasized that it was not about how the AI voice sounds, but rather how it feels to Travis.

"Where That Came From" was co-written by country veterans John Scott Sherrill and Scotty Emerick. Emerick had previously released the song himself in 2020 on his EP Headwinds (The Demo Sessions), providing fans with a preview of Travis's recent endeavor.

The music industry has been grappling with the regulation of AI technology, particularly in relation to artists' rights and protections for their creative works. Travis's new song represents a pivotal moment as one of the first commercial releases to feature AI-cloned vocals. It raises questions regarding copyright, credits, and compensation for the singer who initially recorded the vocals, as well as the type of licensing required for Travis's AI-generated vocals.

However, industry experts believe that if proper safeguards are put in place, AI technology could greatly benefit the creative process. FKA Twigs, a Warner Music artist, recently testified before a Senate judiciary panel, explaining how she developed an AI deepfake of herself to interact with fans on social media, allowing her to focus on her music.

While AI-generated music has proven controversial, particularly when artist recordings are used without their permission, Travis's case demonstrates the potential positive impact of AI technology on artists' lives. His ability to reclaim his voice through AI symbolizes a victory against the limitations imposed by his stroke.

As conversations around the use of AI in the music industry continue, Randy Travis's new song serves as an important dialogue starter. Lacy expressed her belief that Travis should not be deprived of making music if he still desires to do so, emphasizing that it is fundamentally unjust to withhold such an opportunity from him.

Randy Travis's inspiring journey and the successful integration of AI technology in his music provide hope for artists looking to overcome physical limitations and continue their artistic pursuits.