In 2023, filmmaker Peter Jackson and Disney released a new Beatles song, "Now and Then," using AI technology to complete a demo recording that John Lennon had made in the 1970s. The song was released alongside a short film directed by Jackson, which tells the story of the song's creation and completion.
The AI technology that Jackson used was developed by his team at WingNut Films specifically for the production of his documentary series "Get Back." The software is able to isolate and extract individual voices and instruments from archival recordings, which allowed Jackson and his team to separate Lennon's vocal from his piano accompaniment on the "Now and Then" demo.
Once the vocal was isolated, Jackson and his team were able to add new instrumentation and vocals from Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, completing the song for the first time. The result is a haunting and beautiful ballad that is sure to move fans of the Beatles and Peter Jackson alike.
In a recent interview, Jackson spoke about the importance of AI technology in the creation of "Now and Then." "This song wouldn't have been possible without AI," he said. "The technology allowed us to do something that was previously impossible: isolate John's vocal from his piano part. This allowed us to bring the song to life and complete it with contributions from all four Beatles."
Jackson also praised Disney for their support of the project. "Disney has been a great partner in this," he said. "They were excited about the idea of using AI to complete a Beatles song, and they gave us the resources we needed to make it happen."
The release of "Now and Then" is a testament to the power of AI technology and the enduring legacy of the Beatles. It is also a reminder of the importance of collaboration and the ability to see the potential in new ideas.
The Future of Music and AI
The use of AI in the music industry is still in its early stages, but it has the potential to revolutionize the way that music is created and consumed. AI can be used to generate new music, create personalized listening experiences, and even help musicians to improve their skills.
The success of "Now and Then" shows how AI can be used to bring new life to old music. It is also a sign of things to come. As AI technology continues to develop, we can expect to see even more innovative and creative uses of AI in the music industry.