New era in music? US techie creates Internet buzz with AI-voice of Sidhu Moosewala
Amarjit Singh, known as MRA, a software engineer based in the USA, has been making waves in the music world by creating AI-generated song covers using the voice of Punjabi singer-rapper Sidhu Moosewala.
Moosewala tragically passed away in a shootout in May 2022, leaving behind a massive fan base. Singh has used the artificial intelligence software Stable Diffusion to generate vocals resembling Moosewala's voice, allowing him to create new songs featuring the late artist.
While this innovative approach has garnered attention and admiration from fans, it also raises ethical questions. Singh, in an interview with The Indian Express, said that he has now decided not to release any new songs using Moosewala's AI-generated voice out of respect for the wishes of his family.
In the interview, Singh shared his inspiration for creating music using AI voices. Having experienced the loss of his parents and sister, he sought ways to connect with their memory through technology and explore AI research.
Alongside his passion for software engineering, Singh enjoys creating music as a hobby.
Regarding the response to Moosewala's AI-generated voice, the 29-year-old mentioned that people not only loved it but also recognized the technology's remarkable capability to revive the artist's voice. Preserving Moosewala's legacy through this technology ensures that it will resonate with future generations.
Addressing the ethical aspect in the interview with the media outlet, Singh explained that creating transformative art using AI voices for research and tribute purposes is not inherently unethical. Many individuals pay tribute to their favourite celebrities by creating visual and musical edits, but presenting such works as if they were performed by a real artist would be unethical.
Additionally, using AI-generated music for monetary purposes without permission would also be deemed unethical. Earlier, in an interview with CNBC-TV18, Singh said that he creates these covers with AI voice models for the love of the art and not for commercial purposes.
Singh decided to cease creating new songs based on Moosewala's AI voice after witnessing requests from the singer's family on Instagram, urging singers and music producers not to release his songs without permission. Respecting the wishes of Moosewala's parents, Singh made the decision to discontinue his AI music creations.
Looking ahead, Singh believes that AI music has a promising future. It can be a valuable resource for small creators, enabling them to complete projects within limited time and budget constraints. Singers can contribute their voices to support aspiring artists and lyricists, fostering collaboration and innovation in the music industry. Moreover, AI has the potential to preserve the voices of departed artists, providing solace to their families and maintaining their artistic legacy. It can also inspire ageing or injured artists to find renewed inspiration and continue creating despite physical limitations.
Also Read | Happy Birthday Sidhu Moosewala: Remembering the journey of Shubhdeep Singh to musical stardom
- With inputs from agencies
