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Country music legend Randy Travis’ recent release, “Where That Came From,” has sparked a firestorm of debate amongst fans and industry professionals alike. Well, did you know that Travis’ vocals were actually created using artificial intelligence (AI) technology?
As questions about Randy Travis’s vocals surfaced due to his health and presumably limited speaking ability, speculation arose regarding the origin of his vocals.
Many began to wonder if Travis was singing with the aid of AI voice-cloning technology.
Confirmation of this speculation came on Friday through a press release promoting an upcoming segment about Travis onCBSSunday Morning.
Interestingly, a representative for Travis opted not to disclose any details regarding the vocals before the song’s release.
This revelation adds a new layer to the ongoing discussion surrounding Travis’s music and the innovative methods employed to ensure his continued presence in the industry.
This innovative approach has left some fans feeling conflicted. While many rejoice at the chance to hear Travis’ iconic voice again, especially after his stroke in 2013 left him unable to sing, others worry that AI could cheapen the authenticity that country music prides itself on.
What’s the fascinating twist behind Randy Travis’s new song?
The “Where That Came From” song is a true marvel of AI craftsmanship. However, Was it solely crafted by artificial intelligence, or did someone lend their voice for Travis’s guide vocal?
The answer is Ai is can’t do much without human touch.James Dupré, a country singer, lent his vocals for the guide vocal used in Randy Travis’s new song.
Dupré had previously performed Travis’s hits alongside Travis’s original band during a tribute tour in 2023.
Reflecting on his involvement in the creation of new Randy Travis music, Dupré expressed his awe, exclaiming, “Being a part of new Randy Travis music, I mean, that’s like, what?”
This further emphasizes the unique collaborative effort behind the resurrection of Travis’s iconic sound.
Listen to Randy Travis’s new masterpiece here:
Randy Travis – Where That Came From (Official Music Video)
Behind the Story of Making “Where that comes from”
The behind-the-scenes story of the song is very interesting. For decades, fans were waiting for their favorite star, losing all hope that they would ever be able to hear anything from him again.
His incredible voice played a big part in making Warner Music Nashville what it is today.
Cris Lacy, who helps lead the label, once wondered how to explain that powerful feeling you get when you hear his music – it’s like it touches your heart without you even realizing it, making you feel understood and comforted.
But then, something devastating happened. In 2013,Travis had a huge stroke. Doctors thought he wouldn’t make it, giving him only a tiny chance of surviving.
During his absence, Randy Travis has encountered numerous AI-generated imitations of his voice.
With just a quick Google search, you’ll find websites claiming to transform anyone’s vocals into a Randy Travis sound-alike. “It doesn’t sound authentic or genuine,” remarked Lacy, highlighting the stark difference between the real thing and these artificial replicas.
The idea got Randy Travis’s record label thinking. Cris Lacy explained, “We pondered what positive use AI could have for us, and the first thing that came to mind was restoring Randy Travis’s voice.”
Making of the Song
Despite some initial doubts, including from Kyle Lehning, they decided to give it a shot. Lehning, with Randy’s approval, spearheaded the effort. They began by selecting42 tracksfrom Randy’s catalog, including the original recording of his hit “1982.” Then, they meticulously removed the music, leaving only Randy’s vocals.
But they needed another crucial element: a “surrogate” voice to fill in the gaps. They found this in country music singer James DuPre.
The magic ingredient in this whole process—the “secret sauce,” as they call it—is taking Randy Travis’s voice and layering it over James DuPre’s singing.
But it’s far from a perfect science. “It’s not about how it sounds; it’s about how it feels,” explained Lehning, emphasizing that computers can’t quite grasp that yet. “Not yet!” he chuckled.
With 40 years of collaboration under his belt, Lehning knows Randy’s voice inside and out. This time, though, they faced the challenge of infusing a computer-generated voice with Randy’s authentic country soul. “Having him here and involved in the decision-making process is crucial,” Lehning emphasized.
After much trial and error, they finally reached a point where they felt they had captured something worthy of Randy Travis’s unique voice—a voice that only those closest to him could truly understand and replicate.
James DuPre, Mary Travis, producer Kyle Lehning, and Randy Travis. Credit: CBS News
Lacy expressed her firm belief in theproject, stating, “It’s Randy Travis. He’s on the other side of the microphone. It’s still his voice. It would be unjust to deny him the opportunity to make music if he still desires it.”
The moment of truth came two months ago when a select group of musicians gathered in a recording studio, anticipation thick in the air. As they hit “play” and Randy’s first new song in over a decade filled the room, emotions ran high.
Tears flowed from his wife’s eyes, while fellow country artists like Carrie Underwood expressed astonishment and admiration. For Cole Swindell, it reignited the passion that led him to become a country singer in the first place. And for Clay Walker, it was simply pure elation.
But despite the perfection of the moment, there’s a lingering uncertainty about what lies ahead. As Lacy admitted, “We’re not exactly sure how we got here or how to replicate it.” They’re still grappling with unanswered questions about the future of this groundbreaking project.
Yet amidst the uncertainty, there’s one undeniable truth: after ten long years, Randy Travis is back on the airwaves. His debut post-stroke song, “Where That Came From,” marks not just a return but a triumph—a victory over adversity and a testament to the power of perseverance and faith.
Randy also shared how grateful he felt after doing the music for so many years.
As Mary Travis puts it, “It’s more than just a song; it’s a source of inspiration—a reminder to speak kindly, love fully, live completely, and trust in God for the rest.”
Mary Travis says the “human element,” and “the people that are involved” in this project, separate it from more nefarious uses of AI in music.
Here’s a breakdown of how “Where That Came From” used AI to create Randy Travis’ vocals:
Stage
Description
Source Material
– Randy Travis Vocal Tracks (Nuances & Characteristics) <br> – James Dupré’s Vocal Mix (Melody & Phrasing)
AI Technology
Analyzes vocal samples, and identifies unique patterns (pitch, timbre, phrasing)
Vocal Recreation
AI synthesizes new vocals mimicking Travis’ singing style
Human Touch
Producer refines AI vocals to capture Travis’ essence
AI-Generated Vocals: How They Made It Work
This process highlights the power and limitations of AI in music creation. While AI can learn and replicate existing sounds, human input remains essential for shaping the artistic direction and ensuring the final product feels genuine.
A Blessing or a Curse? The Debate Rages On
Integrating AI into Randy Travis’s new song has both positive and negative impacts on the country music landscape.
Positive impacts:
Preservation of legacy: AI allows Travis to continue sharing his music despite health challenges, preserving his legacy for fans and future generations.
Innovation and accessibility: AI democratizes music creation, enabling aspiring artists to access advanced tools and techniques, leading to greater diversity and innovation within the genre.
Adaptability and resilience: Country music demonstrates its adaptability by embracing new technologies while honoring its traditions, showcasing resilience in the face of change.
Negative impacts:
Authenticity concerns:Critics argue that AI-generated music lacks the authenticity and emotional depth of human performances, potentially diluting the artistic integrity of the genre.
Ethical and legal issues:AI raises concerns about copyright infringement and ownership rights as technologies become capable of replicating specific vocal styles and compositions.
In conclusion, while the integration of AI into Randy Travis’s new song represents a fusion of tradition and innovation, it also sparks debates about authenticity and artistic expression within the country music community.
Fellow Stars Show Support
Country stars including Cody Johnson, and Clay Walker came out in support of the song. Their response to hearing Travis sing again was often emotional.
Cody Johnson took to social media on Monday to share his experience listening to the new Randy Travis tune, ‘Where That Came From.’
The video starts out normal, with Johnson chillin’ to the instrumental intro. But then, BAM! Randy’s voice rolls in, and Johnson does a full-on impression of a man surprised by a jackrabbit. Eyes widen, hat flies askew – it’s like someone snuck a rattlesnake into his pickup truck.
Clay Walker wasn’t prepared for the new Randy Travis song! He shared a video this week showing how he reacted.
In the video, Clay sits in a room with Travis while the song plays. Hearing his friend sing again clearly made him emotional. He smiles at Travis a few times, then laughs and almost cries.
Clay’s reaction perfectly captures the emotional rollercoaster fans everywhere are experiencing with ‘Where That Came From’.”
Conclusion
Randy Travis’s AI-generated song, “Where That Came From,” has sparked intense debate in the country music world.
With his vocals crafted using AI technology, questions about authenticity and innovation abound.
Despite skepticism, the song’s release has reignited passion for Travis’s music and opened new avenues for artistic expression.
Positive feedback celebrates the revival of Travis’s iconic voice, while negative feedback raises concerns about the potential loss of authenticity in music creation.
Whether viewed as a blessing or a curse, “Where That Came From” serves as a powerful reminder of music’s ability to captivate and inspire.
Last Updated: May 14, 2024
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