The Beatles Win Grammy for Best Rock Performance with AI-Enhanced Song “Now and Then”
The Beatles Win Award
On February 4, it was reported that The Beatles won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance at last night’s Grammy ceremony, thanks to their AI-assisted song "Now and Then". This marks the first time an AI-enhanced song has won this award.
AI Technology Assists in Restoration
Paul McCartney used noise reduction technology to restore a low-quality piano demo recorded by late band member John Lennon decades ago. The technology is similar to noise reduction used in video call platforms like Zoom, FaceTime, and Google Meet, designed to eliminate background noise and provide clearer sound.
Restoration Process
As early as the 1990s, the surviving members of The Beatles attempted to restore Lennon’s demo, but the technology at the time couldn’t fully extract his blurry vocals. It wasn’t until 2022 that the band members learned the production team behind the documentary "Get Back" had successfully restored some poorly recorded material using new audio separation technology, which led to the decision to restart the production of "Now and Then".
A Timeless Work Across Time and Space
With modern technology, the band was able to bring Lennon’s voice back from the historical dust, presenting a new song that spans time and space. This not only pays tribute to Lennon but also showcases the advancement of technology.
Conclusion
The Beatles won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance with the AI-restored song "Now and Then", marking the perfect fusion of technology and music. With modern audio separation technology, the band successfully brought the voice of a deceased member back to the fans, injecting new life into a classic. This achievement is not only a milestone in music history but also a glimpse into the endless possibilities for future technological applications in the arts.