Liza Minnelli defends AI technology in her first new song release in 13 years.
Liza Minnelli has made headlines following her recent collaboration with an artificial intelligence voice-cloning company, marking the release of her first new song in 13 years. This new track, titled “Kids Wait Till You Hear This,” debuted on ElevenLabs, a company recognized for its substantial investments and innovations within the music technology sector.
In a recent Facebook announcement, the iconic singer and actress, who is now 79 and has achieved the prestigious EGOT status, expressed her enthusiasm about this newfound endeavor in electronic dance music (EDM), reflecting on her earlier work during the Pet Shop Boys era. Minnelli emphasized that while artificial intelligence played a role in the production’s arrangements, the authenticity of her voice remains intact, clarifying that no AI-generated vocals were utilized in the track.
ElevenLabs has carved a niche for itself as a pioneer within the music industry, boasting the unique capability to generate full songs in mere minutes through AI technology. They offer notable public figures the option to license AI-cloned versions of their voices for creative purposes. On their website, ElevenLabs describes its mission as bringing together visionary artists to utilize cutting-edge technology to enhance their sound.
In response to criticism from skeptics regarding her partnership with an AI firm, Minnelli defended her artistic choices in a statement to NBC News. She articulated her intent to leverage both her voice and advanced technological tools to foster creativity and expression, rather than allowing technology to supplant her artistic identity. She insists that this project prioritizes the integrity of the artist’s voice and agency, asserting a commitment to respecting artistic ownership.
“Kids Wait Till You Hear This” is among 13 tracks featured on The Eleven Album, a recently released compilation that showcases a variety of musicians, including renowned artist Art Garfunkel, each blending their signature sounds with innovative AI-driven arrangements. Through this collaboration, Minnelli continues to demonstrate her adaptability and relevance in a rapidly evolving music landscape, engaging with new technologies while maintaining her artistic authenticity. Her embrace of AI-generated arrangements underscores an evolving dialogue in the music industry about the intersection of technology and artistic creation, affirming the importance of artists’ voices in shaping their narratives.
As the boundaries of music production continue to shift, Minnelli’s latest project serves as a provocative example of how seasoned artists can integrate modern tools to enhance their work while preserving the essence of their artistic expression.
