On Wednesday, YouTube introduced a new tool that allows a chosen group of users to create music using AI-generated versions of vocals from various well-known musicians.
Known as Dream Track, this text-based feature enables users to request songs by specifying elements such as the mood or concept of the music, with the AI then generating the music accordingly. Initially, Dream Track is only available to a select few individuals, thanks to contributions from nine artists, including Demi Lovato, Alec Benjamin, Charlie Puth, Charli XCX, John Legend, Sia, T-Pain, Troye Sivan, and Papoose.
Lyor Cohen, YouTube’s audio head, and Toni Reid, vice president of emerging experiences and group, characterized this feature as an experimental initiative aimed at exploring how technology can foster deeper connections between artists, creators, and their fans. The snippets of songs created using Dream Track are limited to 30 seconds in duration.
Cohen and Reid mentioned that these trials aim to investigate the potential of AI tools in assisting performers and creators in expanding their creative horizons and refining their artistic processes. By offering interactive tools and experiences, fans can engage with their favorite artists in novel ways, fostering closer relationships. These endeavors will contribute to refining and enhancing the technology for future applications.
One notable AI music function unveiled by Google and YouTube is Dream Track. Additionally, the companies announced the forthcoming introduction of more AI audio tools designed to streamline the music creation process. The AI-generated content produced through YouTube’s features will be watermarked for identification purposes.
The artists involved view this new development as a test of AI’s capabilities in music production. Charli XCX expressed optimism about the potential creative opportunities that may arise from this experiment, emphasizing the transformative impact of AI on the music industry. Demi Lovato also shared her enthusiasm for this Google and YouTube initiative, highlighting the potential for innovative and educational outcomes.
Dream Track’s functionality is reminiscent of Google’s MusicLM, which enables users to create music based on text prompts. However, unlike MusicLM, this version incorporates Pop Star Vocals to enhance the song creation process. Details regarding the specific AI training received by Dream Track designers and the timeline for expanding the beta to a wider audience were not disclosed.
This year, AI-generated music, particularly voice clones, gained significant attention in the media and industry, following the viral success of tracks like “Heart on My Sleeve,” an impersonation of Drake and The Weeknd. Major music entities, including Universal Music Group, Drake, and The Weeknd’s record label, have underscored the importance of protecting artists’ rights and combatting AI infringements.
In response to these concerns, UMG and YouTube collaborated on establishing guidelines and an AI incubation program after the popularity of certain AI-generated tracks. UMG’s CEO, Lucian Grainge, emphasized the need to leverage new technologies responsibly while safeguarding artists’ rights in the digital landscape.
Grainge emphasized the duty to protect artists from unauthorized exploitation, including by emerging AI platforms, while also enabling artists to leverage AI tools for creative and commercial growth.
