TL;DR

• “Now and Then” by The Beatles is the first AI-assisted song nominated for Grammy awards, including Record of the Year and Best Rock Performance.
• AI technology, specifically “stem separation,” was crucial in isolating John Lennon’s vocals from a low-quality cassette, enabling the completion of the song.
• The song’s release in November 2023 generated global excitement and emotional responses from fans, highlighting AI’s role in preserving artistic legacies.

The Beatles Final Encore and Grammy History

In a remarkable combination of heritage and innovation, “Now and Then” by The Beatles has achieved the distinction of being the first AI-assisted song nominated for Grammy awards, signifying an important development in both the music industry and the influence of technology on creative fields.

Recognised for Record of the Year and Best Rock Performance, this track not only displays the enduring appeal of The Beatles but also emphasises AI’s ability to revive and maintain artistic legacies for future audiences.

The Background of “Now and Then”: Recovering a Forgotten Track

1. The Late-70s Demo and Lennon’s Heritage:

Originally an unfinished recording by John Lennon, “Now and Then” was never finalised due to technical difficulties. Captured on a low-quality cassette, Lennon’s vocals could not be separated from the piano backing, and his intentions for the song remained unclear, with just fragments of lyrics and melody guiding the band years later.

2. Abandonment and Resurgence Attempts:

In the mid-1990s, Paul McCartney and the rest of The Beatles tried to finish the song but eventually abandoned the project because of sound quality concerns and possible differences in artistic vision. With advancements in machine learning, filmmaker Peter Jackson revived this aspiration in 2021, employing sophisticated audio isolation techniques to extract Lennon’s vocals and breathe new life into the song. This technology, developed for Jackson’s Get Back documentary, proved essential in revealing the band’s original artistic intentions.

The Impact of AI on “Now and Then” as AI-assisted music

1. AI-Driven Audio Isolation:

The turning point emerged from an AI-enhanced method known as “stem separation,” a state-of-the-art technique designed to isolate different audio components. In “Now and Then”, the AI effectively separated Lennon’s voice from the piano, background sounds, and low-frequency noise. This process created a clear and distinct vocal track that could harmoniously integrate with recordings from McCartney, Starr, and Harrison’s archives.

2. Audio Restoration Focused on Enhancement:

Unlike generative AI, which creates new materials, the AI employed in this process concentrated solely on refining Lennon’s initial recordings. By enhancing and isolating the pre-existing audio, it kept Lennon’s genuine voice intact, honouring both the song’s legacy and its artistic authenticity. Producer Giles Martin emphasised the goal of enhancing Lennon’s voice without producing artificial elements, guaranteeing that the vocal delivery felt genuine and historically accurate.

3. AI Restoration Versus Traditional Methods:

Previously, in audio restorations, engineers depended on manual equalisation and noise reduction methods, which often compromised sound quality. In contrast, AI provided unmatched accuracy, striking a balance between fidelity and authenticity. The technology’s capacity to identify and extract complex audio layers enabled the production team to revive the song with a clarity that traditional techniques could not match.

The Last Beatles Recording: Creation and Release

1. Contributions from All Four Members of The Beatles:

“Now and Then” brings together all four members of The Beatles, creating a musical connection across generations. Along with Lennon’s vocals, McCartney’s bass, Starr’s drumming, and Harrison’s previously recorded guitar pieces merge into a final version that captures the essence of a true Beatles song. The contributions of each member were thoughtfully blended, resulting in a track that respects both their original spirit and their individual roles.

2. Premiere and Immediate Reaction:

Released in November 2023, “Now and Then” generated important global excitement, not only for its nostalgic value but also for the way it bridged the past and present through technology. It resonated as a heartfelt farewell, eliciting strong emotional responses from fans who found comfort in the song’s enduring melody and lyrics.

Grammy Nominations: A New Chapter for AI in Music

1. Establishing Grammy Milestones with AI:

The nominations for Record of the Year and Best Rock Performance signify the first instance that an AI-enhanced work has achieved this level of acknowledgement, opening doors for future AI-assisted projects. Competing against leading contemporary artists like Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and Billie Eilish, The Beatles have returned to prominence, once more challenging creative limits even in Grammy qualifications.

2. Grammy Policies on AI and Human Creativity:

While the Recording Academy restricts the extent to which AI can be involved, this nomination is consistent with Grammy rules that allow AI to be used as a supportive tool rather than serving as the main creator. This nomination recognises that AI, when applied with care, can enhance human craftsmanship instead of replacing it, indicating new opportunities for the music industry as AI-supported work becomes increasingly prevalent.

Public and Critical Reaction: Emotional and Technological Impact

1. The Emotional Connection to Fans:

Numerous fans shared powerful emotional responses, recounting how “Now and Then” invoked memories of Lennon, Harrison, and earlier moments associated with The Beatles’ music. The song’s thoughtful nature generated a feeling of finality, moving listeners who sensed that they were receiving a last message from the band. Social media was filled with fans sharing their experiences of how the song brought forth strong memories and ties to their personal lives.

2. Musical Praise and Mixed Reactions:

Critics applauded the song’s evocative tune and production quality, although opinions were split regarding its contemporary production style. While some listeners enjoyed the daring modern sound, others felt it either leaned too much on McCartney’s influence or lost the authenticity that characterised earlier Beatles tracks. The inclusion of AI sparked a discussion over whether this piece could genuinely be classified as a Beatles song or if it strayed too close to a McCartney creation.

3. Ethical and Artistic Concerns:

Both critics and fans questioned the song’s genuineness, with some expressing concerns that AI-assisted tracks could undermine artistic integrity. The ethical conversation focused on whether the utilisation of AI in this way respects or distorts Lennon’s original vision, particularly considering Harrison’s disreported fondness for the song. Nevertheless, this debate also positioned “Now and Then” as a technological achievement, encouraging a conversation about AI’s capability to safeguard legacies.

Breaking New Ground in AI-Assisted Music: AI and The Beatles’ Legacy

1. An Authentic Technological Triumph:

The involvement of AI in “Now and Then” presents a future in which technology can assist rather than change musical craftsmanship. By assisting precise vocal separation, AI has enabled “Now and Then” to connect with audiences as a genuine Beatles song rather than as a synthetic production. The narrative surrounding this song also emphasises how AI can be used to preserve the authenticity of historical works, providing fresh insights into cherished artists.

2. Legacy, Nostalgia, and Artistic Responsibility:

As The Beatles make Grammy history with “Now and Then”, the song emphasises the details of employing AI within legacy music. This release demonstrates how, with thoughtful application, AI can rejuvenate memories without compromising authenticity, enriching The Beatles’ narrative in a manner that feels both innovative and reflective.

Looking Forward: Future Projects and Ethical Debates

1. Possibilities for More AI-Restored Works:

This release paves the way for future endeavours, where AI could potentially restore other unfinished tracks or archival content. However, as technology advances further, the ethical concerns raised by “Now and Then” will likely shape decisions about whether and how AI should be integrated into artists’ legacies.

2. AI in Modern Music Production:

The application of AI in “Now and Then” acts as a model for how AI could support the creation of new music while preserving artistic intention. Its success is expected to motivate other artists and estates to examine how technology can connect the past to the present, and what limits might be established to maintain authenticity throughout the process.

Old Rockers Meet New Technological Innovation with The Beatles

“Now and Then” stands as an important milestone, blending innovation with nostalgia and technology with tradition. In its pursuit of Grammy recognition, the song is a testament to the capability of AI to enrich human creativity, ushering in a new chapter in music history.

As The Beatles are honoured once again in February 2025, “Now and Then” could be recalled as both a homage to their legacy and an indicator of music’s AI-enhanced future.

You can listen to the music video on YouTube by tapping here

Join the Conversation

What are your thoughts on the future of AI in music and its potential to revive and maintain artistic legacies? We’d love to hear your opinions and experiences. Don’t forget to subscribe for updates on AI and AGI developments and share your comments below. Subscribe here.

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TL;DR:

• AI-driven recipes personalise Thanksgiving meals, catering to dietary needs and adding fresh flavours.
• Smart travel apps help families navigate the holiday rush with real-time updates and optimised routes.
• Virtual gatherings feel more connected with AI-enhanced video calls, VR experiences, and accessible features.
• Personalised shopping recommendations and smarter inventory management simplify Black Friday for consumers.

A New Twist on Thanksgiving Traditions

As Thanksgiving approaches in the United States, millions prepare for a holiday steeped in tradition. It’s a day marked by food, family, and gratitude—but this year, technology is adding a new layer to how these traditions unfold. With AI entering more homes and routines, Thanksgiving is evolving beyond the table to include intelligent recipes, virtual gatherings, and a smarter shopping experience. So, how is AI reshaping this traditional holiday in our digital age?

AI at the Thanksgiving Table: Beyond Basic Recipes

Thanksgiving dinner is iconic, from roast turkey to pumpkin pie. AI-driven platforms like ChatGPT and other recipe apps are now helping hosts plan and personalise these traditional dishes. Imagine needing a last-minute substitution or adapting a favourite recipe to fit new dietary preferences—AI can help adjust ingredients, cook times, and even offer cultural twists on classic dishes.

Not only does AI bring convenience, but it also enhances creativity in the kitchen. For families eager to try something new, AI can suggest recipes from diverse cultures or even create “fusion” dishes that blend Thanksgiving’s flavours with global ingredients. It’s a subtle but profound shift, transforming Thanksgiving meals into more inclusive experiences that reflect the diversity around the table.

Holiday Travel Made Smarter with AI

Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel periods in the US, and AI-powered travel apps are taking on a vital role. From real-time route adjustments based on traffic patterns to automated updates on flight delays, AI helps families navigate the Thanksgiving rush with fewer headaches.

Platforms like Google Maps and Waze, both AI-enhanced, analyze traffic data to reroute travelers around congestion, helping families arrive in time for the holiday feast. AI-powered weather forecasting tools also provide precise updates, aiding those traveling long distances. By simplifying holiday travel logistics, AI reduces stress and maximizes the time spent together—a gift in itself during the holidays.

Virtual Gatherings with AI-enhanced Experiences

For families who can’t be together in person, AI-driven tools offer creative ways to celebrate virtually. Video conferencing platforms now feature AI-powered transcription tools, which can support family members with hearing impairments. VR technology, although still emerging, enables families to gather around a “virtual” Thanksgiving table, creating a more immersive experience than a standard video call.

AI-enhanced filters and backgrounds add a festive touch to virtual gatherings, helping to recreate the Thanksgiving atmosphere digitally. For those separated by time zones, AI can automatically suggest the best times for video calls, ensuring everyone can join in on the celebration, whether they’re sharing stories or passing along family recipes. In this way, AI makes virtual Thanksgivings feel more intimate and connected.

Smart Shopping and the AI-Driven Black Friday Experience

For many, Thanksgiving is also the gateway to Black Friday shopping, a tradition that has evolved dramatically in recent years. AI has reshaped this experience, enabling hyper-personalised shopping recommendations, real-time stock updates, and even smarter supply chains that prevent the dreaded “out of stock” message.

AI can now predict which items are likely to be popular and adjust inventory levels to meet demand. This not only makes shopping more efficient but also reduces waste by helping retailers avoid overstocking. AI-driven online shopping platforms provide personalised deals based on browsing history and purchasing patterns, allowing shoppers to find just what they need without the rush of crowds. For consumers, it’s a streamlined, stress-free way to kick off the holiday season.

AI in Entertainment: Games, Movies, and More for Thanksgiving Fun

Entertainment is central to Thanksgiving celebrations, from family movie nights to board games. AI-driven platforms like Spotify and Netflix offer curated playlists and movie recommendations tailored to everyone’s tastes, keeping the whole family entertained. For instance, AI can suggest holiday classics or even new family-friendly releases based on user preferences, setting the perfect mood for Thanksgiving evening.

Additionally, interactive gaming systems with AI components allow multiple devices to sync up, making it easy for family members to play together, whether they’re in the same room or across the country. With AI in entertainment, Thanksgiving becomes a richer, more engaging experience, tailored to bring families together and create lasting memories.

A New Kind of Thanksgiving with AI

In many ways, AI is adding depth to Thanksgiving traditions, blending the familiar with the innovative. It’s not replacing the warmth and connection of the holiday but rather enhancing it—making meals more inclusive, travel less stressful, virtual gatherings more connected, shopping smarter, and entertainment more enjoyable. As AI continues to advance, it will play an even greater role in shaping how we celebrate and connect during holidays, no matter the distance.

Comment and Share:

So, this Thanksgiving, as families sit down for a meal, shop for deals, or tune into a movie, they’ll have AI quietly working in the background, enhancing their holiday experience in ways they might not even realise. The question for next year, perhaps, is how else AI might help us cherish and connect with loved ones. How will AI transform your holiday traditions in the years to come? Subscribe for updates on AI and AGI developments and share your thoughts in the comments below!

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TL;DR:

• MarioVGG is a new AI model that can generate plausible video of Super Mario Bros. from user inputs.
• The model was trained on over 737,000 frames of Mario gameplay.
• Despite limitations, MarioVGG shows potential for AI to replace game engines in the future.

The Future of Gaming: AI-Generated Video

Imagine playing your favourite video game without a traditional game engine. Instead, an AI model generates the gameplay based on video footage. This is the fascinating concept behind MarioVGG, a new AI model that simulates Super Mario Bros. from video data. Developed by researchers from Virtuals Protocol, MarioVGG represents a significant step towards AI-generated video games.

Training MarioVGG: A Massive Undertaking

To train MarioVGG, the researchers used a public dataset containing 280 levels of Super Mario Bros. gameplay. This dataset included over 737,000 individual frames, which were preprocessed into 35-frame chunks. The model focused on two inputs: “run right” and “run right and jump.” Even with these limitations, training the model took about 48 hours on a single RTX 4090 graphics card.

How MarioVGG Works

MarioVGG uses a standard convolution and denoising process to generate new frames of video from a static starting game image and a text input. The model can create gameplay videos of any length by using the last frame of one sequence as the first frame of the next. This results in “coherent and consistent gameplay,” according to the researchers.

Challenges and Limitations

Despite its impressive capabilities, MarioVGG has several limitations. The model downscales the output frames to a resolution of 64×48, much lower than the NES’s 256×240 resolution. It also condenses 35 frames of video into just seven generated frames, resulting in rougher-looking gameplay. Additionally, MarioVGG struggles to approach real-time video generation, taking six seconds to generate a six-frame video sequence.

Impressive Results Despite Limitations

Even with these limitations, MarioVGG can create passably believable video of Mario running and jumping. The model can infer game physics, such as Mario falling when he runs off a cliff and halting his forward motion when adjacent to an obstacle. MarioVGG can also hallucinate new obstacles for Mario, although these can’t be influenced by user prompts.

The Future of AI in Gaming

The researchers hope that MarioVGG represents a first step towards “producing and demonstrating a reliable and controllable video game generator.” They even suggest that AI models like MarioVGG could one day replace game development and game engines completely.

Comment and Share:

What do you think about the future of AI in gaming? Could AI models like MarioVGG really replace traditional game engines? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Don’t forget to subscribe for updates on AI and AGI developments.

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• To learn more about AI & gaming, tap here.