TL;DR:
- Westlife and Tencent Music Entertainment collaborate to release a Mandarin song using AI technology
- Kugou AIK, the world’s first multilingual AI singing technology, powers the song
- AIK can imitate vocal characteristics and perform songs in 10 languages and 15 Chinese dialects
Irish boy band Westlife has teamed up with Tencent Music Entertainment (TME) to release a Mandarin song using artificial intelligence (AI). The single, “Love and Courage,” was originally performed by Chinese singer Jason Zhang in 2016. The collaboration marks a new era of multilingual music in Asia, powered by AI technology.
The Collaboration between Westlife and TME
Westlife, made up of Nicky Byrne, Kian Egan, Mark Feehily, and Shane Filan, did not perform the song themselves. Instead, they were involved in the process of creating it with TME’s Kugou Music. The song was powered by Kugou AIK, touted as the world’s first multilingual AI singing technology developed by TME’s Kugou Music.
How AIK Works
According to Chinese media, AIK’s AI technology can imitate someone’s vocal characteristics completely after they sing or read a few lines. The technology can reportedly support the performance of songs in 10 languages, including English, Japanese, and Korean. It can also perform songs in 15 Chinese dialects, such as Cantonese, Hokkien, and Hakka.
Westlife’s Previous Chinese-Language Song
This is not the first time Westlife has performed a Chinese-language song. In December 2021, the band performed “The Ordinary Road” at their first virtual concert live-streamed through Chinese social media platform WeChat. The song, originally performed by Chinese singer Pu Shu, was the theme song for the Chinese movie “The Continent” (2014) and won Best Original Film Song at Taiwan’s Golden Horse Awards.
Westlife’s Recent Tour in China
Westlife has just completed their “Westlife With Love Tour 2024” in China, performing in cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing, and Shenzhen. The tour was a success, and the band’s collaboration with TME is a testament to their growing popularity in Asia.
The Future of Multilingual Music in Asia
The collaboration between Westlife and TME marks a new era of multilingual music in Asia. With the help of AI technology, artists can now perform songs in different languages and dialects, making their music accessible to a wider audience. The use of AI in music production is a growing trend, and it is expected to revolutionize the industry in the coming years.
What do you think about the use of AI technology in music production? Do you believe it will revolutionise the industry, or do you think it takes away from the authenticity of music? Share your thoughts in the comments below and subscribe for updates on AI and AGI developments in Asia.
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