AI-restored Beatles song lands Grammy nomination

AI-assisted Beatles song makes Grammy history: The Beatles’ final song “Now and Then,” restored using artificial intelligence, has been nominated for two Grammy awards, marking a significant moment in music technology and industry recognition.

• The song is nominated for record of the year, competing against contemporary artists like Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and Billie Eilish.
• It has also received a nomination for best rock performance, facing competition from Green Day, Pearl Jam, and The Black Keys.
• These nominations come nearly 50 years after The Beatles officially disbanded, showcasing the enduring legacy of the iconic band.

The journey of “Now and Then”: The song’s path from a decades-old demo to a Grammy-nominated track illustrates the evolving intersection of music and technology.

• “Now and Then” began as a demo recorded by John Lennon in the late 1970s, originally intended for The Beatles Anthology project in the 1990s.
• Technical limitations at the time prevented the clear separation of Lennon’s vocals and piano, leaving the song unreleased.
• In 2021, filmmaker Peter Jackson and his team employed machine learning technology to successfully isolate the vocals and instrumentals.
• This technological breakthrough allowed Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr to complete the song, which was finally released in November 2023.

AI in music production and Grammy eligibility: The use of AI in “Now and Then” raises questions about the role of technology in music creation and recognition.

• Despite the use of machine learning in its production, “Now and Then” remains eligible for Grammy consideration.
• The Grammy rules state that “only human creators are eligible” for awards, but allow for work containing “elements” of AI material.
• This nomination highlights the growing acceptance of AI-assisted music production within the industry.

Bridging musical eras: The nomination of “Now and Then” creates an intriguing juxtaposition of musical generations on the Grammy stage.

• The Beatles’ song competes alongside contemporary hits like Beyoncé’s “Texas Hold ‘Em,” bridging a gap of several decades in popular music.
• This unique situation underscores the timeless appeal of The Beatles’ music and the power of technology to breathe new life into historical recordings.

Looking ahead: The nomination of “Now and Then” sets the stage for an intriguing Grammy ceremony and potential industry shifts.

• The 2025 Grammy Awards, scheduled for Sunday, February 2nd, will reveal how this AI-assisted Beatles track fares against modern pop and rock offerings.
• This nomination may encourage further exploration of AI technologies in music restoration and production, potentially leading to more “lost” or unfinished tracks being completed and released.

Implications for the music industry: The Grammy recognition of “Now and Then” signals a potential shift in how the music industry views and values technologically enhanced historical recordings.

• This nomination could pave the way for more AI-assisted restorations of classic songs or unreleased material from legendary artists.
• It may also spark debates about authorship, creativity, and the role of technology in preserving and extending musical legacies.
• The music industry might need to continue adapting its award criteria and recognition processes as AI and other technologies become more prevalent in music production and restoration.