AI-composed musical by Björn Ulvaeus: "Typically produces worthless output, but occasionally generates an idea that sparks inspiration"
AI and the Unexpected Scribe: Björn Ulvaeus's Unexpected Collaborator
You'd think that, with over 50 years of crafting some of the planet's most beloved and enduring hits, Björn Ulvaeus wouldn't need much assistance in creating a melody. Surprisingly though, he's finding help from an unexpected source.
Away from longstanding writing partner Benny Andersson, Ulvaeus's assistance is coming from AI, a technology other big-name music stars continue to criticize. However, Ulvaeus seems open to giving it a try.
During SXSW London today, Ulvaeus shared insight on a panel called "The Future of Entertainment." He revealed that he's currently working on a musical, collaborating with AI and is "three-quarters" through the process.
Excited about his new companion, Ulvaeus expressed that AI is "a fantastic tool" and an "extension of your mind." It provides a vast reference frame, giving access to ideas that he never considered before. However, he acknowledged its downsides. While it can assist in overcoming writer's block, it's "lousy" at writing complete songs and "very bad" at lyrics.
Ulvaeus clarified that he uses AI more for inspiration and ideation rather than having it take control. He'll prompt lyrics he's written and ask AI to expand upon them or suggest new directions. While AI often comes up with nonsense, sometimes there's an idea hidden in the mess.
ABBA has always been on the cutting edge of music technology. Their Polar studio was home to innovative tools like the first MiniMoog outside the US, the first digital recording systems, and the Yamaha GX-1 analog synth/organ, beloved by artists ranging from Stevie Wonder to Aphex Twin.
Ulvaeus fondly recalled their quest to discover new sounds and push boundaries. He mentioned waking up every day curious and wanting to try new things.
Despite his embrace of technology, Ulvaeus is mindful of AI's potential impact on creators. He emphasized that AI models wouldn't exist without the songs musicians wrote. He advocates for a system of compensation when such AI miracles are trained from musicians' work.
Ulvaeus is working on new music, a delight for ABBA fans currently marking the third anniversary of their recently extended ABBA: Voyage virtual live project. His new, as-yet-unnamed and unannounced musical project is being produced by Pophouse Entertainment, the same company that helped the band with ABBA: Voyage. Ulvaeus envisions Pophouse as a "creative hub" for "reimagining musical legacies through new technologies."
Artificial intelligence is providing assistance to Björn Ulvaeus in creating new music, a move that continues ABBA's tradition of embracing innovative technology. Despite its limitations in composing complete songs and lyrics, Ulvaeus finds AI to be a useful tool for inspiration and ideation, expanding his creative boundaries.
