Brenda Lee’s classic gets an AI-driven Spanish makeover from Universal

Universal Music Group (UMG) just put out a new version of Brenda Lee’s 1958 classic “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” in Spanish, thanks to SoundLabs’ AI tech. They’re calling it “Noche Buena y Navidad.”

This rework got Lee’s full approval and was produced by Latin music heavyweight Auero Baqueiro. UMG claims it is proof that AI can update timeless tracks while respecting the artist’s wishes.

AI tools reshaping music

SoundLabs’ MicDrop, an artificial intelligence vocal plug-in, did the heavy lifting on Lee’s vocals. The AI transformed her voice into a Spanish rendition using her voice data, preserving the original music and backup vocals. UMG says the track sounds like 13-year-old Lee was back in the studio.

This new twist uses an AI vocal model derived straight from her voice, a real first in commercial music. The reimagined track speaks to a growing trend: the music world is jumping on AI-driven tech for creating, remixing, and distributing tracks like never before.

Artists and producers use tools that can analyze thousands of tracks to generate unique compositions. Sony’s Flow Machines, for example, made “Daddy’s Car,” a Beatles-inspired AI track. Meanwhile, Taryn Southern’s album “I AM AI” was the first fully AI-assisted album.

The numbers are showing explosive growth. The AI music market is predicted to surge from $294 million in 2023 to an estimated $2.66 billion by 2032, averaging a yearly growth rate of 28.6% from 2024.

About 60% of musicians are already using AI in their creative workflows, partly driven by a need for personalization in listener experiences. Spotify and Apple Music now use machine learning to deliver custom playlists that users find strangely accurate.

Many AI tools are changing how tracks come to life. Amper Music lets users produce royalty-free tracks in specific moods and genres, while AIVA (Artificial Intelligence Virtual Artist) crafts classical music inspired by legendary composers.

LANDR uses AI to automate audio mastering, giving independent artists professional-grade production without the high cost.

Personalized listening and emerging artists

AI is completely changing how fans discover new tracks. Music streaming giants use algorithms to serve up playlists based on individual habits, giving a boost to upcoming artists who would otherwise struggle to get noticed.

Spotify’s Discover Weekly feature, for instance, puts smaller artists alongside established names, with Billie Eilish and Lil Nas X being prime examples of AI-curated success stories.

These tools make a difference for independent artists who can now reach massive audiences without big labels. AI playlists open doors for fresh talent, shaking up the industry’s old gatekeeping ways. Hybrid genres are also catching on as AI lets musicians blend unexpected sounds, like jazz-infused hip-hop or classical-electronic mixes.

Advances in VR and AI are making concerts and music videos interactive. Artists now use AI to manipulate live audio or sync visuals with performances. Virtual reality gigs are popping up, letting fans experience music beyond the usual concert format.

The tech has leveled up fan experiences, and some artists even use AI to generate real-time visual effects during shows, creating an entirely new layer of interaction.

But while AI brings serious potential to the music game, ethical concerns are heating up. Copyright issues are a top worry. A survey found 77% of people fear AI will overshadow original creators’ rights.