Indian Music Meets AI: Shankar Mahadevan Composes Track Using Google’s Lyria Platform
Renowned Indian musician Shankar Mahadevan has entered the world of artificial intelligence by composing a new track using Google’s innovative music creation tool, Lyria 2. This collaboration represents a groundbreaking fusion of traditional Indian music and cutting-edge AI technology, providing an exciting glimpse into the future of music composition.
Lyria 2, developed by Google DeepMind, is a state-of-the-art AI tool designed to assist musicians in creating professional-quality music across various genres. The platform offers users the ability to generate high-fidelity tracks by providing text prompts and customizing parameters like key and beats per minute (BPM). It also allows for fine-tuned control over compositions, empowering musicians to produce unique soundscapes that match their artistic vision.
Shankar Mahadevan, who is celebrated for his work in Bollywood, classical music, and devotional songs, has long been a pioneer in blending different musical styles. His latest project involves composing the song “Rubaroo” with the help of Lyria 2. The song, whose title translates to “face-to-face” in Hindi, was created using the AI tool in collaboration with Google. The process, which involved simple text prompts and traditional Indian instruments, was documented as part of Google’s Lab Session series, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how AI is transforming music creation.
Lyria 2 is a key component of Google’s Music AI Sandbox, which provides tools for artists to generate new musical ideas, explore creative directions, and enhance their compositions. The platform is designed to make the music creation process more accessible and to encourage innovation by allowing musicians to experiment with AI-powered tools in real-time.
Mahadevan’s collaboration with Google is a testament to how AI can support and amplify creativity while staying true to an artist’s cultural roots. By integrating AI with Indian musical traditions, this project demonstrates the potential for technology to enhance and redefine artistic expression in new and exciting ways.
This collaboration is a part of Google DeepMind’s ongoing efforts to incorporate AI into various creative fields, expanding the possibilities for musicians worldwide. As AI continues to evolve, platforms like Lyria 2 could reshape how music is composed, performed, and experienced across the globe.
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