Warner Music Brazil Uses AI to Restore Samba Legend's Voice

Warner Music Brazil made history yesterday with the deluxe release of samba legend Cleber Augusto's album Minhas Andanças, featuring AI-restored vocals for the artist who lost his voice to throat cancer 21 years ago.

The groundbreaking project signals a new era for AI applications in preserving and extending artistic legacies while establishing ethical guidelines for voice restoration technology.

Why it matters:

This successful implementation demonstrates AI's potential for catalog monetization and opens new revenue streams for labels holding extensive back catalogs.

• Legacy monetization: Creates new revenue opportunities for culturally significant artists and their estates.
• Ethical precedent: Establishes framework for responsible AI voice use versus exploitative cloning.
• Industry leadership: Positions Warner as pioneer in AI music applications amid ongoing industry debates.

Zoom in:

The technical approach

The project utilized vocalist Alexandre Marmita as a "voice donor," combining his interpretations with Augusto's past recordings through AI enhancement.

Producers Alessandro Cardozo and Tony Vieira carefully selected repertoire spanning Augusto's career, featuring collaborations with major samba artists including Diogo Nogueira, Ferrugem, and Seu Jorge.

Artist consent and collaboration

Unlike controversial posthumous AI projects, this effort involved direct collaboration with the living artist and emphasized transparency throughout the creative process.

The catch:

Critics argue this opens the door to posthumous exploitation or diminishes the authenticity of recorded music.

Complex legal implications around voice rights and estate management require careful navigation as the technology advances.

By the numbers:

• 21 years since Augusto's throat cancer diagnosis ended his vocal career
• 8 new tracks created using AI voice restoration technology
• 50+ year career spanning Brazil's golden age of samba
• First major label AI voice restoration project with living artist consent

What's next:

Industry adoption

Other major labels are likely to pursue similar catalog restoration projects, particularly for culturally significant artists with health conditions affecting performance.

Regulatory implications

Success could accelerate development of voice rights legislation and industry standards for ethical AI implementation.

The bottom line:

Warner's ethical approach provides a template for AI voice restoration that emphasizes collaboration over exploitation.

Labels should audit their catalogs for similar opportunities while establishing clear consent protocols and artist collaboration frameworks.