When I was at SXSW last year, it became apparent how much AI is growing in the music industry and technology space. Recently, a digital agency called Space150 took it to the next level in the controversial, yet bubbling world. They had an AI learn the entire back catalog of Travis Scott. From this, they made their “Travis Bott.” Using this peculiar creation, they set it to work on creating a “new song” that came out last week called “Jack Park Canny Dope Man.” They even made a video to go along with it.
In the video, you can see a creepily glitchy and CGI version of Scott spitting the bot’s lyrics. The vibe definitely feels a bit like an episode of Black Mirror. Already nearing 50k views on YouTube, it’s apparent that people are already getting a kick out of it, for better or for worse. There’s already even a Genius page for the lyrics that are sure to offer ample entertainment. Space150 said they made the bot purely for experimental purposes and that there was no client involved, per AdWeek.
The AI was able to generate all the lyrics and melodies to the track, albeit them being completely nonsensical. Apparently, training AI’s on an artist’s catalog of copyrighted music doesn’t legally step on any toes in the US. Space150’s mission statement is: “we exist to put brands on the forefront of culture and technology, to help them keep up, get ahead and stand out. We destroy convention to create demand.” They’ve definitely made themselves stand out with this strange Travis Bott banger. It serves to keep eyes on what they’ll do next.
