Grammy-winning singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan has stepped into a new era of music-making by harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to create his latest track, Rubaroo.
The collaborative effort was showcased during Google’s I/O developer conference in California, highlighting how technology is blending with artistry, reports Hindustan Times.
Created at his Mumbai studio using Sandbox, a tool developed in partnership with YouTube and Google Lab, Rubaroo combines Sufi musical elements with modern beats. Mahadevan describes the process as “inspiring,” and praises AI as a creative spark rather than a creator.
“For a musician, it’s an inspiring tool,” the 58-year-old shared, while emphasizing that AI should enhance not replace human creativity. “There’s this fear that AI will replace musicians and singers. But there’s nothing to be afraid of. Human intelligence, when working with AI, can achieve wonders,” he added.
Calling AI a “friend and personal assistant,” Mahadevan clarified that the technology offers creative suggestions, but the final decision rests with the artist.
“It may suggest a line or a melody, but you need to be a good musician to use it well. The first and last call must always come from the human being,” he said.
The seasoned composer compared today’s AI concerns to past industry shifts. “Fifty years ago, people were afraid when synthesizers arrived, or when software started dominating production. But live musicians have never been replaced,” he explained.
With AI already influencing various fields, Mahadevan believes its integration into music is just the beginning. “It’s just a tool, and how we use it will define its value,” he concluded.
Through Rubaroo, Mahadevan not only showcases a fresh sonic blend but also opens the door for more artists to embrace AI as a collaborative force a bold step forward for the music industry.
Bd-pratidin English/ Afia
