As a way to illustrate the power of artificial intelligence for generating music and images, AI technology company Adthos created a series of 1950s/1960s-style music/station idents for 77 WABC in New York City. It posted them in an eye-catching promo video in which the sounds and visuals are all created with AI. (Watch and listen on Vimeo here.)
The audio cuts are meant as “a respectful homage to PAMS Productions of Dallas,” renowned for its radio jingles, Adthos said. It noted that WABC was one of PAMS’ best-known clients, for which it created a series of “Where the Action Is” jingles that promoted the music format at the time.
PAMS and WABC were not involved in this demonstration project. “The content in this video, including music and images, is generated through artificial intelligence technologies. These AI creations are original and not direct copies of any works associated with PAMS Productions of Dallas or other entities,” Adthos states.
According to the press release, the work of PAMS “remains influential and is often studied and celebrated by those with an interest in the history of broadcasting and audio branding.”
Given how realistic the series of jazzy bits in the tribute are — complete with orchestrations and male/female lead and backing vocals — the power of AI for generating catchy jingles cannot be denied. (The video also offers a field day for anyone interested in what AI can do or not do when creating visuals; keep an eye on the street signage and other background details.)
But the post also provides insight into the kind of legal considerations that creative use of AI can raise.
The company said this is “not meant as a commercial offering for the creation of jingles.” Raoul Wedel, CEO of Adthos, said the tribute “has been created as a homage to one of the great radio jingles and is purely a fun way for us to demonstrate just what is possible with today’s AI technology.”
The video also is accompanied by a 380-word disclaimer. It states that the trademarks, names and logos belong to their respective owners, who didn’t endorse the video; it says the video includes “elements of parody and artistic expression”; and it states that the content was “crafted for non-commercial purposes, intended primarily for educational, research and entertainment uses.”
