Entertaining Ourselves Back to Life

Creativity, Music, and Technology

1. Dolly Parton - "Jolene" (Live 1974)
   
   

   • Background: "Jolene" is one of Dolly Parton’s most iconic songs, released in 1973. The live performance in 1974 showcases her emotional storytelling and vocal talent.

   • Lyrics: The song is about a woman pleading with another, named Jolene, not to take her man. Parton was inspired by a real bank teller who flirted with her husband.

   • Legacy: The song is widely covered by artists across genres, from pop to metal, showing its universal appeal.

   • Impact: "Jolene" solidified Dolly Parton’s place as a country music legend and one of the greatest songwriters of her generation.

2. The Woman Who Made Vincent Famous (Van Gogh Museum)
   
   

   • Who Was Johanna? Johanna van Gogh-Bonger, Vincent van Gogh’s sister-in-law, inherited his works after he and his brother Theo died.

   • Her Work: Johanna worked tirelessly to promote Vincent’s paintings, which were not widely recognized during his lifetime.

   • Exhibitions: She organized exhibitions of his work across Europe, helping art critics and the public see Vincent’s genius.

   • Publications: She published Theo and Vincent’s letters, showing the world their thoughts and struggles.

   • Legacy: Without Johanna’s efforts, Vincent van Gogh might never have become one of the most celebrated artists in history.

3. Taylor Swift’s Re-recording Project (UCLA Law Review)
   
   

   • What Happened? Taylor Swift lost control of her old recordings when her former record label sold them to a private buyer without her consent.

   • Solution: To regain control, she started re-recording her old albums under the name "Taylor’s Version."

   • Fan Support: Fans embraced the re-recordings, making them just as successful as the originals.

   • Industry Impact: Swift’s actions have encouraged other musicians to think about ownership and control over their work.

   • Record Labels: This move has forced record labels to rethink how they structure contracts with artists, especially regarding ownership rights.

   • Cultural Moment: The project became a symbol of artists’ rights and independence in the music industry.

4. Vocaloid Creators (Vocaloid.com)
   
   

   • What Is Vocaloid? Vocaloid is a voice synthesis technology that allows people to create songs with digital singers.

   • Hatsune Miku: The most famous Vocaloid character, Miku, is an international phenomenon with a fanbase that creates millions of songs featuring her voice.

   • Global Reach: Vocaloid songs are popular in Japan and worldwide, inspiring concerts, merchandise, and collaborations with brands.

   • Accessibility: Vocaloid makes it easier for people who can’t afford professional singers to produce music.

   • Art and Technology: It’s an example of how technology and creativity come together to create new forms of art.

5. Artificial Intelligence in Acting (YouTube)
   
   

   • Digital Doubles: AI can create digital versions of actors that look and sound like them.

   • Uses: These digital doubles can appear in movies, TV shows, or even advertisements without the actor needing to be present.

   • Ethical Concerns: Actors worry their digital doubles could be used without their permission or payment.

   • Future of Acting: Some fear AI could replace actors altogether, while others see it as a tool to enhance creativity.

   • Impact on Contracts: Actors are now negotiating to include protections against the misuse of their digital likeness in their contracts.

6. Screen Actors Guild and AI Strikes (Slate)
   
   

   • Why the Strike? Actors protested the use of AI to protect their jobs and prevent exploitation.

   • AI Challenges: AI could create performances without actors’ involvement, threatening careers and reducing job opportunities.

   • Demands: Actors want clear rules about when and how AI can use their image, voice, or performance.

   • Wider Issue: The strike highlights the broader challenges industries face as AI becomes more powerful.

7. Beethoven X: AI Finishes Beethoven’s Symphony (BeethovenX-AI.com)
   
   

   • Beethoven’s 10th Symphony: Ludwig van Beethoven started his 10th Symphony but died before finishing it.

   • AI Completion: AI was used to study his music and finish the symphony in his style.

   • How It Works: The AI analyzed Beethoven’s notes, drafts, and other compositions to create something that feels authentic.

   • Mixed Reactions: Some people love it as a tribute to Beethoven, while others think it’s not truly his work.

   • Future of AI in Music: This project shows how AI can bring new possibilities to the world of music creation.

8. AI Composing Music (YouTube)
   
   

   • AI Composers: AI programs can now create original music, often imitating the style of famous composers or inventing entirely new sounds.

   • Advantages: AI can help musicians experiment with new ideas or finish projects faster.

   • Concerns: Some worry that AI could replace human musicians or make music less personal.

   • What Is Creativity? The rise of AI in music raises questions about whether creativity is something only humans can have.