Christophe Boeraeve, the creative force behind "Absences," has embarked on an innovative musical project that leverages the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to produce music. This project introduces two virtual artists, Milo Sarre and Anouk Revel, and delves into themes of absence, memory, and human relationships. Boeraeve, who is the author of the lyrics and director of the project, aims to explore the potential of AI in artistic creation while crafting a unique musical universe.
The concept of "Absences" was born out of a question: what happens to individuals who are no longer in our lives but continue to inhabit our actions, memories, and language? Boeraeve sought to give musical and visual form to this exploration through AI. He emphasizes that while the technology is a crucial aspect of the project, he does not want the interest in "Absences" to be solely based on its technical fabrication. Instead, he hopes listeners will appreciate the songs for their lyrics, melodies, and emotional resonance.
Boeraeve has imagined Milo Sarre and Anouk Revel as two characters, each with their own approach to intimacy. Their identities are constructed through the songs, voices, images, and situations they experience. The artist intentionally leaves room for contradictions, avoiding the creation of fixed emblems that represent specific emotions. By allowing for different versions and interpretations, Boeraeve enables the characters to be fragile, light, hurtful, or tender, thereby adding depth to the project.
As the lyricist and artistic director, Boeraeve collaborates with AI tools like Suno to generate voices and musical compositions. His role involves guiding, listening, comparing, and selecting from the propositions made by the AI. This process requires finding a balance between the meaning of the lyrics, diction, musical movement, and the personality of the virtual interpreter. Boeraeve is keen to highlight that his choices are essential but do not negate the contribution of the AI tool.
The album "Absences" addresses themes of longing, memories, and the lingering presence of individuals in our lives. Boeraeve chose this theme to explore the tension between virtual artists singing about people whose existence has left a trace. This dynamic lends a unique resonance to the songs, echoing the ways in which we form strong connections with mediated presences, such as recorded voices or photographs.
A key aspect of "Absences" is the question of whether an artificial voice can transmit emotions as strongly as a human performance. Boeraeve distinguishes between the emotions experienced by the listener and those potentially felt by the virtual interpreter. He believes that while AI-generated voices can evoke strong emotions, the source of musical emotion is multifaceted, involving lyrics, melody, timbre, silences, and the listener's personal experiences.
The project comprises 35 tracks, including various versions, which Boeraeve curated to maintain a coherent narrative thread throughout. The selection process aimed to preserve a variety of musical styles while focusing on the emotional core of the project. Boeraeve also addresses concerns about authorship rights and the role of human creators in AI-assisted artistic production, emphasizing the importance of transparency and responsible use of technology.
Key points
- Christophe Boeraeve's "Absences" explores the intersection of AI and music creation through virtual artists Milo Sarre and Anouk Revel.
- The project delves into themes of absence, memory, and human relationships, raising questions about authorship and the emotional impact of AI-generated music.
- Boeraeve aims to create a musical experience that resonates with listeners on an emotional level, while also highlighting the potential and limitations of AI in artistic creation.
