AI singer Linda's superhit interval song in 'Hi Nanna'; Hesham Abdul Wahab takes credit

KOCHI: Music director Hesham Abdul Wahab introduced an artificial intelligence singer to render voice for a film song and surprisingly enough, the result was mesmerizing. The special segment was used in the background score for the interval sequence in 'Hi Nanna', Telugu superstar Nanni’s film. The English song 'Shards of Dreams' was rendered by Linda, the AI singer. This is the first time that AI singer is being employed in an Indian movie.

Hesham first sang the 'Shards of Dreams' version and it was during the rerecording phase that the AI singer was introduced. A singing credit was also given to Linda. Hesham said AI opens up endless possibilities for innovation in music. The music composer’s remark comes at a time when discussions are rife about the perilous results artificial intelligence would bring if used in movies. Hesham revealed about the mystery singer only when the original soundtrack of the film was released the other day.

After arranging 'Shards of Dreams', it was decided to tune the background score to a Western folk style. The voice demanded a feminine one that should encapsulate in full the heartbreak of love. Linda's voice was selected from samples on a website. AI software is also available to change the voice.

Hesham Abdul Wahab is a State Film Award recipient for his work in the movie Hridhayam.

“AI can make the song sound different with dynamism. It was inspired by the website Musicfy, which went viral in the Arab world. The original soundtrack of 'Hi Nanna' is available on YouTube. Linda’s song is in the 30th minute. The duration is seven minutes.” Hesham says.