AI Helps Parkinson's Musician Complete New Album

London-based singer-songwriter Samuel Smith used artificial intelligence tools to complete his second album, "The Art of Letting Go," after Parkinson’s disease largely took away his ability to play guitar [1]. Diagnosed with the progressive neurological disorder in 2020, Smith utilized platforms like Suno and Udio to create demo arrangements for the track "Horizon" to convey his musical vision to session players [1].

Key takeaways

• Samuel Smith used AI generators Suno and Udio to create demos for his album "The Art of Letting Go" after Parkinson's affected his guitar skills [1].
• The AI-generated tracks were not used in the final mix but served as communication tools for professional musicians [1].
• Despite his condition, Smith managed to record a guitar duet with Julian Lage during a brief 10-minute window of mobility in the studio [1].

Bridging the gap with generative AI

Smith, 49, released his debut album, "In the Springtime," in 2023 as a way for his two sons to remember his performing abilities [1]. As tremors, stiffness, and fatigue deteriorated his guitar skills over the following year, he turned to technology, humming melodies into his phone and uploading them to AI generators [1]. He stated that producing convincing demos often required "50, 100, 150 attempts" and extensive editing to match his style [1]. Smith emphasized that the AI does not create his lyrics or music but brings his ideas to life for session players [1].

The project was produced by Grammy-winning pianist Matt Rollings and featured notable roots and bluegrass musicians, including dobro player Jerry Douglas and banjo player Alison Brown [1]. For the instrumental track "Horizon," Smith collaborated with Grammy-nominated guitarist Julian Lage [1]. During the Nashville session, Smith experienced a temporary reprieve from his symptoms, allowing him to perform a guitar duet with Lage [1]. He described this as capturing "the last breath of my guitar playing" during a roughly 10-minute window when his arm freed up [1].

Why it matters

Experts suggest AI-assisted tools could benefit other musicians with disabilities by helping them communicate ideas and collaborate [1]. Ruaidhri Mannion, a composer and lecturer at Brunel University of London, noted that such technology could democratize music making, though he warned that overreliance might interfere with artistic development [1]. The use of these platforms occurs amid industry division; major labels like Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group and Warner Records have sued Suno and Udio over copyright training issues, though Universal and Warner Records have since reached partnership deals with the platforms [1].

Smith argues that if AI companies want a role in society, they should engage with health professionals and music therapists to expand creative access [1]. He recently collaborated with the Berklee Music and Health Institute for an event in New York to discuss how music can support people living with neurological conditions [1]. Smith stated that creating music is crucial for the legacy he leaves for his children, ages 4 and 17, allowing him to refuse to be defined by the disease [1].