Randy Travis is opening up about his new song, “Where That Came From.” The single, his first new music since his stroke in 2013, was created using his voice from previous songs, along with the help of AI. While some have criticized its use, Travis is thankful for the technology that, for the first time in 11 years, allowed him to make music again.
The 71-year-old is speaking out about the new song, and his gratitude for the technology that gave him his voice back.
“Releasing new music fills a void in my heart that has been missing for over a decade,” Travis says on social media, sharing the video of him playing the song for artists like Carrie Underwood, Vince Gill, Cole Swindell, Clay Walker and more.
“Celebrating this moment reminds me of how fortunate I am to have new ways of sharing a voice missed by so many of you,” he says. “I am thankful to have endless support from my family, friends, and fans. The ability to share new music in ways never thought possible is the gift of a lifetime, and I am eternally grateful.”
The ability to share new music is the gift of a lifetime, and I am eternally grateful. #CountryMusic
Releasing new music fills a void in my heart that has been missing for over a decade. Celebrating this moment reminds me of how fortunate I am to have new ways of sharing a voice missed by so many of you. I am thankful to have endless support from my family, friends, and fans. The ability to share new music in ways never thought possible is the gift of a lifetime, and I am eternally grateful.
Posted by Randy Travis on Sunday, May 12, 2024
Among the proud defenders of Travis using AI to record new music is Warner Music Nashville co-president Cris Lacy, who had the idea to use the cutting-edge technology to help Travis sing again.
“We started with this concept of, what would AI for good look like for us?” Lacy recalled to CBS News . “And the first thing that came to mind was, ‘We would give Randy Travis his voice back.’”
“It’s Randy Travis,” she insisted. “Randy’s on the other side of the microphone. It’s still his vocal. There’s no reason he shouldn’t be able to make music, and to deprive him of that, if he still wants to do that, that’s unconscionable to me.”
Travis shared his thoughts on releasing new music when “Where That Came From” was released, and the gift it was for him to return to a career that meant so much to him.
“Eleven years ago I never thought I would be able to have a hand in music production of any kind, but by God’s grace and the support of family, friends, fellow artists, and fans, I’m able to create the music I so dearly love,” the Country Music Hall of Fame member wrote on social media.
“Working with [producer] Kyle Lehning and Warner Music Nashville again has been so special and nostalgic, and I’m so excited to share my new song ‘Where That Came From’ with you today,” he continued. “Many thanks to my wonderful team and the best fans in the world for putting me back in the saddle again! I’ve enjoyed every moment of it.”
Download or stream “Where That Came From,” and find all of Travis’ music at RandyTravis.com.
