The beloved holiday classic ‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree’ receives a modern twist with advanced AI technology, catering to Spanish-speaking fans while preserving its original charm.
In a fusion of traditional holiday cheer and modern technology, the iconic Christmas song “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” originally sung by Brenda Lee in 1958, has been given a fresh makeover for Spanish-speaking audiences. Released last week by MCA Nashville/UMe, the new version titled “Noche Buena y Navidad” incorporates advanced artificial intelligence technology to recreate the spirit of Lee’s enduring holiday classic.
The initiative involved the use of SoundLab’s AI MicDrop, an innovative tool described as a “plug-in which allows a user to transform their voice into another voice or instrument.” This technology enabled producers to develop high-fidelity vocal models by using artists’ own voice data while maintaining their full artistic approval and control over the final output. This cutting-edge approach aimed to ensure that the adaptation retained the warmth and familiarity of the original track while embracing a new linguistic and cultural context.
Brenda Lee, who was just 13 years old when she recorded the original version, expressed her excitement about the new release. “I am so blown away by this new Spanish version of ‘Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree,’” Lee remarked. She acknowledged her long-standing desire to perform and record the song in Spanish and appreciated that AI technology had now made it possible for the song to reach a different audience.
Latin Grammy Award-winner Auero Baqueiro spearheaded the adaptation, carefully crafting the Spanish lyrics to maintain the song’s original charm while ensuring they resonated naturally with Spanish speakers. Vocalist Leyla Hoyle was brought on board to provide backing vocals, contributing to the authenticity and richness of the rendition.
CEO of UMG Nashville, Cindy Mabe, spoke to the timeless appeal of Brenda Lee’s voice, asserting, “The minute you hear Brenda Lee’s iconic voice on ‘Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree,’ you know it’s the official start of Christmas.” Mabe expressed enthusiasm about introducing this global hit to Spanish-speaking audiences, highlighting the collaborative effort that brought this classic into a new era.
The use of artificial intelligence in this project has been underscored by a commitment to responsible application. UMG supports legislative measures to safeguard artists from unauthorised clones of their voices and images, a sentiment shared by Brenda Lee, who signed a letter in favour of the No Fakes Act. The act seeks to protect creators’ rights in the face of emerging digital replications.
With this innovative adaptation, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” continues its legacy as a festive staple, now sharing the joy of Brenda Lee’s beloved holiday tune with a broader audience, all while intertwining tradition with modern technological advancements.
Source: Noah Wire Services
