Paul McCartney Explains and Clarifies Details of Upcoming Beatles Project

Paul McCartney has shed light on the eagerly anticipated “new” Beatles song set to release in 2023, aiming to address the confusion and speculation surrounding the project. In a recent interview with BBC Radio 4, McCartney revealed that the unnamed recording, which incorporates artificial intelligence (AI) technology to isolate John Lennon’s vocals, originated from a rough demo called “Now and Then” that Lennon created in 1978. McCartney’s comments on social media and during interviews have provided valuable insights, giving fans a glimpse into what they can expect from this remarkable Beatles endeavor.

Clarifying the Beatles Project

Amidst mounting excitement and questions surrounding the upcoming Beatles project, McCartney took to his social media platforms on June 22 to clarify certain aspects. He emphasized that the project encompasses more than one song and reassured fans that all four band members actively contribute to the recordings. McCartney stated:

“Been great to see such an exciting response to our forthcoming Beatles project. No one is more excited than us to be sharing something with you later in the year. We’ve seen some confusion and speculation about it. Seems to be a lot of guesswork out there. Can’t say too much at this stage but to be clear, nothing has been artificially or synthetically created. It’s all real and we all play on it. We cleaned up some existing recordings – a process which has gone on for years. We hope you love it as much as we do. More news in due course.”

The Role of Artificial Intelligence

The use of AI technology in the Beatles project is not entirely new. Filmmaker Peter Jackson’s recent docu-series, “Get Back,” showcased the extraordinary capabilities of AI in isolating individual Beatles members’ voices from background noises. McCartney explained, “[Jackson] was able to extricate John’s voice from a ropey little bit of cassette. We had John’s voice and a piano, and he could separate them with AI. They tell the machine: ‘That’s the voice. This is a guitar. Lose the guitar.'” This technique allowed Jackson and his team to delve into the intricacies of the band’s creative process during the making of the 1970 album “Let It Be.” The success of this AI-based approach prompted McCartney to employ a similar methodology in his 2022 “Got Back” tour, where he virtually performed a duet with John Lennon on the song “I’ve Got a Feeling.”

Unveiling the Origins of the Recording

The genesis of the upcoming Beatles recording can be traced back to a rough demo titled “Now and Then” that John Lennon had recorded in his New York City apartment. McCartney disclosed:

“When we came to make what will be the last Beatles record – it was a demo that John had that we worked on, and we just finished it up, it will be released this year – we were able to take John’s voice and get it pure through this AI. So then we could mix the record as you would normally do.”

The cassette, labeled “For Paul,” was given to McCartney by Lennon’s widow, Yoko Ono, some time ago. The recording served as the foundation for the collaborative effort of the remaining Beatles members to complete the song.

Looking Back and Looking Forward

This new Beatles project marks a significant addition to the band’s discography, joining previously released posthumous recordings like “Free As a Bird” and “Real Love.” McCartney expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “No one is more excited than us to be sharing something with you later in the year.” As fans eagerly await further updates, McCartney’s engagement and clarification have provided invaluable insights into the creative process behind this exciting venture. The upcoming release promises to be a momentous event, inviting listeners to embark on a new Beatles journey while honoring the band’s iconic legacy.