In a poignant moment on stage, musician Patrick Darling performed a heartfelt song dedicated to his late great-grandfather, marking a significant milestone in his life. This was not just any performance; it was Darling’s first time singing with his bandmates since he lost the ability to use his voice two years ago due to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Diagnosed at a young age, ALS is a motor neuron disease that progressively impairs muscle control, severely affecting a patient’s ability to move, speak, and breathe. For Darling, the journey has been particularly challenging, as he has not been able to stand or play instruments for an extended period, leading to his last performance over two years ago.
Through the advancements in artificial intelligence, Darling has regained a semblance of his lost voice. Utilizing an AI tool that analyzes previous audio recordings, he was able to recreate a version of his voice and even compose new songs. “Despite losing my ability to sing and play, I continue to compose and produce my music, which feels more vital than ever,” Darling shared during his emotional performance in London. The journey to reclaim his voice began when he was introduced to speech therapists who suggested voice banking, an option for those losing the ability to speak. However, Darling faced the issue of his voice having already changed, prompting the search for more sophisticated technology.
Richard Cave, a speech and language therapist affiliated with ElevenLabs, developed a tool capable of creating realistic voice clones from minimal audio samples. This technology has opened new possibilities for individuals with ALS and similar conditions, allowing them to express themselves creatively once again. Although the process of recreating Darling’s singing voice posed challenges due to the lack of high-quality recordings, the combination of various audio snippets ultimately led to the successful synthesis of his voice. “Hearing my voice again was surreal—it sounded just like me,” Darling recalled. This innovation not only provides him with a way to reconnect with music but also serves as a reminder of the resilience found in the face of adversity.
Source: ALS stole this musician’s voice. AI let him sing again. via MIT Technology Review