DJ Thy, an AI-generated host at Australian radio station CADA, misled listeners for months. Created using ElevenLabs technology, Thy played popular tracks and reached significant listener numbers without revealing its AI nature. This trend of AI DJs is evident across other stations, raising questions about authenticity in radio broadcasting.
A recent revelation has rocked Australian airwaves: DJ Thy from CADA, who charmed listeners for months, is actually an AI creation. CADA, the Melbourne-based radio station, confirmed that the daily show ‘Workdays with Thy’, airing from 11am to 3pm since November, used ElevenLabs technology to produce this artificial personality. In March alone, the show racked up over 72,000 listeners, all drawn in by Thy’s smooth delivery of the hottest global tracks, yet no one suspected the truth.
CADA isn’t alone in dabbling with AI DJs. Melbourne’s Disrupt Radio has embraced the trend with its own digital DJ, Debbie Disrupt, aiming to add a futuristic twist to radio broadcasting. This mimicry of human DJs raises eyebrows, especially because Thy’s voice and persona were modeled after a real ARN Media employee. Portland, Oregon’s radio scene isn’t lagging, either — they also rolled out AI Ashley, based on host Ashley Elzinga, showing this mimicry trend is more widespread than one might think.
What’s captivating about DJ Thy’s show description is the implication that AI can identify and predict musical hits before they become mainstream. “Curated by our music experts, these are the songs that are charting or on the cusp of blowing up — hear it first with Thy,” reads the tagline, suggesting that Thy is not just a DJ but a trendsetter in its own right.
The AI’s secret was ultimately uncovered when a curious writer noted the absence of any biographical details about Thy. Questions arose, leading to the astonishing discovery that this captivating voice was nothing more than lines of clever code. Meanwhile, in another AI-related venture, Imogen Heap is collaborating with an AI startup called Jen, enabling fans to create new compositions that echo the style of their chosen songs. Jen’s co-founder articulated the possibilities, explaining the service as not just licensing songs, but launching a new product altogether, turning musicians into software developers.
The disclosure of DJ Thy’s true nature unveils a growing trend in the radio industry, where AI is stepping in to mimic human personality and potentially predict music hits. With other stations following suit, like Disrupt Radio and Portland’s AI Ashley, it’s clear AI is here to stay and make waves in the music world. Meanwhile, the collaboration between Imogen Heap and generative AI highlights the potential for blending creativity with technology, forever changing how music can be produced and experienced.
Original Source: faroutmagazine.co.uk
