Wurzels embrace artificial intelligence to write new single Wurzel Me Up
Folk band The Wurzels used AI to create their new single, "Wurzel Me Up," blending technology with their classic style. They ensured the AI drew only from their own songs to avoid plagiarism.
The Wurzels Create New Song with Artificial Intelligence
Folk band The Wurzels have released a fresh single, Wurzel Me Up, written using artificial intelligence (AI). Known for hits like The Combine Harvester and I Am A Cider Drinker, the Somerset-based group turned to AI after a period without new material.
Singer Pete Budd, 84, explained, "We realised that it was a long time since we had written a new pop tune. We needed some 'cutting-hedge' technology." Tommy Banner, 85, the band's longest-serving member, added, "We decided to explore this new artificial world to see if it could help us analyse our catalogue of Wurzel songs and give us some lyrical inspiration for a new release."
Addressing AI Concerns on Creativity and Copyright
Budd acknowledged concerns around AI and plagiarism, stating, "We don't agree with plagiarism in any form without some form of remuneration and so, in this case, we have strived to only plagiarise ourselves." The band made it clear their use of AI was to build on their own material rather than copy others.
A Brief Look at The Wurzels’ Legacy
- Formed in 1966
- Eight UK hit singles
- Three UK Top 40 albums
- Current lineup: Pete Budd (vocals), Tommy Banner, Sedge Moore (bass), Louie Gribble (keyboard), Leigh Delamere (drums)
- The Combine Harvester topped the UK singles chart in May 1976
- I Am A Cider Drinker reached number three the same year
The Wurzels’ choice to incorporate AI into songwriting raises interesting points for writers and creatives about how technology can serve as a tool for inspiration. For those interested in how AI tools can assist in creative fields, training resources are available at Complete AI Training.
