Liza Minnelli has announced her latest EDM single, “Kids Wait Till You Hear This,” and clarified that while the track incorporates AI arrangements, every vocal line is performed by the 79-year-old legend herself. The release, part of a collaborative album produced by AI audio company ElevenLabs, marks Minnelli’s first new music since 2013.
At a Glance
- Liza Minnelli’s new single uses AI-generated backing but her vocals are all her own.
- The track is part of ElevenLabs’ “Eleven Album,” featuring artists like Art Garfunkel and IAMSU.
- The song shares its title with Minnelli’s upcoming memoir, slated for March 10.
- Why it matters: The release showcases how classic artists can blend technology with personal artistry while maintaining ownership.
AI Meets Voice: Minnelli’s New Release
On Jan. 21, Minnelli posted a Facebook message that read, “Hi Kids, I’m happy as a clam, laughing like hell and losing my mind! It’s all goin’ on at the time.” She continued, “What I will not allow this great company to do? Create, clone or copy my voice! A few trolls didn’t bother to read the truth, check with me or my partners. The shout outs are all mine!”
The single, an energetic EDM track, was released earlier this week as part of the ElevenLabs-spearheaded collaborative album. Minnelli emphasized that the AI technology was used only for arrangements and production, not for vocal replication. She encouraged fans to dance to the tune, noting that it was her first new music release in 10 years.
The Album and Its Collaborators
ElevenLabs described the compilation as a “landmark musical release created in collaboration with world-class artists and powered by Eleven Music.” The album, titled Eleven Album, includes contributions from:
- Art Garfunkel
- Patrick Patrikios (writer/producer)
- Emily Falvey (country singer)
- IAMSU! (rapper)
The project brings together diverse genres, all unified by the AI-enhanced production framework. Minnelli’s participation highlights a growing trend of legacy artists exploring AI tools while retaining creative control.
A Memoir in the Making
The single’s title, “Kids Wait Till You Hear This,” echoes Minnelli’s forthcoming memoir, scheduled for release on March 10. The book promises to reveal her “fascinating, untold story,” covering her storied career and personal life, including high-profile marriages and struggles with substance abuse.
In a statement to News Of Los Angeles, Minnelli said she was drawn to the project because she wanted to “use my voice and new tools in service of expression, not instead of it.” She added, “This project respects the artist’s voice, the artist’s choices, and the artist’s ownership. I grew up watching my parents create wonderful dreams that were owned by other people. ElevenLabs makes it possible for anyone to be a creator and owner. That matters.”
Minnelli on Ownership and Recovery
Minnelli’s comments reflect a broader conversation about artistic ownership in the age of AI. She noted that her parents, Judy Garland and Vincente Minnelli, will also be featured in her memoir, providing a multi-generational perspective on fame and creativity.
She further explained, “I wasn’t going to tell this story, until I realized, maybe I’m still alive because I have a responsibility to help people like me, whose brains are wired differently. I work on recovery every day. Let’s stop the shame.” This statement underscores her commitment to mental health advocacy and the importance of authentic representation.
Key Takeaways
- Minnelli’s new single confirms that AI can enhance production without compromising vocal authenticity.
- The collaborative album showcases a blend of established and emerging artists united by AI technology.
- Minnelli’s upcoming memoir promises to deepen public understanding of her personal journey.
- Her public stance on ownership and recovery highlights ongoing discussions about artist control in the digital era.
The release serves as a case study for artists navigating the intersection of legacy performance and emerging AI tools, emphasizing that creative ownership remains paramount.
Report by Daniel J. Whitman at News Of Los Angeles
