GabyWarner Music made history as the first record label to sign a contract with an AI singer. The virtual pop star Noonoouri is unlike any other AI robot because she exists solely as a digital persona on the internet. She is free from human limitations such as aging, fatigue, and sleep, and she is an influential Instagram user.
Virtual Singer with an AI-Generated Voice
On September 1, 2023, the metaverse avatar debuted on the music scene with the track “Dominoes,” which has already amassed over 60,000 views on YouTube. The debut single is a collaboration with 38-year-old German DJ Alle Farben, marking the beginning of Noonoouri’s artistic journey.
In an Instagram post, she noted that music has played a big role in her life from the very start, setting the mood and inspiring ideas she wishes to bring to life. According to the singer, Warner Music has recorded many of her favorite artists, so she is very proud to join them and become part of a world where music is the rhythm of life.
Frank Zappa and The Mothers
What sets Noonoouri apart is her singing voice generated by artificial intelligence. Although it can sound somewhat raspy due to AI manipulations, it showcases progress in technology.
Noonoouri’s voice was created using generative AI — a technology that uses existing data and transforms it into something entirely new. The process started with recording a human singer, which was then altered to give the digital singer her unique voice. It is worth noting that songwriters, vocalists, and musicians who contributed to the creation of “Dominoes” receive royalties and publishing shares, similar to traditional music production.
A Digital Singer as an Embodiment of Freedom and the Fashion World
According to Designboom, Noonoouri was brought to life by Munich graphic designer Jörg Zuber. The virtual singer began her career at age 19 and stormed the fashion world with over 200,000 Instagram followers and collaborations with leading brands.
Mr. Zuber introduced the AI singer to the public in late 2017, which led to partnerships with famous brands like Marc Jacobs, Dior, and Versace. Noonoouri was also featured in Kim Kardashian’s makeup line commercials and connected with supermodels such as Naomi Campbell. The digital persona of Noonoouri goes beyond music, as she is known for promoting veganism, sustainable fashion, and campaigning against fur use in the fashion industry.
For Jörg Zuber, Noonoouri is the embodiment of a lifelong dream rooted in his passion for fashion that began when he bought his first fashion magazine at age five. The graphic designer views fashion as a symbol of freedom, and Noonoouri embodies this vision. That is why he chose to create the AI singer as a character-avatar rather than aiming for a hyper-realistic appearance. Mr. Zuber’s decision highlights Noonoouri’s uniqueness.
