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Listen to 'new' Nirvana song 'Drowned in the Sun' generated by AI software

By Megan Armstrong | Last updated 4/5/21

OK, this may be confusing.

But stay with us. It's worth it.

Over The Bridge, "an organization that empowers musicians to reclaim their lives from their mental health struggles," launched a series called "Lost Tapes of the 27 Club." The premise is based upon the long-established name given to the group of artists who have died at 27 years old. Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain was one of them (Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Amy Winehouse and Jim Morrison are just a few others).

"Each track is the result of AI programs analyzing up to 30 songs by each artist and granularly studying the tracks’ vocal melodies, chord changes, guitar riffs and solos, drum patterns, and lyrics to guess what their “new” compositions would sound like," Kory Grow explained in a deep-dive Rolling Stone piece published Friday.

That methodology birthed a "new" Nirvana track titled "Drowned in the Sun":

"Drowned in the Sun" was originally uploaded in late January, but it has again been making the rounds as Monday marks the 27-year anniversary of Cobain's death. The song is almost completely constructed by computers, Grow wrote, other than vocals laid by Nirvana tribute band frontman Eric Hogan.

Cobain passed away from an apparent suicide after chronic health issues, such as depression, and persistent persistent drug use.

You can listen to the other three "Lost Tapes of the 27 Club" creations below.