LifeScore’s New Kaleidoscope Label Blends AI and Music in Immersive Albums

AI music startup LifeScore has unveiled an ambitious new record label, Kaleidoscope, specializing in “spatial music” releases. Blending original compositions with their generative AI, Kaleidoscope aims to create deeply immersive album experiences.

Founded by Siri co-creator Tom Gruber, LifeScore develops AI systems that remix and expand on existing music. Their new label, announced October 6th, looks to publish albums incorporating both musician recordings and AI-generated soundscapes.

Kaleidoscope collaborates with artists, sound designers, and studios worldwide. They use ambisonic audio recordings that capture real-world environments like beaches, mountains, and rainforests.

These field recordings get integrated into the different musical elements and stems of a track. The goal is surrounding the listener with an atmospheric blend of organic instruments and environmental textures.

So rather than just slapping some reverb on a song, they build a 3D aural space combining musical compositions with relevant natural ambience.

Chief Audio Officer Mary Lockwood said Kaleidoscope aims to enhance, not override, the artist’s intent. “The technology simply brings in a surprise factor – to create an experience that’s still their unique music coloured by something new,” she stated.

First releases are themed wellness albums like “Riverside Flow” for yoga or “Twilight Jungle” for sleep. But Kaleidoscope plans to collaborate with known acts on immersive versions of their catalogs too.

An early example features Sleeping At Last’s “Atlas: Space” collection expanded into an 8-hour sleep album. Kaleidoscope drops new releases each Friday in October, starting with “Riverside Flow.”

At its core is LifeScore’s patented AI system. It takes master recordings and transforms them algorithmically into remixes and variations extending the original.

CTO Tom Gruber said AI should augment creativity, not automate it. But is this multi-sensory approach the future of music?

Dolby’s surround sound has become integral to films, TV, and gaming. But will music fans embrace spatial releases? As a creator, I’m skeptical ambient albums are where the industry should focus.

Still, Kaleidoscope demonstrates an ambitious vision for AI assistive technology. And major label Warner Music’s investment in LifeScore shows there is industry enthusiasm for exploratory AI music projects.

It remains to be seen whether music consumers want more immersive, environmental album experiences. I think stereo will continue dominating music creation and listening.

But LifeScore is pioneering new intersections of technology and art. It will be fascinating to watch Kaleidoscope’s experiments in elevating recorded compositions with generative soundscapes.