AI Song (Made By Me) by Ginko Bugs Cover Credit: Ferenc “Feco” Szenasi
The band Ginko Bugs is the brainchild of Stockholm-based musician Erik Åredal, who combines a distinct modern and nostalgic sound with a group of gifted musicians. Åredal’s early years were marked by a strong influence from iconic musicians such as Pink Floyd, Bowieesque, and The Beatles on his musical journey. The foundation for Åredal’s unique style was formed by these musicians, whose genre-defying sounds and visionary artistic abilities. He formed Ginkgo Biloba in the early 1990s, and the band quickly changed its name to Punnet. Punnet had a great run in Sweden, resulting in a number of releases up until 2000.
After a long hiatus, during which Åredal stepped away from the music scene, he found his way back in 2018, encouraged by his wife to revisit his musical roots. This resurgence birthed Ginko Bugs, a project where Åredal could channel his creative energy once more, but this time with the wisdom and perspective gained over the years. Ginko Bugs became not only a musical endeavor but a conceptual narrative, built around the character of Lieutenant Bo Biloba and his crew, who experience the world for the first time. This storytelling element adds depth to the band’s sound, echoing Åredal’s early influences of conceptual and progressive rock.
The essence of Ginko Bugs lies in their ability to combine the sonic complexity of classic rock with relatable modern themes. Their music has garnered praise from various platforms, such as Broadway World, Flex, Music Crowns, Fame Magazine, Music News, IHouseU, FindYourSounds, Buzz Music, We Plug GOOD Music, Alt 77, Curious For Music, The Real Ding, Turtle Tempo, Nagamag Magazine and Obscure Sound, positioning Ginko Bugs as a force in the Swedish music landscape. Åredal’s return to music with Ginko Bugs is not just a continuation of his past but an evolution that captures the spirit of an artist who has come full circle.
Released on August 23rd, 2024, “AI Song (Made By Me)” by Ginko Bugs is a captivating anthem that strikes at the heart of modern technological anxieties. Despite its title, the song is anything but a product of artificial intelligence. Instead, it’s a poignant reflection on the relentless future of AI, exploring both hope and doubt. This single showcases Erik Åredal’s signature blend of classic rock influences, with echoes of The Beatles, Pink Floyd, and Bowieesque woven into its rich sonic tapestry. Featuring an infectious chorus delivered by a children’s choir, the track transitions from simple melodic foundations into an intense, layered soundscape, making it a power pop masterpiece that calls to be sung aloud.
The song “AI Song (Made By Me)” by Ginko Bugs is a brilliant illustration of how to creatively and refreshingly combine the timeless sounds of classic rock with contemporary topics. The song opens with an intense intensity that transports listeners to a world of vivid melodies and powerful soundscapes. With a solid percussion beat and a rush of guitar riffs that catch your attention right away, the first few seconds set the tone. Not only does the instrumental stand out, but the children’s chorus also gives the song a subtle yet impactful emotional depth. Their voices create an ethereal and almost heavenly atmosphere, giving the song a rich, anthemic feel.
The brilliance of this song lies in its seamless transitions. At the 0:14 mark, the song undergoes a transformation, stripping away some of the intensity to allow for a softer, more introspective buildup. The softly electrifying guitar riffs at this point are the perfect base for the lead singer’s vocals, which come through with a unique texture that’s both emotive and commanding. There’s something raw and genuine in his delivery that makes the listener hang on to every word. His voice carries a light rustiness to it, a slight imperfection that feels intentional and adds a layer of humanity to the track, especially given the song’s themes surrounding AI and technology.
As the song progresses, the inclusion of piano melodies adds another layer of richness to the arrangement. The 0:26 timestamp marks a shift in rhythm as soft percussive elements come in, enhancing the buildup without overwhelming the core melody. This delicate balance between instrumentation and vocals is masterfully done, creating a song that is both intricate and accessible. The track builds on itself, adding layers and evolving with every passing moment, ensuring that listeners remain captivated throughout.
By the time the 0:37 mark comes in, the song has completely developed into a lively, mid-tempo rhythm driven by mellow basslines and a steady drum beat. Double-tracked and impromptu vocal harmonies give the sound more depth, while catchy piano melodies dance around the voices. You’re drawn further into the song’s auditory world by the rhythm’s smooth yet deliberate groove. Its music, which combines the greatest aspects of power pop with a current influence, manages to evoke both nostalgia and modernity.
The chorus, which hits at the 1:49 mark, is truly the heart of the song. The spirited children’s choir, the smooth basslines, the steady percussion beat, and the soaring guitar riffs all come together in this one spot. The chorus’s captivating vocal melodies create a calming, heavenly atmosphere that lends the music a sense of transcendence. It’s the kind of chorus that stays in your head long after the song has ended because it’s so simple yet so meaningful. A genuinely lovely moment in the song is created by the way the lead vocals and choir blend together with an emotional resonance.
“AI Song (Made By Me)” is a very stunning song since it keeps the listener on the edge of their seat. Subtle changes in melody and rhythm are used throughout the song to give it an unpredictable feel. The song’s structure allows for these shifts to feel like organic progressions rather than abrupt breaks. Even after several listens, the song still feels new because of its unpredictable nature. The music never loses its flow or propulsion, though, because the fundamental rhythm stays the same throughout these changes.
The song explores themes in its lyrics that are extremely pertinent to the modern world. There is a mixture of anxiety and hope on what the future holds with the development of AI and technology. These nuanced feelings are thoroughly embraced by “AI Song (Made By Me),” rather than being avoided. The music serves as a reminder of the human element that must stay at the forefront of these developments, while the lyrics address the possibilities and drawbacks of a world increasingly ruled by AI. Thought-provoking music, it never comes across as didactic or intrusive and instead invites listeners to consider how technology fits into their life.
“AI Song (Made By Me)” is a truly remarkable track that showcases the immense talent of Ginko Bugs. It’s a song with several layers of resonance, from catchy melodies to thought-provoking lyrics. A powerful yet delicate sound is produced by the careful blending of vocals and instrumentation, and the children’s chorus adds a depth of emotion that takes the song to new heights. The way the song is executed feels ageless, fusing contemporary topics with the greatest aspects of classic rock in a way that sounds new and current. Lover of both classic rock and power pop will find themselves captivated to this song’s contagious energy and anthemic feel.
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