The dawn of the 21st century has witnessed a whirlwind of technological advances, reshaping many industries, including music. Within these evolving landscapes, some artists have seamlessly integrated new technologies into their craft, transcending traditional boundaries. At the intersection of innovation and possibility, we find Taryn Southern – not just a musician but a visionary artist and storyteller. As we peel back the layers of her multifaceted career, we uncover a story that begins on YouTube….traverses through the world of AI-generated music and neurotech….and lands more recently, in a world of personalized health and wellbeing.
Once relegated to the realms of science fiction, AI now sits at the heart of a contentious debate within the music industry. Tracks such as "Heart on My Sleeve,” originally said to be by mega artists like Drake and The Weeknd, captured the world's attention in 2023, but only later did we discover the truth: these works are the products of AI.
However, Taryn Southern is no stranger to this AI revolution. A former American Idol semi-finalist, she has utilized AI to craft songs since 2017, pushing the boundaries of traditional music creation. Taryn's explorations in the AI realm, as showcased on her YouTube channel, offer a glimpse into the fusion of human creativity and emerging tech. From composition to mastering, Taryn has long viewed AI as a collaborative partner in the music creation process, while simultaneously advocating for the rights and legacies of human artists to be preserved.
Taryn’s interest in AI is not only relegated to music. In 2016, she began developing a documentary about the intersection of AI and the human brain. The resulting film, "I AM HUMAN," premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival (2019), and followed three patients with various neurological disorders - Parkinson’s, blindness, and paralysis - who hope to restore function with the help of innovative brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). This work exemplifies Taryn’s drive to bring humanity to the most uncharted tech with tangible, emotive human stories.
Taryn Southern stands not just as an artist but as a warrior. In 2019 and 2020, Taryn was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer, and she shared her journey of chemotherapy, radiation and surgery on her instagram.
Since her diagnosis, she continues to spotlight advancements and research related to breast cancer, emphasizing the importance of early detection, advocacy, and education. One of her recent videos painted a deeply concerning portrait: a 19% spike in cancer diagnoses among young women aged 30 to 39 (from 2010 to 2019). Taryn implores her audience to scrutinize their environment; from endocrine disruptors present in items like makeup and fast fashion to possible contaminants in our water and food.
As we observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Taryn's voice becomes even more poignant. She challenges society not just to address the symptoms of the disease, but to dig deeper to the root causes, and apply advanced technologies like AI to design large-scale epidemiological studies.
Taryn Southern now serves as Chief Storytelling Officer for Blackrock Neurotech, where she oversees special projects and storytelling initiatives for consumers, patients and investors.
Taryn also speaks at conferences and companies around the globe about how AI can be used to empower creativity and expand human potential.
As the world stands on the precipice of a rapidly changing new era, artists like Taryn Southern remind us of the importance of grounding innovation in human possibility, so that we never lose sight of our shared humanity.
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