Grimes is here to sing us all a sweet lullaby.
The Miss Anthropocene punk-pixie-cyborg has kept relatively off the grid in recent months ever since the arrival of her human (?) baby, but she’s quietly been working on something healing and innovative for the greater good of the world in the background, which is also entirely fitting to her persona: an AI experience.
On Wednesday (October 28), Endel and Grimes launched their collaborative project called “AI Lullaby,” available via the Endel iOS app until December 23.
The project features Grimes’ signature ethereal voice layered across lush, atmospheric soundscapes, which are “scientifically engineered to improve both sleep and wellness in children and adults” and backed by neuroscience, according to the developers. (If you’d like, here’s where they spell out the science in-depth.)
Grimes worked with the Endel co-founders to create “original sounds and vocals matching both her artistic vision and Endel’s psychoacoustic requirements,” which are then used in a soundscape that adapts in real-time to your location, weather and natural light exposure.
“I think, if approached properly, AI has the ability to radically fix our world. I appreciate Endel because they represent the growing trend of humane technology. I hope that the fields of AI safety, research, philosophy, as well as humane AI and spiritual technology etc. can grow a lot in the coming years. We’ll need it!” Grimes says of the endeavor.
I had the opportunity to try out a Beta experience of the project for a few days before the launch, and as an ambient music stan – especially during the in-your-feelings hours – the experience ticks all the boxes for a relaxing aural getaway. The different modes suit a variety of activities, from daytime focus to deep sleep, and it’s lovely to drift off to a familiar, angelic voice when succumbing to the election anxiety at 4 AM – not to be confused with “4ÆM” – especially with the little, adorable coos and adlibs from Grimes throughout (“hi baby“). And no, this is #notsponsored.
A portion of the proceeds from “AI Lullaby” will be donated to AI for Anyone and the Naked Heart Foundation, nonprofits rooted in “building an inclusive society that is open to people and families with special needs, supporting the mental health of mothers and children, as well as AI education initiatives.”
If you’re looking for something soul-soothing for a meditation moment, some background noise for dozing off, or just a calming pulse to keep you focused during work, I’d suggest giving Grimes and her AI friends a shot.
Click here to download the app.
We could all use a little escape from the world, now more than ever.
