North Carolina's 'Homegrown Idjits' Hit 700-Song Mark, Bring State's Stories to Life with AI-Generated Tunes
Stephen Smith, a Chapel Hill resident and the creative force behind the virtual music group "Homegrown Idjits," is turning the rich tapestry of North Carolina's history and culture into a symphony of AI-generated songs. His innovative approach blends traditional music genres with cutting-edge technology, resulting in a unique auditory journey through the Tar Heel State.
- Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, NC (1888PressRelease) December 22, 2024 - Smith's YouTube channel, Homegrown Idjits, serves as a digital archive where AI-generated melodies narrate tales of notable North Carolinians, historic events, and cherished locales. The channel features a diverse array of genres, including blues, jazz, folk, country, bluegrass, and rock, ensuring there's a tune for every musical palate.
Among the channel's offerings are songs that delve into the heart of North Carolina's history:
"They Called Him Popcorn": This track pays homage to Marvin "Popcorn" Sutton, the legendary moonshiner from Haywood County, capturing his rebellious spirit and enduring legacy.
"Goodbye, Cowboy": A tribute to Herbert "Cowboy" Coward of Haywood County, known for his roles in "Deliverance" and "Ghost Town in the Sky," celebrating his contributions to local culture and entertainment.
"Harmony That Lingers": This song celebrates the legacy of the Badgett Sisters from Caswell County, whose harmonious voices brought gospel music to life, leaving an indelible mark on the state's musical heritage.
"Oscar Woody’s Final Delivery": A song about the man from North Carolina who was in charge of the mail on the Titanic, and who went down with the ship on that fateful night.
"Rivers Through Our Streets": Turning to recent events, this track pays homage to the people in western North Carolina who endured the devastation and loss brought by Hurricane Helene.
There are, in fact, more than 750 Homegrown Idjits songs (with more being added weekly), and Smith estimates that at least a third of those are about North Carolina subjects.
Smith's creative process involves utilizing artificial intelligence to compose and produce songs that resonate with authenticity. With a modicum of assistance from AI, Smith writes song lyrics using historical data, personal stories, and cultural references, then turns to an AI music generation app to create the final audio track.
"Our goal is to make songs about real people, places, things, and events—topicals, they call 'em, in the musicological world," says Smith. "We love all that stuff and aim to bring these stories to life through music."
The Homegrown Idjits' YouTube channel not only showcases these AI-generated songs but also invites listeners to explore North Carolina's rich cultural landscape.
As the channel continues to grow, Smith plans to expand his repertoire, covering more stories from across the state and beyond. His innovative blend of technology and tradition offers a fresh perspective on storytelling, making history accessible and engaging for a modern audience.
To explore the musical stories of North Carolina and beyond, visit the Homegrown Idjits' YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/ ( @ ) HomegrownIdjits dot
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