Cult UK band Slave Labour has taken a significant leap into the future of music production with the release of their latest track, "On A Train," featuring an AI-generated vocalist named Mollie Maid. The single, set to drop on 2nd May 2025, marks an innovative shift for the band, which has spent over three decades cultivating a unique sound without achieving mainstream commercial success.
Hailing from Uckfield, East Sussex, Slave Labour's foray into artificial intelligence follows two years of meticulous development, during which they aimed to recreate the voice of a former demo vocalist from the early 1990s, who chose a path in travel and tourism over a music career. The original vocalist supported the revival of her voice through AI, allowing the band to bring her timbre back to life after a thirty-year hiatus. "We’ve always believed her voice was the missing piece to our breakout success,” band member Syd stated. He elaborated, “So naturally, the logical step was to use cutting-edge artificial intelligence to resurrect it decades later. What could possibly go wrong?”
The production of "On A Train" features collaborations with AI programmer Jezz Wright from True Blockhouse, positioning Slave Labour at the forefront of AI-driven music. This development is particularly noteworthy as the band has transitioned through various genres, including electronic indie, trip-hop, punk, and electro-punk, yet has maintained a commitment to pop sensibilities.
Recognising the evolving landscape of music consumption, the band aims to captivate a younger audience increasingly surrounded by AI-generated creativity. Band member Luke acknowledged their historical struggle with self-promotion, adding, "But this time, we’re expecting nothing less than the first AI-fronted band to reach number one—possibly in Estonia."
As they release "On A Train," the members of Slave Labour—Syd, Gos, Luke, and Thommo—are also hard at work on their next album, which remains untitled but is optimistically expected to be completed before the next millennium. The single will be available on major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Amazon, and Apple Music, ensuring accessibility for their fans and new listeners alike.
The band continues to navigate the intricacies of the modern music scene while integrating technological advancements into their artistic vision, signalling a bold new chapter in their enduring journey.
Source: Noah Wire Services