South Korean entertainment giant HYBE is moving further into the virtual world, with an announcement for a new AI-powered pop group called SYNDI8. The four-member group was created using voice cloning technology developed by Supertone, an AI audio start-up HYBE acquired for $32 million last year.
SYNDI8, stylized as “Syndi-eight”, consists of four members – Canary, Nest, Goyo and Raven. They hail from the virtual world of “Nansy Land” and were brought to life using Supertone’s groundbreaking NANSY model. As president Kyogu Lee explained in an exclusive, NANSY allows for unprecedented control over vocal elements like timbre, pitch, and loudness.
The acquisition of Supertone aligned with HYBE chairman Bang Si-hyuk’s vision of AI shaping the future of music. In a 2023 Billboard interview, he questioned whether humans alone could satisfy evolving tastes. SYNDI8 serves as proof of Supertone’s tech in the content sphere, cultivating new vocal IPs.
Fans got a sneak peek last May via MIDNATT, HYBE’s first AI artist. The virtual persona of singer Lee Hyun blended vocals on “Masquerade” using Supertone Shift.
Now SYNDI8 is stepping into the spotlight with their debut mini-album “MVP”. The title track “ATOTA” introduces their signature futuristic synth-pop sound. Standout “My Fantasy” showcases the members’ distinct vocal colors, while closing number “True Color” brings a modern R&B flair.
As HYBE further explores virtual possibilities, SYNDI8 offers a glimpse at how close AI may come to mimicking authentic human performance. Their arrival signifies Supertone’s tech has leveled up even since impressing with MIDNATT last year.
