7. James and the Copper Wire

AI music is supposed to be what ends musicians’ careers. For James Hinton, aka The Range, it might be what saves his. For a decade, he made his music out of strangers’ voices on YouTube, until he couldn’t anymore. On paper, this is an episode about the past, present and future of sampling. But really, it’s about loss (and friendship). Write us: [email protected] In this episode: The Range, Potential (Domino, 2016), including “Copper Wire” and Mercury (Domino, 2022), including “Ricercar” Zak's original YouTube Video -- sampled in "Copper Wire" "Left on Red" - James' first AI-sampled track  Informal Proofs - James' NYC-based discussion group for artists, engineers, and researchers Producer Om'Mas Keith  Light Box is reported, written, edited, and produced by Mark Henry Phillips at Windhill Studios. Our producer is Drew Thurlow and our assistant editor is Ryan Seaton. Light Box is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX.