The world of music is constantly evolving, and Chicago, with its rich musical history, has always been a melting pot for innovation and creativity. Now, the world has a new unique star: AI-generated artist Ravyn Lyte. Her debut single, “11111 (Just Be the One),” has already begun to turn heads in both the music and tech worlds.
Born in Ibiza, Spain—an island synonymous with legendary DJ sets and electronic music—Ravyn Lyte was brought to life through the vision of Marcus “Bellringer” Bell. Bell, a musical prodigy who has produced for global superstars like Nicki Minaj, Beyoncé, and Gala, among others, made headlines with this audacious fusion of artificial intelligence and human creativity.
It all began in 2023 when Marcus, known for his experimental approach to music production, lost his voice during a particularly demanding recording session. Rather than let this obstacle halt his progress, the technophile turned to AI, using the cutting-edge technology to clone his voice. What started as a stopgap solution evolved into a transformative moment that sparked Marcus’ imagination. Realizing the potential for AI to revolutionize the creative process, he birthed Ravyn Lyte—a boundary-breaking artist aimed at exploring the future of music and societal change.
Marcus Bell’s journey to creating Ravyn Lyte started long before the AI era. His story is one of prodigious talent and relentless exploration. Playing the piano at age two, writing his first songs at age eight, and founding his own record label by 12, Bell was always ahead of his time. His classical training at Berklee College of Music, where he studied composition and orchestration, laid the groundwork for his versatile career. From jazz and classical to hip-hop and electronic music, Bell has never limited himself to a single genre, embodying the kind of innovation that has made Chicago a global music hub for decades.
In the late 90s and early 2000s, Bell composed for big bands and orchestras while keeping his finger on the pulse of emerging genres. He even experimented with a Hip-Hop Country album long before Lil Nas X and “Old Town Road” gained significant attention in the music industry.
His work has often been described as “ahead of its time,” with many of his compositions being synced into commercials and TV shows years after they were first recorded. This constant push for forward-thinking sounds made him the perfect candidate to explore the synergy between AI and music creation.
Photo Courtesy: Bellringer Productions
While AI has been used in various forms within the music industry—ranging from recommendation algorithms to creating instrumental tracks—Ravyn Lyte represents something deeper. She was created with a mission that extends beyond the music charts. In a world increasingly filled with music that feeds off emotions like anger, hate, and sadness, Ravyn Lyte offers an alternative: a message of peace, love, and healing.
In collaboration with neuroscientists, Bell ensured that Ravyn’s music incorporates specific frequencies and rhythms designed to soothe the human brain. Her songs, including “11111 (Just Be the One),” are crafted to create a calming effect on listeners, offering a sonic refuge in a world overwhelmed by stress and anxiety. This purposeful design sets her apart from other AI-generated artists or automated music platforms.
As Marcus Bell noted in a recent interview, “Music has always had the power to heal, but we’re now at a point where we can scientifically embed that healing into the music itself. That’s what Ravyn Lyte stands for.”
“11111 (Just Be the One)” is the perfect introduction to Ravyn Lyte’s sound and ethos. Written and produced by Sean Myer, who has worked with chart-toppers like Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato, and Ava Max, and Marcus “Bellringer” Bell, the song offers a blend of futuristic drum and bass rhythms with emotionally charged lyrics. Dance and electronic music pioneer Nick Halkes, who played a key role in shaping the careers of artists like The Prodigy and DJ Fresh, also contributed his expertise to A&R the track.
At its core, “11111 (Just Be the One)” is about human connection. The song delves into the complexity of emotions, love, and the longing for a meaningful relationship. The repeated refrain of “just be the one” echoes a universal desire—a theme as old as music itself but delivered in a distinctly modern way. The AI-generated voice, ethereal and otherworldly, adds an emotional depth that surprises many first-time listeners.
Chicago has long been a city that values the arts, often supporting programs that teach music and creativity to underserved communities. Ravyn Lyte is no exception to this ethos of giving back. A portion of the proceeds from her music will go to support nonprofits like the White Hall Arts Academy, a Los Angeles-based organization focused on providing music education to youth from underprivileged backgrounds.
Ravyn Lyte is more than just an experiment in AI; she is a symbol of where music could be headed.
Published by: Nelly Chavez
