Today, I’m thrilled to pull back the curtain on a truly intriguing project, one that bridges eras, embraces innovation, and offers a fresh perspective on a beloved classic. Prepare yourselves for a sonic journey with Raidio Tony and his captivating single, “I That I,” taken from his recent album, “R2024A.” This isn’t just a song; it’s a statement, a bold reimagining that challenges our perceptions of music creation and the enduring power of a well-crafted melody.

First, let’s address the elephant in the room, or rather, the whisper on the wind. For those who have been scratching their heads, piecing together the subtle clues, the mystery surrounding “I That I” can now be unveiled. This track is a surprising, yet utterly brilliant, reinterpretation of the 80s rock anthem, “Amanda,” by the legendary rock group Boston. And the cryptic “three little words” that Raidio Tony’s AI singer couldn’t quite articulate? They are, of course, the timeless sentiment: “I love you.”

Now, you might be thinking, “Another remake? What could possibly be new here?” And that’s precisely where Raidio Tony flips the script entirely. While the lyrical foundation of “Amanda” remains largely intact, almost every other element of the original has been dramatically transformed. This isn’t a cover; it’s a complete deconstruction and reconstruction, a testament to the boundless possibilities that emerge when human creativity intertwines with cutting-edge technology.

The very essence of “Amanda” – its familiar melody, its evocative mood, its characteristic instrumentation – has been completely overhauled. Raidio Tony and his “machines” have engineered a fresh sonic landscape, one that is both familiar in its lyrical narrative yet startlingly new in its delivery. This audacious approach is a hallmark of Raidio Tony’s artistic philosophy, a philosophy rooted in his fascinating personal and professional journey.

Meet Tony Cupolo, the mastermind behind Raidio Tony. With a distinguished 35-year career as an electrical engineer, specializing in electronic product design, manufacturing, and engineering management, Tony’s professional life has been dedicated to innovation. Born in West Virginia and having spent his formative years in Florida, his roots are firmly planted in American soil. His academic journey led him to Georgia Tech, where he resided in Atlanta for decades before recently embracing the serene, ski-friendly landscape of Salt Lake City with his wife, now empty nesters.

Tony’s musical origin story is a charming blend of parental encouragement and personal discovery. Early classical piano lessons, though not initially embraced, laid a crucial musical foundation. A stint with the trumpet in elementary school followed, but it was the self-initiated embrace of the guitar in middle school, amidst Florida’s vibrant classic rock scene, that truly ignited his passion. Jamming with friends in high school transformed music from a chore into a joy, a passion he carried through college, playing in a fraternity band and later engaging in local gigs.

The turning point, the pivotal moment that pulled Tony back into the musical fold after a hiatus dedicated to career and family, arrived in the summer of 2023. An old high school friend’s persistent encouragement rekindled the flame, leading to the astonishing release of his debut record, “R2024A,” at the age of 57. A testament to serendipity and the power of camaraderie, this unexpected chapter in Tony’s life has been nothing short of remarkable.

Raidio Tony describes his musical style as primarily “new music in the 80’s rock and 90’s pop” styles, a clear nod to the eras that shaped his own musical sensibilities. However, as an indie artist, he allows himself the freedom to infuse his creations with unexpected “spice,” incorporating genres like reggae and even the jazzy inflections of Vince Guaraldi. This eclecticism speaks to a curious and adventurous spirit, unafraid to explore and blend diverse sonic palettes.

His personality, he reveals, is deeply woven into the fabric of his music. As the primary lyricist, he finds himself drawn to the use of irony, adding a subtle layer of complexity to his narratives. The genres he works within are the very genres he enjoys as a listener, and even the meticulous sound and tone of each track reflect his personal preferences. In essence, Raidio Tony’s music is an authentic reflection of his choices, which in turn are a direct product of his unique personality.

His creative process is equally intriguing. Lyrical inspiration often springs from everyday conversations with his wife, a candid observation or a turn of phrase sparking a song idea. His “selection rule” is simple yet profound: “if I can’t speak it, then I’ll sing it.” Instrumentals, on the other hand, are often born from brief, captivating segments of existing songs – a 20 to 30-second snippet that sparks a “what if” scenario, prompting him to explore how an entire song might unfurl from that singular fragment. He acknowledges the shared nature of musical “puzzle pieces” – chord progressions, bass lines, even melodies – recognizing that true originality lies in the unique arrangement and interpretation of these fundamental elements.

Now, let’s delve deeper into “I That I” itself and its lyrical foundation. The beauty of Raidio Tony’s interpretation lies in how the subtle alteration of those three pivotal words, coupled with the radical musical transformation, changes the listener’s engagement. The original “I love you” is direct, unambiguous, and emotionally raw. The “I that I” becomes a more introspective, perhaps even slightly hesitant, expression. It invites the listener to ponder the nature of communication, the nuances of feeling, and the very act of articulation. This subtle lyrical substitution, paradoxically adds a layer of depth and intellectual curiosity to the song. It becomes a meta-commentary on the act of expressing emotion itself, particularly when mediated by technology.

The song’s inherent message of unwavering devotion, when filtered through Raidio Tony’s unique musical lens and the intriguing “I that I” substitution, becomes a multi-faceted exploration of commitment – to a person, to a passion, and perhaps even to the evolving possibilities of artistic creation.

Raidio Tony’s latest release, “R2024B,” is an upcoming EP featuring approximately six songs, with multiple takes on most tracks, promising an even richer auditory experience. This new project is fueled by his fascination with AI in music production, the very force that pulled him back into the creative arena. He aims to release new music every six months, not just as an artist, but as a chronicler of AI’s rapid technological evolution. He notes the marked improvement in sound quality and compositional richness in the tracks for “R2024B” compared to its predecessor, “R2024A,” underscoring his commitment to showcasing the transformative power of this technology. His message is clear: AI is not to be feared; it is a tool that will enrich our lives, including our musical experiences.

Of course, the journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Mastering, a crucial yet intricate aspect of music production, proved to be a learning curve. Fortunately, the wisdom of an old-school friend, steeped in decades of traditional music-making, provided invaluable guidance, elevating the quality of his tracks before release. This highlights a crucial point: while AI is a powerful tool, it doesn’t yet “do it all” at the click of a button; human expertise and collaboration remain vital.

Raidio Tony is an unapologetic advocate for AI-generated music. He understands the skepticism and even animosity it faces, but he stands ready to champion its cause. He believes firmly that a balanced perspective is essential, and people deserve to hear both sides of the story before forming their opinions. His personal journey, from a multi-instrumentalist who had retired from music to an enthusiastic explorer of AI’s musical potential, makes him a compelling voice in this ongoing dialogue. He went down the “rabbit hole” of AI out of personal interest and emerged enriched, now eager to share his newfound enthusiasm and illuminate the transformative possibilities for the wider music community.

“I That I” by Raidio Tony is a testament to artistic evolution, a celebration of technological innovation, and a deeply personal statement from an artist who refuses to be confined by convention. It’s a track that invites us to listen not just with our ears, but with our minds, prompting us to consider the ever-expanding frontiers of musical expression. Dive into “I That I” and experience a classic reborn, a narrative reimagined, and a future of music unfold before your very ears.

OFFICIAL LINKS: SOUNDCLOUD – BANDCAMP – SPOTIFY

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