Boy George Explains Why He Reimagined “Karma Chameleon” with AI for His 65th Birthday
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The song serves as the debut release for Artist Included, a newly established company focused on empowering musicians through music and technology.
To celebrate his 65th birthday, Boy George has revisited one of Culture Club’s most recognizable songs with the help of artificial intelligence.
The British singer-songwriter and DJ, whose real name is George O’Dowd, explained that he has always been open to experimenting with new ideas and technologies. Recently, he has incorporated AI into his creative process, particularly when writing music. Reflecting on earlier recording methods, he noted that artists once relied heavily on studio effects such as echo, reverb, and other production techniques to refine their performances, since modern technology was not yet available.
When presented with the opportunity to create an updated version of the 1983 hit “Karma Chameleon,” George embraced the project. The new recording combines fresh vocals from the singer with AI technology designed to recreate the youthful sound of his original performance as accurately as possible.
George explained that the experience required him to sing with the same style and subtle vocal expression he used when he first recorded the song in his early twenties. Since performing the track countless times over the years, he feels the song has naturally evolved and taken on a different character, becoming more influenced by blues. Revisiting the original approach allowed him to reconnect with the track in a fun and nostalgic way.
For the project, George reunited with the song’s original producer, Steve Levine, and drew inspiration from archival demo recordings. Although the lyrics remain unchanged, the new version offers a refreshed interpretation of the classic hit.
According to George, “Karma Chameleon” remains deeply connected to both his artistic identity and legacy. He said that having greater creative control over the song and the ability to revisit it through new technology has renewed his enthusiasm for the track and given him a sense of excitement he never expected to experience again.
The re-recorded release also serves as the launch of Artist Included, a new music technology company that prioritizes artists’ rights, ownership, and ethical AI-powered re-recordings. The venture was founded by entrepreneur Paul Kemsley and entertainment lawyer and producer Jeremy Rosen.
Kemsley emphasized that the company’s mission is to benefit creators rather than diminish their role in the industry. He explained that the goal is to use AI responsibly to help artists regain value from their work. By enabling musicians to produce new recordings that closely match their original releases, the company hopes to create viable alternatives for film studios, advertisers, and other licensing clients while ensuring that artists retain greater control and financial benefit from their music. According to Kemsley, this approach has the potential to shift influence within the music business back toward creators.