Rettward von Doernberg

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Rettward von Doernberg, rvd@thecaravel.net, https://rettward.com

Rettward von Doernberg Releases AI-Generated Single “gone”: A Raw, Heart-Wrenching Elegy for Loss

Exploring grief and imperfection through human-AI collaboration

Berlin, January 17, 2025 – Composer and producer Rettward von Doernberg unveils his latest single, “gone”, a hauntingly minimalist piece for string orchestra that delves into the universal experience of losing a loved one. Created through an unorthodox collaboration with artificial intelligence (AI), the track embraces raw textures and lo-fi aesthetics to channel profound emotion in ways traditional composition rarely dares.

The journey to “gone” began with frustration: von Doernberg initially tasked the AI with expanding a one-minute string orchestra sketch into a full piece. “The AI failed spectacularly,” he admits. “It couldn’t grasp the complexity I envisioned. But when I loosened the reins, something unexpected happened. The AI dissected my ideas, repurposed fragments, and stitched them into something simpler—almost rudimentary. And that’s when I got curious.”

The early AI draft, though far from his original vision, struck a chord. “It felt fragile, like a faded photograph,” von Doernberg recalls. “I kept sending it back for revisions, but the more ‘polished’ versions lost that haunting quality. So I chose the rawest take—crackling harmonics, uneven phrasing, even the imperfections. That’s where the truth lives.”

Imperfection as Expression

The final version of “gone” retains its lo-fi character, blending expressive string swells with fragile, heart-wrenching melodies that evoke both sorrow and catharsis. “Loss isn’t tidy. It’s messy, intimate, and unnervingly quiet,” von Doernberg explains. “The AI’s ‘flaws’ captured that. It’s not a replacement for human composition—it’s a mirror, reflecting emotions we struggle to articulate.”

A Composer’s Trust in AI

While many musicians fear AI’s role in art, von Doernberg champions it as a collaborator. “AI isn’t here to steal jobs—it’s here to spark ideas we’d never consider alone,” he says. “My training as a composer [Musicians Institute, UCLA] lets me filter its chaos. Tools don’t threaten artistry; they redefine it.”

Weekly Drops: Creativity Unfiltered

“Every Friday, I drop something new on Bandcamp — orchestral, electronic, whatever the week demands,” von Doernberg shares. “It’s my playground. With AI, I’m rediscovering the joy of surprise. ‘gone’ isn’t just a song—it’s a conversation between my past and the machine’s ‘instincts.’”

About Rettward von Doernberg

The Berlin-based artist has spent over 20 years merging classical training with cutting-edge experimentation. After studying at the Musicians Institute and UCLA, he refined his craft through firsthand observation of film scoring legends like James Newton Howard (The Dark Knight), Alan Silvestri (Avengers) and Hans Zimmer (Gladiator). “Great art thrives on risk,” he says. “AI is my wildcard—a partner that never sleeps.”

“gone” is now available on Bandcamp.

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