Listen to the 'first-ever' song created by a quantum computer and artificial intelligence.

      A new era of music has begun, emerging not from a traditional recording studio but from the intriguing world of quantum physics.

      UK-based tech startup Moth has collaborated with British electronic artist ILĀ to release the track "Recurse," claiming it to be the world's first commercially available song generated using "quantum-powered generative AI."

      "Recurse" definitely has an otherworldly quality—reminiscent of the type of music that might accompany aliens as they traverse deep space, which aligns well with ILĀ's artistic style. You can listen to it here: https://cdn0.tnwcdn.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2025/05/ila_Recurse.mp3. The track is available on major streaming platforms, including Spotify, and can also be experienced through a 24/7 interactive stream that continually generates and evolves.

      Dr. Ilana Wisby, CEO of Moth, stated that the release of this track signifies a "defining moment" not just for the company, but for the "future of creativity itself." Wisby, who previously led one of Europe’s leading quantum computing startups, Oxford Quantum Circuits, emphasized that "Recurse" showcases how quantum AI can enhance and support artists rather than simply replace them.

      ILĀ contributed original sounds to train a generative AI tool integrated within Moth’s music software. While the AI made suggestions for elements such as bass, synth, and drums, ILĀ maintained complete control over instrumentation, effects, and arrangement. The music was further refined using quantum computers from German startup IQM.

      The song's development utilized the emerging realm of quantum machine learning, which exploits the distinctive features of quantum computers to enable AI to identify patterns and solve problems more rapidly than conventional computers. The track was produced on Moth's Archaeo platform, employing a form of quantum machine learning known as Quantum Reservoir Computing (QRC) that was able to detect intricate patterns in ILĀ’s music that standard AI might overlook.

      Unlike generative AI tools such as Suno or Udio that create music from scratch and draw from extensive music databases (often without consent), Archaeo learns from limited samples provided by a specific artist, assisting in the creation of a new song. ILĀ remarked, "It feels very refreshing to use a technology that has been built to work with you — not simply replace you. This approach produces something much more human-led, which feels more authentic in creative terms.”

      Moth’s technology was created in partnership with Brazilian composer Eduardo Reck Miranda, who is noted for his research into computational creativity and has authored a book on quantum music. He released an album last year called Qubism, composed of tracks made by quantum computers, and is a board member at Moth.

      Although Moth's technology is still in its early stages, the company aims to transform creative industries such as music, art, and gaming. Gamers, for instance, might utilize tools like Archaeo to produce customized content—music, art, or dialogue—based on their creative inputs, leading to a more personalized experience.

      “We’re not just building tech for tech’s sake; we’re creating tools that empower, inspire, and usher in a new era of media and creativity,” Wisby stated.

      The theme of the next big thing in technology will be significant at the TNW Conference, scheduled for June 19-20 in Amsterdam. Tickets for the event are currently available, and using the code TNWXMEDIA2025 at checkout will grant you a 30% discount.