UK-based startup Moth and electronic artist ILĀ have collaborated to produce RECURSE, the world’s first commercially released music track created using quantum-powered generative AI. The track was developed using Moth’s Archaeo platform, which integrates quantum machine learning—specifically Quantum Reservoir Computing (QRC)—with artist-provided inputs to generate musical elements like bass, synth, and drums. Final sequences were processed on IQM Quantum Computers hardware, showcasing a hybrid workflow combining classical and quantum methods.
Unlike standard AI models that rely on scraping large datasets, Archaeo works with small, curated datasets provided directly by the artist, offering improved creative control and preserving originality and authorship. ILĀ trained a custom generative model via a plugin for Ableton, using Archaeo to produce MIDI sequences and retaining full control over the final arrangement and production. This model was then enhanced through real quantum hardware integration, resulting in a dynamic and non-replicable musical output.
The RECURSE project represents a milestone for real-world, consumer-facing quantum creative tools and aims to demonstrate how quantum computing can serve artists rather than replace them. Moth is positioning itself as a pioneer of Q2C (quantum-to-customer) technology, with future ambitions to extend Archaeo into fields like gaming, art, and immersive media.
Read the full announcement here and explore Moth’s platform here. The track is now streaming on all major platforms.
May 6, 2025
