Boy George Re-records Karma Chameleon with AI for 65th Birthday, Launches Artist-Owned Master Initiative
On his 65th birthday, Boy George turned back the clock on one of pop’s most iconic anthems. On 15 June 2026, he released a fresh version of Culture Club’s 1983 hit “Karma Chameleon,” the first output of Artist Included, a new venture founded by entrepreneur Paul “PK” Kemsley, entertainment lawyer Jeremy Rosen, and chaired by Planet Hollywood founder Robert Earl. The track showcases artificial intelligence that re‑creates the original master while placing full ownership of the new recording in the artist’s hands.
The original single, written by Boy George and issued in September 1983, dominated the UK Singles Chart for six straight weeks and spent three weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100. It remains Culture Club’s only U.S. number‑one and has racked up more than 900 million streams on Spotify. The lyrics, inspired by George’s relationship with drummer Jon Moss and his quest for authenticity, became a cultural touchstone for the era.
For the re‑recording, George returned to the studio to lay down new vocal takes. Producer Steve Levine—who engineered the 1983 master—contributed the original recordings and demos to the project. Syntiant’s AI platform processed the artist‑approved material, matching the emotional texture of the classic version while allowing George to retain creative control. According to sources close to the work, George initially doubted AI’s ability to capture the song’s magic, but he now sees the technology as a tool that could become “one of the most powerful creative tools the music industry has ever seen.” He likened a drum machine to a form of AI and compared the update to an iPhone.
Artist Included’s mission is to tackle a long‑standing industry problem: many musicians lack ownership of the masters that generate licensing revenue. By creating new, artist‑owned masters with full consent and transparency, the company seeks to shift power back to musicians. Kemsley emphasized that the approach uses AI responsibly to empower artists rather than replace them.
The release coincides with Boy George’s 65th birthday, marking a milestone in his career. He has said that re‑recording the song stirred unexpected emotions and that the new track “belongs to me.” The launch also underscores the growing role of AI in music production and the potential for ethical, artist‑centric applications.
The new “Karma Chameleon” is now available on all major digital platforms and on colored vinyl through Culture Club’s official channels. Artist Included has announced plans to continue releasing further artist‑owned masters using the same AI‑assisted workflow, providing a concrete example of how legacy catalog owners can re‑engage with their material while maintaining creative control.
Industry observers view the initiative as a possible model for other artists seeking to reclaim ownership of their recordings. The use of Syntiant’s technology, combined with experienced producers and legal experts, gives the venture a solid technical and legal foundation.
In sum, Boy George’s AI‑enhanced version of “Karma Chameleon” launches Artist Included, a company aimed at restoring artist control over new masters. The release, timed to his 65th birthday, demonstrates a new approach to legacy recordings that blends traditional production with modern AI tools.
