Imagine capturing the soul of a Grammy-winning hit and putting it right at your fingertips. That’s exactly what’s happening as John Legend brings the legendary piano sounds from his breakout single, Ordinary People, to Splice—and it’s a game-changer for music creators. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is this democratization of iconic sounds a boon for artists, or does it risk diluting the uniqueness of legendary tracks? Let’s dive in.
Splice, the go-to music production platform for countless creators, announced on Thursday that Legend’s iconic piano sound will be available as a plugin. This move comes just two weeks after the launch of Splice Instrument, the company’s virtual instrument platform, and six months after its high-profile acquisition of Spitfire Audio for a reported $50 million. Talk about a power play in the music tech world!
Here’s the magic behind the scenes: Splice and Spitfire Audio collaborated with Legend to meticulously recreate the sound of his Yamaha C7 baby grand piano from Ordinary People. They used the same microphones and signal chain from the 2004 recording, ensuring every note carries the raw, emotional essence that made the song unforgettable. And this is the part most people miss: It’s not just about the sound—it’s about preserving the artistry and nostalgia that comes with it.
In a statement, Legend reflected on the timeless appeal of acoustic instruments: ‘Sometimes people just want that natural, raw sound of an acoustic instrument, and pianos, they’re undefeated. These songs I’ve recorded with the piano have become an iconic part of my identity as an artist. I hope when a producer loads this piano sound, they’ll feel connected to the music that inspired it, and that it inspires them to create their own story.’
At launch, Splice Instrument already featured presets like Philip Glass’s baby grand piano and Abe Laboriel Jr.’s drums (yes, Paul McCartney’s drummer!), but Legend’s addition is a major milestone. His sound is not just high-profile—it’s deeply personal and instantly recognizable. Splice promises more iconic instrument downloads in the coming months, along with new AI capabilities set to roll out in the new year. Bold prediction: This could redefine how we think about music creation and collaboration.
Splice CEO Kakul Srivastava summed it up perfectly: ‘Being able to combine John’s artistry, the quality and precision of Spitfire Audio’s recording technology, and Splice’s innovation has been powerful. This is a new frontier in music creation and a model for how creators of all expertise can collaborate with the artists who inspire them, and it’s only just the beginning.’
For Legend, this partnership arrives at a meaningful moment: the 20th anniversary of his debut album, Get Lifted. As he tours North America celebrating this milestone, his piano sound is now accessible to a new generation of creators. Spitfire Audio co-founder Paul Thomson highlighted the timelessness of Legend’s sound: ‘John’s piano sound has a timeless quality, rich in soul, vibe, and emotion. Being able to offer a signature sound like this was always an important part of the plan for Instrument. Producers will find inspiration in being able to play the sound that has defined so many iconic songs, and shape their own stories with the same character and depth.’
Now, here’s the question for you: Does making iconic sounds like Legend’s piano widely available enhance creativity, or does it risk turning art into a commodity? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation!
