Jamaican Cover of "You're Dead" – Suno AI Tribute to WWDITS

Creating a Jamaican-inspired Cover of “You’re Dead” with Suno AI – A Tribute to What We Do in the Shadows

 

Fans of What We Do in the Shadows know that the opening song, "You're Dead," captures the quirky and darkly humorous spirit of the show. Originally performed by Norma Tanega, the song’s haunting melody and lyrics were a perfect fit, making it iconic among fans. As a longtime admirer of the series and the original 2014 film, I decided to create my own cover version, blending Jamaican tones and dialect with Suno AI’s capabilities to give it a unique twist.

In this article, I’ll walk through the inspiration, the technical challenges of working with copyrighted material, and why cover songs like this can be a powerful tool for creators looking to connect with audiences.

The Significance of "You're Dead" in What We Do in the Shadows

"You’re Dead" by Norma Tanega was selected for What We Do in the Shadows because of its offbeat, spooky vibe that aligns perfectly with the show’s blend of comedy and horror. Tanega's music and lyrics have an unconventional charm that suits the show's characters—vampires who often find themselves hilariously out of sync with modern society. The show creators wanted something memorable and instantly recognizable, and “You’re Dead” proved to be that track, encapsulating the tone of the series while nodding to its macabre humor.

Challenges with Suno AI and Copyright Restrictions

When creating covers, it’s important to stay within copyright laws and the terms of service on AI platforms like Suno. Typically, Suno AI restricts the use of copyrighted lyrics to ensure compliance. While Suno does have guidelines that allow users to make covers for personal use as long as they’re not publicly shared on Suno’s platform, I encountered issues when trying to input Tanega’s lyrics directly. Suno’s system flagged them as restricted, blocking the generation.

How I Overcame Copyright Restrictions Using Creative Modifications

To work around the restrictions, I adjusted the lyrics to fit my own Jamaican-inspired style, adding a personal twist that aligns with my brand. By rephrasing certain lines and incorporating Jamaican dialect, I retained the essence of the song while ensuring it wasn’t an exact match to the original. The result was a cover that felt authentic, respectful to the original work, and still very much within my creative style.

This experience also highlighted a broader lesson in music production: when covering a song, making subtle modifications can open up new creative avenues, giving the track a fresh feel while honoring the original work. The final tracks—though not identical to Tanega's version—maintain the haunting yet playful tone that fans recognize and love.

Why Use Cover Songs?

Cover songs are a great way to expand reach, especially if the original has a strong emotional connection with a large audience. My wife and I are huge fans of the show and its characters, particularly Laszlo, whose dramatic presence and spot-on comedic timing make every scene unforgettable. Covering “You’re Dead” felt like a way to celebrate these beloved characters and share my appreciation for the show with others.

Additionally, covers offer an accessible way for creators to resonate with fans of the original song or show, establishing common ground. If listeners appreciate my take on "You’re Dead," they’re likely to check out my other work, making covers an effective strategy for building an audience.

The Timing (or Mistiming) of My Project

Ideally, this project would have been perfect for Halloween, aligning with the season's themes and giving fans a new version of a classic song to enjoy. While I missed the Halloween window, I’m planning to use these early releases to build momentum for next year. By putting content out now, I can let algorithms start working on my behalf, setting the stage for a bigger release closer to the Halloween season.

Listen to My What We Do in the Shadows Covers and Connect on Suno AI!

After experimenting with Suno AI and working around the copyright restrictions, I’ve completed a 12-song playlist of What We Do in the Shadows inspired covers! You can check out the full collection on my SoundCloud here: Cover Playlist for What We Do in the Shadows.

If you enjoy these tracks, connect with me on Suno AI: Suno AI Profile. Suno AI has recently introduced some great improvements, including the ability to follow back, so let’s stay connected and explore more creative AI music together!

You can also download the full 12 song set now! 

Closing Thoughts

Creating a cover of “You’re Dead” with Suno AI was a journey that combined technical problem-solving with creative expression. The experience underscored the value of covers in reaching new listeners and showed how Suno AI can be leveraged—when approached thoughtfully—to create unique musical tributes.

For those interested in learning more about creating cover songs with AI, I've written a detailed guide that explores the process in depth. You can read it here: How to Create Custom Cover Songs with AI and ChatGPT on Suno. This guide provides additional insights into the unique requirements and benefits of producing covers, ensuring you stay compliant with copyright guidelines while expanding your creative reach.

As I share these tracks and prepare for a more extensive Halloween project next year, I hope other creators are inspired to experiment with covers, even if it means tweaking the approach to navigate copyright limitations. The end result can be both a personal achievement and a celebration of the shows and songs that inspire us.