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Nile Rodgers Defends His Use of AI in New Music Video: “You’re Being Hypocritical”
Nile Rodgers has defended his use of AI in a forthcoming music video after fans criticised its images, calling detractors hypocritical for using AI in their own daily lives. The dispute matters because it highlights differing views on whether generative AI is simply another creative tool or changes the role of human work in art.
The video accompanies a new version of “The Christmas Song”, Rodgers’ 2020 charity collaboration with Rebecca Ferguson, and is due on 20 November. Rodgers said the team created mood boards and storyboards and directed the AI, adding that a traditionally made film would have cost about $100,000; critics pointed to the video’s fuzzy creatures and awkward-looking title card. Rodgers has previously compared AI with tools such as drum machines and sequencers.
In short
- Rodgers defends AI use in his upcoming music video.
- He says a traditional production would cost about $100,000.
- The video is due on 20 November.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Generative AI can be a legitimate creative tool when artists guide its use, just as they use cameras, synthesizers and editing software. Rodgers says his team developed the concept and directed the system, while AI made a video possible at far lower cost; critics’ everyday use of AI may also make categorical rejection seem inconsistent.
The case against
A tool’s usefulness or widespread adoption does not settle whether its use is appropriate in a particular artwork. Critics may see generated imagery as displacing skilled human work and producing less considered results, and argue that a lower budget does not by itself justify those trade-offs. They can also object to the video’s execution without rejecting every use of AI.
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