Nile Rodgers hits back at critics of his use of AI in new music video: “You’re being hypocritical”

Nile Rodgers has hit back at the criticism he’s received for the use of AI in a new music video, calling it “hypocritical”.

• READ MORE: What does the music industry want from the future of AI – and how can the UK lead the way?

The legendary musician, producer and Chic co-founder faced backlash earlier this week when he shared a clip of himself working on some upcoming visuals. He said he was “creating an AI me” for the project, which he hailed as being “next level”.

“This is the start of the process,” he captioned the behind-the-scenes video. “This AI capture was very thorough and I’m so excited about the finished project.”

Rodgers went on to cite The Eagles’ residency at Las Vegas’ Sphere as inspiration, writing: “I envisioned stories with incredible environments and music. It’s future time!”

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However, many of his followers on Instagram took issue with him embracing artificial intelligence. “My disappointment is immeasurable and my day is ruined,” one wrote. Another said: “There’s better way to preserve your legacy.” Someone else commented: “What is happening with old artists using AI?!”

Rodgers defended the move, responding to a fan who claimed that “AI slop is like some kind of magic for old ppl”. He argued: “Do you have a problem with CGI? I can’t believe you’d go on record without even seeing what I’m doing.

“Oh well… sending love anyway. Let me know after you see the work if you feel the same way your brain is taking you❤️.”

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Later, Rodgers revealed that the video was for his 2020 charity track ‘The Christmas Song’ with Rebecca Ferguson. He shared numerous stills, with some featuring presumably AI versions of the two artists.

The glitzy-looking visuals show the pair sharing a stage with a giant fuzzy creature, while another preview includes a smaller group of cuddly animals in the audience. Rodgers uploaded a festive green and gold title card, too.

In the comments section, someone criticised the star for using AI to promote “something charitable”. He stood by the process once again, replying: “We created everything. Mood boards, storyboards and did it the same way we’d do a film.”

Rodgers continued: “The AI did what we told it to do and we painstakingly created every second you’ll see on the screen. My director is a TV director. We did it setup by setup. If this were a traditional film, it would’ve cost about $100,000.”

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He went on: “By the way, you’re using AI daily. You just hit me on Instagram. You’re being hypocritical. It’s OK for you to use AI in your way, but you have problem with my way. Do you use Google, or get driving directions? Look at your own daily actions and check how much you use AI. Love, Nile.”

In the caption to the post, Rodgers told fans that the finished video would be released on November 20. Explaining the meaning behind the project, he said: “When I had my 1st bout of cancer, it was a child who coached me and gave me courage to fight.

“I know a lot of children who are bedridden and ill. Their main form of entertainment is the iPad or other such devices. I produced ‘The Christmas Song’ to give them a little joy during the holiday season.

“We gave the video a fun twist on the storyline… and in the process expanded a new creative family for me. Over the next few weeks, while we finish this video, I’ll show bits and pieces while we rush to get it ready by November 20. Peace, love, and good health for the holidays.”

As Consequence notes, Rodgers expressed his support for artificial intelligence in 2023. He said the argument of generative AI being “fake… sounds like noise to me”. He added: “The drum machine and sequencer have been wonderful tools. There are bands that could never have had a record if it wasn’t for a sequencer.”

Meanwhile, industry leaders and politicians met to lay out what’s needed for music to survive a future alongside AI at Manchester’s Beyond The Music recently. A study this summer found that artificial intelligence was detected in almost 40 per cent of all music released in July alone.

In other news, Grimes is set to make her film debut in the new AI-generated sci-fi film Gods Don’t Give Gifts.