Generative AI Takes Center Stage in Guns N’ Roses Music Video
The latest music video from iconic hard rock band Guns N’ Roses, titled “The General,” incorporates generative AI technology to create a unique visual experience. The band collaborated with Creative Works London, a studio known for its animations and music videos, to bring their vision to life.
The Journey to Generative AI
The video was originally planned as a fully animated project using Unreal Engine. However, about six weeks into production, the band’s manager introduced the idea of using generative AI after discovering Peter Gabriel’s DiffuseTogether competition. Creative Works London creative director Dan Potter had already been experimenting with the Stable Diffusion generative AI platform and was excited about the opportunity.
Creating a Hybrid Workflow
Creative Works London developed a hybrid workflow for the video, combining concept sketches and Unreal Engine footage with Stable Diffusion’s generative AI. Potter trained a hypernetwork on Stable Diffusion using the studio’s previous work for Guns N’ Roses to capture the band’s visual style. This approach allowed him to enhance his artistic process and produce captivating visuals.
The Uncanny Imagery of Generative AI
Generative AI played a crucial role in creating the dreamlike and uncanny imagery throughout the video. The AI “dreams” each frame separately, resulting in flickering and morphing background elements. Teddy bears transform into chairs, windows become doors and hallways, and surreal creatures emerge and dissolve into the background.
A Complementary Tool for Artists
Potter emphasized that generative AI is not meant to replace artists but rather enhance their work. The imagery generated by Stable Diffusion is based on the studio’s artists’ work, and hand-crafted touches are incorporated into the video. Potter sees AI as a creative tool that amplifies and augments the artist’s process, allowing them to explore new possibilities.
Integrating AI into Live Performances
Creative Works London is exploring ways to integrate AI into Guns N’ Roses’ live performances. They are considering combining AI with iMAG, a large-scale video projection system used in concerts, to create interactive and augmented reality elements during shows. This would provide a unique and immersive experience for the audience.
The Future of Artists and AI
Potter believes that AI will not replace artists but rather act as a guide, amplifying their creativity. He reassured viewers that a significant team of artists was involved in creating the video and that no artist was harmed. The future lies in artists embracing AI as a tool that expands their artistic horizons.
Hot Take: Guns N’ Roses Explores the Boundaries of Creativity with Generative AI
Guns N’ Roses’ latest music video showcases their willingness to experiment with new technologies and push the boundaries of creativity. By incorporating generative AI, they have created a visually stunning and immersive experience for their audience. This collaboration between the band and Creative Works London demonstrates how artists can embrace technology as a complementary tool to enhance their artistic vision. The future holds exciting possibilities for integrating AI into live performances, providing audiences with even more captivating and interactive experiences.
By
By