The Rolling Stones reveal AI-powered ‘In The Stars’ video before Foreign Tongues debut
The Rolling Stones recently unveiled a new music video for their song ‘In The Stars’, which employs deepfake AI technology to recreate younger versions of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ronnie Wood. This visual treat is in anticipation of the release of their upcoming album, Foreign Tongues.
Directed by François Rousselet, the video features actress Odessa A’zion alongside digitally rejuvenated versions of The Rolling Stones band members. The visual effects in the video aim to transport the band back to their 1970s glory days, especially during the Tattoo You era. A’zion expressed her enthusiasm for the opportunity, stating that her love for the band goes way back to her childhood, making this experience a dream come true.
The ‘In The Stars’ video cleverly integrates live action footage with synthetic visual effects, showcasing several close-up interactions between A’zion and the digitally recreated Jagger. Production credits for the video highlight the involvement of body doubles, deepfake artists, and an “AI data wrangler,” underscoring the intricate process behind the creation of the visual effects.
The adoption of AI technology in the entertainment industry has sparked various discussions, with some artists and audiences viewing it as a creative enhancement to visual effects in music videos and films. However, concerns regarding authenticity and consent arise when digitally recreating performers, especially in cases involving younger versions of living or deceased artists.
The Stones’ venture into the realm of AI-generated visuals coincides with the growing accessibility and sophistication of AI tools across various media platforms. The band’s choice to utilize this technology in their video sets them apart, as the AI effect becomes a central element of the artistic concept itself, rather than a mere supporting feature.
Foreign Tongues, the Stones’ forthcoming album, is shaping up to be a continuation of the vitality displayed in Hackney Diamonds, their previous record of original material after an 18-year hiatus. Produced by Andrew Watt and featuring an array of collaborations, the album includes recordings with the late Charlie Watts, the band’s drummer who passed away in 2021.
With a tracklist comprising songs like ‘Rough And Twisted’, ‘Jealous Lover’, ‘You Know I’m No Good’ (an Amy Winehouse cover), and ‘Beautiful Delilah’ (a Chuck Berry classic), Foreign Tongues is slated to hit the shelves on July 10 via Capitol Records and Polydor Records. The album promises to deliver a blend of classic Stones vibes with a contemporary twist.
As the music industry continues to explore the possibilities of AI technology, the Rolling Stones’ ‘In The Stars’ video stands out as a testament to their innovative approach towards blending tradition with cutting-edge techniques. This evolution reaffirms the band’s enduring ability to captivate audiences old and new, underscoring their status as legends in the realm of rock music.