Washed Out in hot waters over AI-generated music video

Washed Out responds to backlash over AI-generated music video.

Indie band Washed Out's recent music video, created with OpenAI's text-to-video tool Sora, has sparked controversy. 

The video, directed by Paul Trillo, is the first official collaboration between Sora and a musician.

Washed Out leader Ernest Greene faced criticism from some fans and fellow musicians, including Youth Lagoon's Trevor Powers. 

Greene defended his decision to use AI, stating in a Rolling Stone interview, "To me, this is just a brand-new tool to explore." 

He added that he believes the video director, Trillo, achieved a unique visual style.

Trillo also spoke to Rolling Stone, acknowledging concerns about transparency in AI model creation. He expressed his belief that AI is a powerful tool for artistic exploration and that new tools like Sora will continue to be adopted. 

Trillo noted that creating music videos has traditionally been a budget-conscious endeavor, and AI offers new creative possibilities.

I want to make note of the intense debate going on here in the comments. It’s clear that the video has served as a jumping off point to discuss a range of topics as far-reaching as aesthetics, authenticity, ownership, and many fears about how AI will effect our lives.

— Washed Out (@realwashedout) May 6, 2024

Greene further addressed the controversy in a tweet thread, acknowledging the debate about AI in art. He emphasized that while he is a proponent of AI's creative potential, he recognizes the concerns raised. 

Greene concluded by stating his hope that the video can contribute to a productive discussion about the responsible use of AI tools in creative fields.