"Flexibility prevails over stiffness": The evolution of Nick Cave's perspective on artificial intelligence, guided by an AI replica of Elvis Presley
Nick Cave Softens Stance on AI in Art Following Collaboration with Andrew Dominik
Nick Cave, the renowned musician and author, has softened his stance on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in music and art, following a collaboration with filmmaker Andrew Dominik.
Initially, Cave was critical of AI's use in music, describing it as a "grotesque mockery of what it is to be human." However, his perspective shifted after witnessing Dominik's innovative use of AI to animate archival photos of Elvis Presley in the video for Cave's song 'Tupelo.'
The video, created to commemorate the song's 40th anniversary, left Cave "blown away" and admitting that his view of AI as an artistic tool had softened. He praised the video as "soulful, moving, and entirely original," acknowledging that AI can be "a tool, like any other."
Cave's change of heart is reminiscent of John Maynard Keynes' quote, "When the facts change, I change my mind - what do you do, sir?" Cave believes that the ability to change one's mind is a sign of strength, not weakness, and that remaining flexible and humble enough to adjust views as new evidence emerges is a form of resilience, not a sign of weakness.
The video, a retelling of 'Tupelo' and a touching tribute to Elvis Presley, showcases the uncanny quality of Dominik's images of Presley. Cave and his wife were reportedly captivated by the surreal little film created by Dominik.
It's worth noting that Cave and Dominik have previously worked together on the film 'The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford.'
In 2023, Cave expressed his view that artists who use AI are participating in the erosion of the world's soul and the spirit of humanity. However, this topic was not addressed in his comments about the 'Tupelo' video.
Cave has shared his thoughts on the video in his Red Hand Files newsletter, providing insights into his evolving perspective on AI's role in art. This collaboration between Cave and Dominik serves as a testament to the power of art and technology in challenging and transforming our perspectives.
[1] Nick Cave's Red Hand Files Newsletter [2] The Guardian - Nick Cave on AI and the future of music [3] The Verge - Nick Cave changes his mind on AI after seeing Andrew Dominik's video [4] Pitchfork - Nick Cave's changing views on AI in music and art
[1] "Nick Cave, once skeptical about the use of Artificial Intelligence in music and art, has now embraced it as a potential artistic tool, following his collaboration with Andrew Dominik."
[2] "In his Red Hand Files Newsletter, Cave delves deeper into his evolving thoughts about the role of AI in the realm of entertainment, specifically in music and art."
