The Rolling Stones, the legendary rock band, have recently unveiled a music video for their new single, "In the Stars", which features a surprising twist. The video showcases the band members, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ronnie Wood, in a vibrant 1970s setting, thanks to the innovative use of de-aging technology by South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone's AI company, Deep Voodoo. This collaboration has sparked curiosity and excitement among fans and critics alike.
The music video, directed by François Rousselet, presents the band performing in a warehouse filled with dancing fans and other musicians. The highlight of the video is the use of deepfakes, which seamlessly de-age the band members to their late 1970s appearance. The attention to detail is remarkable, with body doubles and AI data wrangling contributing to the near-perfect replica of the band's younger selves. This technique has been employed by Deep Voodoo before, notably in Kendrick Lamar's "The Heart Part 5" video, where the rapper's face was morphed into various iconic figures.
Odessa A'zion, who stars in the video, expressed her dream of being part of a Rolling Stones music video, especially after being obsessed with the band's album, "Tattoo You". The de-aging process, while impressive, raises questions about the ethical implications of such technology. The video's credits acknowledge the use of body doubles and AI artists, indicating a complex process behind the scenes.
Deep Voodoo's goal, as stated by executive Jennifer Howell, is to create visually stunning content without disrupting the viewer's immersion. The company's work on the Rolling Stones video showcases their ability to blend reality and fantasy seamlessly. This project is part of the band's ongoing promotion for their 25th album, "Foreign Tongues", which is set to release on July 10th.
The use of AI in the music industry is an intriguing development, offering new possibilities for creative expression. However, it also invites discussions about authenticity and the potential for misuse. As Deep Voodoo continues to push the boundaries of technology in entertainment, the industry will undoubtedly be curious to see what other innovative projects they undertake in the future.
