Nile Rodgers has pushed back against criticism from fans who expressed disappointment over his use of artificial intelligence in a new music video for The Christmas Song. The guitarist and producer shared details about the project on Thursday, explaining that the technology was used under his direct supervision to create a specific visual narrative.
Earlier in the week, Rodgers posted a preview of the video on social media, describing it as a “great art project” that was “next level.” He noted that the AI capture process was thorough and that he envisioned the project after seeing the Eagles perform at The Sphere in Las Vegas. He described the work as “future time” and expressed excitement about the final result.
Addressing Fan Backlash
The initial post drew immediate comments from users who questioned the use of generative AI in music. One commenter suggested there were better ways to preserve Rodgers’ legacy, while another argued that promoting AI in such a prominent way was not the right path for art and music.
Rodgers responded directly to the criticism. He told one user to wait until they saw the full video before making judgments, suggesting that critics were imagining the worst possible outcome. He shared photo stills from the project on Wednesday, captioning the post with a message about happiness and healing. He mentioned that his first bout with cancer was supported by a child who gave him courage, and he noted that many ill children rely on devices like iPads for entertainment.
He stated that he produced The Christmas Song to bring joy to children during the holiday season. He added that the video offered a fun twist on the storyline and expanded a “new creative family” for him. He promised to show more bits and pieces over the next few weeks as they rushed to finish the video by November 20.
Cost and Creative Control
Rodgers emphasized that the AI was merely a tool that executed his instructions. He told a commenter that his team created everything, including mood boards and storyboards, using the same process they would for a traditional film. He claimed the AI did exactly what they told it to do and that they painstakingly created every second of the video.
He highlighted the financial aspect of the production, stating that a traditional film with similar scope would have cost approximately $100,000. He argued that using AI allowed them to achieve their vision without that expense.
He also addressed the perceived hypocrisy of critics who oppose AI while using technology that makes their lives convenient. He referenced his past work with Microsoft and Apple, noting that he is aware of how new technologies are adopted by consumers. He told one user that he respects all opinions but believes in looking at AI from a positive perspective.
This is not the first time Rodgers has voiced support for AI in music. In 2024, he told Euronews that while using AI to copy another person’s voice is horrible, using it to artistically express oneself is fantastic. He likened AI to a color on a palette and compared the backlash to the initial resistance against drum machines, synthesizers, and auto-tune. He concluded that creativity comes from the artist, and tools that help become more creative are acceptable.
Source: Rolling Stone
