by Starset frontman Dustin Bates has responded to criticism from fans regarding the band’s use of AI technology in their music videos. He addressed the controversy in an interview with Rock Feed.
The musician’s comments came after some fans expressed offense at the band’s adoption of AI tools for generating music and visual content. When asked about his response to fans who are offended by AI usage, Bates offered a detailed explanation of his position.
“One layer of their offense is that they think it’s obvious that I would be anti-AI across the board, and that’s definitely not the case. I’m very pro-tech,” Bates said. “The entire point of this band, or one of the points, is to educate or just raise awareness of the duplicity of technology, and the pros and cons, and the effects, especially the effects.”
He further elaborated on how fan reactions themselves demonstrate his point about technology’s influence.
“While people are ranting and raving in a very emotional state, they are the effect. They are what I’ve been focusing on,” he continued. “They’re a product of it. That’s the biggest part of this entire thing. The way they’re acting is a product of technology, and a much more powerful, and much more dangerous one.”
Bates also addressed specific comparisons made by fans on social media platforms. He particularly focused on memes that likened their AI-generated content to simpler creations.
“I can understand if they don’t want to listen to an artist who wrote a song with AI. That’s their choice. But to think that I’m just typing in, like, ‘make cool video’… I got people send me stuff from Reddit. They were making a joke about how people were likening it to a shark with legs [meme] versus our video,” he said. “Our videos have a predetermined plot, a look, and characters, and who wants to draw every single frame? If that’s the line for some people, I’m sorry but that’s not my line.”
The frontman concluded by emphasizing the investment and collaboration involved in their AI-assisted creative process. He stated that the band “spent more money and hired more artists to help us with this media than ever before.”
This controversy reflects broader tensions within the music industry as artists increasingly experiment with artificial intelligence tools. Starset’s approach to AI integration represents a calculated artistic decision rather than a simple technological shortcut.
The band’s AI music video for the single “Degenerate” has garnered attention for its sophisticated approach to the technology. YouTube reviews noted that the video combines AI technology with clear storytelling elements. It presents a coherent plot and concept rather than random AI-generated visuals. This deliberate approach helps distinguish their work in the growing field of AI-generated music content.
Bates has revealed that concerns about AI technology have influenced the band’s broader creative decisions beyond just music videos. Loaded Radio reported that AI fears also affected their recent album release strategy. The band included cover songs on their latest record out of concern that widespread AI availability might soon enable anyone to easily replicate original music. This decision reflects the complex relationship many artists are developing with these emerging technologies.
The debate surrounding Starset’s AI usage comes as the band continues to explore themes of technology and its societal impact through their music. V13.net confirmed that their recent album “Silos” continues this thematic exploration. The album examines how technology shapes human behavior and social interactions. The fan backlash against their AI usage ironically validates the very concepts the band seeks to address through their artistic work.
The controversy highlights the ongoing evolution of creative industries as they grapple with AI integration. While some fans view AI assistance as compromising artistic integrity, Bates positions it as another tool in the creative process. He emphasizes the human oversight and artistic vision that guides its implementation.
