The Weeknd Used AI Video and Image Generators to Create His New Concert Teaser

AI-generated concert teaser revolutionizes music promotion: The Weeknd, also known as Abel Tesfaye, has unveiled an innovative AI-generated teaser trailer for his upcoming concert in São Paulo, Brazil, showcasing the growing adoption of generative AI tools in mainstream artistic projects.

Cutting-edge AI tools employed: The trailer was created using a combination of advanced generative AI technologies, demonstrating the potential of these tools in creative media.

• Midjourney was used to generate still images for the video.
• Runway’s Gen-3 and Luma’s Dream Machine provided animation capabilities.
• Google’s Veo AI video generator, an invitation-only tool, was also utilized in the production process.

Visual aesthetic and content: The teaser trailer embodies The Weeknd’s signature style, featuring a range of captivating and surreal imagery.

• The video includes monstrous faces, masks, fire, lightning, and shadowy figures with burning heads.
• Other elements such as a sinking car, neon gross grave, robed occultists, and The Weeknd’s own visage make appearances.
• The overall aesthetic can be described as neon gothic and dark disco, aligning with the artist’s established visual identity.

Collaborative effort: The production of the AI-generated trailer involved collaboration between various creative professionals and tech companies.

• Spanish visual artist Yza Voku directed the video.
• The Weeknd shared the trailer across his social media platforms, building anticipation for the upcoming livestream.
• Matthieu Lorrain, Creative Lead at Google DeepMind, confirmed the company’s involvement in the project.

Growing trend in the music industry: The Weeknd’s AI-generated trailer is part of a larger movement of mainstream artists embracing generative AI technologies.

• Other notable examples include AI-made music videos for Washed Out and Ye (formerly Kanye West).
• Madonna’s concert visuals and a music film for Jared Leto’s band 30 Seconds to Mars have also incorporated AI tools.

Controversy and adoption: While some visual artists are fighting against generative AI companies in court, citing copyright concerns, many popular musicians are actively incorporating these technologies into their work.

• The use of AI in creative projects has sparked debates about copyright, training data, and fair compensation for artists.
• Despite the controversy, mainstream acts continue to explore the potential of generative AI in their productions.

Implications for the future of music and visual arts: The Weeknd’s AI-generated trailer signals a potential shift in how artists approach music promotion and visual storytelling.

• The use of AI tools may lead to more innovative and visually striking promotional content in the music industry.
• This trend could potentially influence the way concerts and music videos are conceptualized and produced in the future.
• The continued adoption of AI technologies by major artists may help normalize their use in creative fields, despite ongoing legal and ethical debates.