Billy Joel's New AI-Enhanced Music Video Stirs Nostalgia with a Modern Twist

In a blend of past and present, Billy Joel has embraced artificial intelligence in his music, creating a buzz in the industry. His return to the music scene with 'Turn the Lights Back On' marks his first solo in nearly two decades, celebrated with an acclaimed live debut at this year's Grammy Awards. The song itself has been welcomed with open arms, but it's the accompanying music video that's the real talk of the town.

Joel's latest video uses AI technology to digitally recreate his younger selves from various phases of his musical career. Deep Voodoo, an AI startup that has collaborated with big names like Kendrick Lamar and Dua Lipa, played a key role in producing the video. The nostalgic journey showcased in the music video debuted last Friday and features the singer across the ages.

From his starts in the '70s to the pinnacle of his '90s success, Joel's AI counterparts take us from a lonesome theater stage to snapshots of his past concerts. In a touching homage to his lifetime of work, the video culminates with real archival footage, paralleling authentic Billy Joel with his AI rendition.

A Glitch in the Matrix?

Before the artist's sanctioned use of AI, he found himself unwittingly at the center of an AI-related controversy. A song, presumed to be Joel's latest hit, was played by a Houston-based Fox station. It was later revealed to be an entirely AI-generated piece - both the music and the lyrics - developed in a mere hour. The incident occurred just days before his actual Grammy performance, leaving the authenticity of the 'new' track in question, and Joel has not yet responded to the confusion.

The recent advancements in AI have shown a promising, albeit complex, path for the entertainment industry. From Disney's FRAN, an AI capable of altering an actor's age on-screen to the AI-powered portrayal of a youthful Robert Downey Jr. in 'Captain America: Civil War,' the technology's potential is evident. But alongside its wonders, AI's growing role in creative spaces has ignited discussions about its impact on the livelihoods of artists.

BillyJoel, AI, Nostalgia