Nick Cave Reflects on AI After Watching Andrew Dominik’s ‘Tupelo’ Video

Nick Cave’s Evolving Views on Artificial Intelligence

Nick Cave has not always been a fan of artificial intelligence. In 2023, after a fan shared a song generated by ChatGPT in the "style of Nick Cave," the musician responded sharply, stating, “The apocalypse is well on its way.”

However, Cave’s perspective began to shift when filmmaker Andrew Dominik used AI to create a music video for his song “Tupelo” celebrating the track’s 40th anniversary. Reflecting on this experience, Cave mentioned on his “Red Hand Files” that watching Dominik’s surreal film softened his initial views on AI as an artistic tool. “It’s a tool, like any other,” Cave quoted Dominik.

The Essence of "Tupelo"

Released in 1985 as the second single by Cave and the Bad Seeds, “Tupelo” has remained a hallmark of his live performances. The song draws inspiration from John Lee Hooker’s track of the same name, weaving a fictional narrative about Elvis Presley’s birth in Tupelo, Mississippi, against the backdrop of a catastrophic flood.

Dominik, acclaimed for directing films like The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford and Blonde, delves deeply into Elvis’s mythology in the music video. Utilizing AI, he animated a series of historical still photographs of Elvis, bringing them to life in a unique way.

A Surprising Collaboration

Cave revealed that he was unaware of Dominik’s project until the final cut presented itself. Initially skeptical due to his past concerns regarding AI, Cave had expected a different outcome.

Despite his reservations, Dominik encouraged Cave to “suspend [his] fucking prejudices and take a look.” After watching the “Tupelo” video multiple times with his wife, Susie, Cave found himself pleasantly surprised by its depth.

Reflection on AI and Creativity

Cave described the video as a profound reinterpretation of the song, calling it “soulful, moving, and entirely original.” He highlighted the uncanny quality of the AI-animated images of Elvis, likening it to raising a figure from the dead. The imagery of crucifixion and resurrection also left a lasting impact on him and Susie.

In concluding his thoughts, Cave emphasized the importance of adaptability in one’s beliefs. He noted that changing one’s mind reflects strength, as it shows a willingness to pursue the truth even when it challenges one’s comfort. “Rigidity breaks; flexibility endures,” he asserted.

What are your thoughts on the use of AI in creative fields?