Duran Duran have unveiled the AI-powered music video for their latest single, Danse Macabre.
With creative director Linc Gasking at the helm, the clip showcases cutting-edge, AI-driven techniques, some of which were only launched as recently as last weekend.
The culmination is a 3D animated visual that, in previous times, would have demanded an entire team, over a year and a substantial budget to produce.
Speaking about the video, keyboardist Nick Rhodes reveals: “I like the idea that if you can imagine something you can make it come to life, well at least in animated form…
“With the Danse Macabre video we did exactly that. We began by deciding who would be on the ultimate Halloween party guest list, then a selection of witches, mythical beasts, vampires and demons were rapidly developed, using the latest AI animation techniques.
“I was truly astonished when I first started to see the results. It was something that would have previously taken a team months in an animation studio, but it was all happening almost instantly in front of our eyes.
“Over a period of a few days we created a whole new universe populated with beautifully strange inhabitants to celebrate the release of Danse Macabre, with a gothic dream.”
Gasking adds: “We are at the beginning of a new medium of storytelling, with a camera directly into the imagination.”
Watch the Danse Macabre music video below.
The latest album from the Rock And Roll Hall Of Famers features 13 songs – a blend of originals, reimagined rarities and new originals – and sees the return of former members Andy Taylor and Warren Cuccurullo.
Produced by Josh Blair and Mr. Hudson, the LP also has guest appearances from Nile Rodgers and Victoria De Angelis of Måneskin, with Nick saying the LP “celebrates the joy and madness of Halloween”.
“We had decided to seize the moment to create a unique, special event … the temptation of using glorious gothic visuals set to a dark soundtrack of horror and humour was simply irresistible.”
Of the album, which includes covers of songs by artists such as Billie Eilish, Talking Heads, The Rolling Stones and The Specials, Simon Le Bon adds, “It’s about a crazy Halloween party. It’s supposed to be fun!”
In fitting with the theme, the album is packaged featuring images adapted from a collection of authentic vintage séance photos that Nick sourced at auction.
‘Danse Macabre’ – featuring the lead single and title song, out now – is due October 27 on BMG and available to pre-order now.
Tracklist: Duran Duran – Danse Macabre
1. Nightboat
2. Black Moonlight
3. Love Voudou
4. Bury A Friend
5. Supernature
6. Danse Macabre
7. Secret Oktober 31st
8. Ghost Town
9. Paint It Black
10. Super Lonely Freak
11. Spellbound
12. Psycho Killer (feat. Victoria De Angelis)
13. Confession in the Afterlife
