lost angeles // synthwave music video

Update 2-Oct-2024: Get lost in the new synthwave 3-track EP "lost angeles" including the new west end mix ~ out today on all streaming sites 👉 https://song.link/lostangeles 🎧

Original post: Hello again retro music fans, it's your lucky week!

New music video: https://youtu.be/VBUlIl84dBY

I created everything you see and hear in this video from scratch in 48 hours. Just a week ago, achieving something like this would have required a huge budget. I understand that AI raises concerns, and I appreciate you keeping an open mind. This project, using some brand new exciting “good AI” tools, shows how independent artists can now access resources that were once reserved for deep pocketed big studios. AI has its pros and cons—it’s disrupting jobs while also opening up new opportunities. But with tools like Suno AI Cover Songs and Runway Video-to-Video (not sponsored), I believe we’re witnessing a shift in creative expression for the better. We shall see.

If I had millions to shoot on-location scenes in Tokyo or build dystopian underwater sets, I would have. But that’s always been out of reach. This video doesn’t take jobs away—it simply wouldn’t have existed. Now we just have one more little piece of art in the world, and I hope that’s a good thing.

As someone who’s been waiting for this kind of creative freedom on a "normal person" budget, these tools, while not perfect, allowed me to turn my vision into reality. I wrote this song two weeks ago on my childhood family grand piano and completed the production and video in just over two days of very hard work. It was inspired by both L.A. and Hollywood, but also by how AI might change an industry that needs it.

Check out the credits under the video for the AIs used to make the clips – intertwined with footage from the 1984 movie Trancers whose "Lost Angeles" location also inspired me. Yes, I love retro 80s stuff, from synthwave to cult classic movies. But I personally believe the ultimate happiness comes not from solely living in the past, or solely focussing on the present, but by bridging the two.

I hope this adds something meaningful to the conversation—and maybe even brings a non-AI generated smile to your day 🤖 Thank you for your ongoing support!

Your PowerUp! Patreon Perk: Download the song + instrumental (please do not share)

Streaming links will follow soon once the song goes live 🎉💿

Your friend in retro, Perifractic aka CJ Simpson