American Idol’s Chris Daughtry debuts epic, dystopian video for new single ‘Artificial’
Rock outfit Daughtry fights for the heart and soul lost to an AI-run world in the epic visual for their new single, “Artificial,” out today on all platforms. The song is released under Daughtry’s independent label Dogtree Records under exclusive licence to Big Machine Label Group, the band’s new label.
Releasing their first original material in over two years, the band ushers in a new era as frontman Chris Daughtry faces down a cyborg clone against a backdrop of crumbling cities and raining fire. The cinematic music video spins a cautionary tale about the dangers of a planet overrun by artificial intelligence, a dystopian narrative that feels even more timely as artist unions fight for fair pay and protections from AI interference.
“I am so incredibly proud of this video”
“‘Artificial’ is about the potential nightmare that AI could become and the idea that everything and everyone could eventually be replaced, essentially to perfection, and rendered obsolete,” the American Idol season 5 alum explains. “However, the heart and soul of humanity and the ability to feel love, sadness, and compassion can never be replaced. While there are plenty of applications where AI can improve our lives and assist in many areas of creativity, I feel it’s imperative that we find a way to protect our musicians, actors, writers, and all creative outlets from being destroyed.”
“I am so incredibly proud of this video,” Chris continues. “Everyone worked so hard to see this vision come to life, and it is easily my favorite thing I’ve done in my career.”
The release follows the launch of Daughtry’s Bare Bones Tour, a rare acoustic run with 26 new US dates running throughout the fall. Alongside rocker Ayron Jones.
Daughtry went independent after many years with RCA/19R
Chris Daughtry formed his eponymous band shortly after the end of his American Idol season in 2006. He signed a deal with RCA Records/19Records, under which he released five studio album, the last being Cage to Rattle in 2018.
After the band and RCA parted ways, they went on to release Dearly Beloved in 2021 on their independent Dogtree Record label. In interviews, Chris shared that the band began trying too hard for radio hits. The band lost their way musically. But once they took reins, Daughtry got back to producing rock music without the frills. Apparently, Big Machine shares Daughtry’s vision of authenticity and staying true to their roots.
