Empyre share video for new single ‘Waking Light’ featuring AI generated artwork

10th March 2023 0 By Jon Deaux

After the unveiling, ‘Relentless’, ‘Parasites’ and the Classic Rock ‘Tracks of The Week’ runaway winner was ‘Hit & Run’, Empyre continue their trajectory into the stratosphere with a brand new single ‘Waking Light’.

Known for their DIY ethics, Empyre has long been creating their own artwork and videos but when it came to their new single ‘Waking Light’, Empyre has gone one step further as they decided to create both the video and single cover entirely from scratch. Well not quite entirely…

A highly debated topic in the world at large there are arguments for and against the use of AI, particularly in the field of the arts. Whereas some believe that AI threatens creativity with programmable sequencing already reaching the ability to craft entire songs and map out artwork, Empyre instead wanted to show that we should embrace this advancement of technology. The video aims to open the conversation as to where we stand with the use of AI.

The band comment “Why go through the pain of dealing with a slow and expensive human artist when I can get mind-blowing, free results in 30 seconds from an algorithm? That being said, there are some things that machines simply can’t do but if the option is there, then why shouldn’t we take it?!”

Specifically with ‘Waking Light’ the band wanted to see just how both artists and technology can coexist to create something truly unique. The artwork for the video was created using AI technologies such as Midjourney and Open AI’s Dall-E to make over 1000 individual AI-generated images manipulated by the band into several infinite zoom sequences. A perfect combination of man and machine working together.

You can also see lead singer Henrik elaborate a little more on the process of how they put another, also AI generated cover for ‘Parasites’, whilst giving more context around the new single.

The conversation has begun, but where do you stand?

EMPYRE LIVE IN THE UK

Empyre are quickly growing in stature on the UK live scene, their first two events of 2023 are SOLD OUT including a headline show in their hometown of Northampton. With more headline shows to be announced for the first half of this year they are looking to make a big impact before reaching the summer festivals.

Shows announced:

March 11th – Album Listening Party, Northampton Filmhouse (SOLD OUT)

March 11th – The Black Prince, Northampton (SOLD OUT)

April 22nd – KK’s Steel Mill, Wolverhampton (The Album Party)

April 30th – Station 18 Festival, Swansea

May 20th – Kettering Arts Centre (Acoustic)

June 2nd – LoveRocks Festival, Bournemouth

July 30th – Steelhouse Festival, Wales

September 3rd – Nene Valley Rock Festival, Nene Park, Peterborough

September 30th – The Patriot, Crumlin, Wales

Tickets are available from: https://www.empyre.co.uk/

Relentless will be released on 31^st March via Kscope on the following formats, with additional bundles and items available exclusively through the Eyesore Merch band store – all are available to pre-order here – https://empyre.lnk.to/Relentless

Limited edition digipack CD version with an alternative cover, featuring 4 bonus tracks
Limited edition red coloured vinyl LP
CD
LP
Digitally

All pre-orders via the Eyesore Merch band store will receive a hand-signed photo and an exclusive free download of Empyre’s unreleased cover of the David Guetta & Sia track Titanium.

What the press have said about Empyre:

“Empyre are formidable giant killers” – Classic Rock

“Empyre have become masters at taking the formula for British atmospheric rock and infusing it with their arena-ready signature sound” – Guitar World

“Slick, vast and like the music was written with the help of an architectural blueprint for an arena” – Kerrang

Empyre are:

Henrik Steenholdt: Vocals and guitar

Did Coles: Lead guitar

Grant Hockley: Bass

Elliot Bale: Drums

Follow Empyre:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EMPYRE/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/EmpyreRock

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empyrerock/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZX8Cp9zqFuRyRCdybGwKfg

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5QeMbHunpR4zPKLDEL4i7O