Dungeon Synth, Dark Ambient, Experimental,
31/12/2024
2024 was an interesting year. Difficult at times, but it also brought what might be the best moment I've ever experienced with Rusty Pilgrim: *Knights Don’t Cry: A Dungeon Synth Tribute to The Cure*. Projects from all over the world came together to create something truly special. From the feedback I've received, it was unexpected, which makes me very happy. I want to thank everyone who participated.
On the other hand, AI exploded this year, and it became a time to take a clear stance on the matter. 'Human Made' is Rusty Pilgrim's banner, and anyone is welcome to make it their own. There are ongoing debates about whether it’s okay to use AI partially or not. AI is going to be a part of our lives from now on—denying that is foolish. But let me repeat what I’ve said many times before: if you use AI for your art, at least have the decency to disclose it. Otherwise, you're no different from a photographer presenting their photos in a gallery of realist painters.
Even then, there’s nothing ethically questionable about a camera. With generative AI, there is. The use of the 'Human Made' logo shouldn't have to exist. I feel forced to use it because those who use AI try to hide it. They want you to think they created it themselves. This is the final evolution of fake.
I am committed to investing in the scarcest resource we’ll have from now on: what’s real. Fantasy, yes. Escapism, absolutely. But real, because that fantasy comes from our imperfections, our dreams, and whatever it is that drives us to keep searching for something. We have nothing to do with the deranged world a handful of sick technocrats are trying to create.
Thank you to everyone who supports Rusty Pilgrim. I believe that in 2025, we’ll see all the absurdities we witnessed in 2024 taken even further. There should be an equally strong reaction pushing in the opposite direction.
Louis
