Daughtry Sounds The Alarm And Tackles The Risks Of AI With New Single, “Artificial”

“Artificial” offers listeners a clear warning as lead singer Chris Daughtry raises awareness about the dangers of artificial intelligence (AI).

By

Melinda Lorge

Melinda Lorge is a Nashville-based freelance writer who specializes in covering country music. Along with Music Mayhem, her work has appeared in publications, including Rare Country, Rolling Stone Country, Nashville Lifestyles Magazine, Wide Open Country and more. After joining Rare Country in early 2016, Lorge was presented with the opportunity to lead coverage on late-night television programs, including “The Voice” and “American Idol,” which helped her to sharpen her writing skills even more. Lorge earned her degree at Middle Tennessee State University, following the completion of five internships within the country music industry. She has an undeniable love for music and entertainment. When she isn’t living and breathing country music, she can be found enjoying time outdoors with family and friends.

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Posted on August 11, 2023

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Daughtry; Photo Courtesy of Dove Shore

Daughtry has released a brand-new song entitled “Artificial.” The reality-check track, which arrived on Friday (Aug. 11), marks the Grammy-nominated band’s first new single following their recently-announced signing with Big Machine Records

An original song, “Artificial” offers listeners a clear warning as lead singer Chris Daughtry raises awareness about the dangers of artificial intelligence (AI). 

In this track, he notes the loss of “blood,” “veins,” “love” and “religion” with the growth of human-mimicking machines. Calling the transition into AI ‘digital warfare, the North Carolina native, 43, alerts listeners that a takeover of artificial intelligence will be lethal to mankind.

Welcome to your worst nightmare / Days are getting dark, you should be scared / It doesn’t have a heart / Plug into the new you, don’t resist / ‘Cause it’s no use, it’s no use / It’s digital warfare,” Daughtry sings, showcasing his edgy rock vocals that have brought him far since placing fourth on Season 5 of American Idol. “The death of who we are is right here / It’s never gonna stop / Plug into your new soul, ice cold / Mechanical, artificial.”

Listen To Daughtry’s New Song “Artificial” Below

The American Idol alum explained the track’s meaning in a press release.

“‘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,” Daughtry shared. “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,” he added. 

Daughtry "Artificial" Single Art
Daughtry “Artificial” Single Art

Recently Signed To Big Machine Label Group

Sonically, “Artificial” goes big into the rock sound offering fans an arena-ready banger as they listen to words that speak true to everyday life. “Artificial” ushers in a new era of music for Daughtry, who, earlier this month, announced a new partnership with Big Machine Records — the same label that launched Taylor Swift to stardom. 

“Chris Daughtry is one of the best voices in rock music, hands down,” Big Machine Label Group Chairman and CEO Scott Borchetta said in a statement. “He is attacking this season of life full-on with a renewed fire and intensity to everything he touches.”

“I am so thrilled to be working with Scott and the entire Big Machine crew on this next record and beyond,” frontman Daughtry added. “It’s very refreshing and exciting to have a team behind me that fully believes and supports my vision.”

Daughtry Signs Big Machine; Photo Courtesy of Sean Sorensen
Daughtry Signs Big Machine; Photo Courtesy of Sean Sorensen

Follows Collaboration With Halestorm’s Lzzy Hale

The track also follows the success of Daughtry’s cover duet on Journey’s “Separate Ways (World’s Apart)” with Lzzy Hale.

The tune debuted at No. 1 on iTunes’ All Genres chart and reached No. 6 on Mediabase’s Active Rock chart, and can be found below.  

In addition, Daughtry has set out on its Bare Bones Tour, which includes 26 new U.S. dates. The trek, which launched on Wednesday (Aug. 9) features opener Ayron Jones for select stops, and wraps on Wednesday, (Sept. 27) at  The Parker in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

Daughtry: Bare Bones Tour Dates

August

11 | Des Plaines, IL | Rivers Casino Des Plaines+ 

12 | Detroit, MI | MotorCity Casino+

15 | Warren, OH | Packard Music Hall+

16 | Pittsburgh, PA | Palace Theatre+

18  | Atlantic City, NJ | Sound Waves at Hard Rock Casino+

22 | Huntington, NY | The Paramount+

23 | Red Bank, NJ | Count Basie Center for the Arts+

25  | Bethlehem, PA | Wind Creek Event Center

26 | Mashantucket, CT | The Great Cedar Showroom at Foxwoods

28 | Rutland, VT | The Paramount Theatre+

30 | Lexington, KY | Lexington Opera House+

September

6 | Kalispell, MT |  Wachholz College Center+

7 | Spokane, WA | Bing Crosby Theater+

9 | Edmonds, WA | Edmonds Center for the Arts

10 | Jacksonville, OR | Britt Music & Arts Festival+

12 | Eugene, OR | Silva Concert Hall+

13 | Modesto, CA | Gallo Center for the Arts+

15 | Santa Rosa, CA | Luther Burbank Center for the Arts

17 | Ojai, CA | Libbey Bowl

20 | Temecula, CA | South Coast Winery+

21 | Tucson, AZ | Fox Tucson Theatre+

23 | Arlington, TX | Arlington Music Hall+

24 | Austin, TX | Paramount Theatre+

26 | Clearwater, FL | Capitol Theatre+

27 | Fort Lauderdale, FL | The Parker+

+ with Ayron Jones supporting

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Melinda Lorge is a Nashville-based freelance writer who specializes in covering country music. Along with Music Mayhem, her work has appeared in publications, including Rare Country, Rolling Stone Country, Nashville Lifestyles Magazine, Wide Open Country and more. After joining Rare Country in early 2016, Lorge was presented with the opportunity to lead coverage on late-night television programs, including “The Voice” and “American Idol,” which helped her to sharpen her writing skills even more. Lorge earned her degree at Middle Tennessee State University, following the completion of five internships within the country music industry. She has an undeniable love for music and entertainment. When she isn’t living and breathing country music, she can be found enjoying time outdoors with family and friends.

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