The band "Zdob și Zdub," from the Republic of Moldova, has released a new music video created with the help of artificial intelligence (AI) for the song "Muma Pădurii" (Mother of the Forest), which is part of the album "Bestiarium." The video represents a first in Moldova, according to News.ro, citing band members and the video producer, Igor Levinski. 

Zdob si Zdub are a household name in Moldova and Romania, performing since 1994. In 2022 their song "Trenuletul" (The little train) came in 7th at Eurovision.

"With the 'Muma Pădurii' video, we conclude the series of storytelling videos from our album 'Bestiarium,' which was released in November 2019: 'Lupul Solitar' (The Lone Wolf), 'Omul Liliac' (The Bat Man), 'Colinda Leului' (The Lion's Carol), 'Ursul' (The Bear), 'Sânziene' (Midsummer Fairies), 'Mioriţa' (VRAJA remix). Amidst our tours, our video producer Igor 'Egor' Levinski called us and proposed trying to film a music video using the new technologies of artificial intelligence. We were about to organize a new photoshoot with Katea Liberkat and decided to combine these two creative processes!" said Roman Iagupov, the band's lead singer.

"Thinking about the right song for this idea, we chose the fabulous 'Muma Pădurii,' which is performed at our concerts. Taking with us a mask, some furs, a tambourine, and the staff of a Greek shepherd, we improvised during the photoshoot. The second part of the video was filmed in the forest, and the photographer Katea was invited to play the role of the forest fairy," he added.

The band says that Muma Pădurii ("Mother of the Forest" or "Forest Mother") is depicted as an old and wise woman who resides in the depths of the forest. She is often described as the protector and guardian of the forest and all the creatures that inhabit it. According to the legends, Muma Pădurii has a deep connection with nature and possesses magical powers.

The experimental music video was filmed and edited by producer Igor Levinski, who has collaborated with Zdob și Zdub for 20 years. 

"In the last two months, I have delved into studying the capabilities of AI and have discovered several tools available for creating video imagery. That's how the idea of making the first experimental video, based on these technologies, for my old musician friends, came about. While this trend is rapidly gaining popularity worldwide, we have already gained good experience for further development if the world does not get tired of this type of art in the near future," said Levinski.

radu@romania-insider.com

(Photo source: YouTube video screenshot)