Taichung civil servant becomes rock singer, AI-created MV wins Cannes award

Lin Qian, a civil servant at the Taichung City Cultural Affairs Bureau, transforms into the lead singer of the indie band "the Peppermints" after work. Their song "LOSER" has been selected as the best music video at the Cannes International Film Week, leading to global streaming.

Lin Qian explained that the music video uses AI technology to tell the story of discarded inflatable dolls singing, a theme that has resonated with audiences worldwide. This latest achievement follows "the Peppermints" winning four silver awards at the Global Music Awards last year for their album "NOT TO BE."

The "LOSER" music video, just over five minutes long, was praised by Cannes judges for creating a complete world. They noted its small scale but immense emotional power, particularly the "choir of losers" made of discarded inflatables and broken toys singing in desolate streets.

Directed by Mali Chen, who is based in Los Angeles, the video blends AI-generated imagery, visual effects, and real-life street scenes from Los Angeles. It portrays forgotten objects embarking on an absurd, melancholic, yet hopeful journey on the city's fringes. Lin Qian expressed gratitude for the global audience's response.