The new Tokio Hotel

I don't like the new Tokio Hotel...and before you start throwing pitchforks and think to yourselves "oh my gosh fake fan!!" hear me out. I'm not talking about the fact they are different, both visually and musically, from their 2000's era, but rather the fact that it feels as though they just don't care about their music anymore. And why am I saying this? Read to find out! ;)

I know that in my first blog about Tokio Hotel, where I talk about my pet peeves from the fandom, I talk about people who criticise their newer music. And I still find that rude! Ever since they released their "Humanoid" album, it was clear that they were going to try a different style, and people back then weren't happy. Although, from a bigger picture, their music from 2005-2009 was still within the pop-rock genre, and after their five year hiatus, they veered towards a more electric, pop and EDM sound. That said, their music is "divided" sonically from the 2000's to the early 2010's-present day.

That, coupled with the fact that the band (especially Bill) didn't dress the same as they did back when they were teenagers, and hence the iconic Tokio Hotel lineup look was no more, people soon started to dislike that. But honestly, I don't mind! First off, they're not teenagers anymore. They changed, and so did their style. And second, all artists are allowed to experiment with their work! Sure, some bands still keep their emo/punk/pop-punk aesthetic from back then, like My Chemical Romance or Fall Out Boy, but that's their own choice, whilst Tokio Hotel decided to go for a more electronic, dance sound, and it's their own choice too!

I personally don't mind much because I listen to everything that sounds good, no matter the genre, language, etc. However, I prefer their older music and don't listen to their post-hiatus songs as much - only a few from "Kings of Suburbia" and one each from "Dream Machine" and "2001" - yet, as I said before, despite preferring their older songs, I don't hate on these newer albums and the songs sound good nonetheless!

Now, let's get on to why I wrote that scandalous first sentence on this blog: I don't like the new Tokio Hotel, and it's because for a few reasons:

First, their use of AI.

Tokio Hotel has released a song and music video called "Changes". I personally dislike the lyrics and overall song because it sounds bland and underwhelming to me. Whether they used AI for the lyrics, I don't know, but they have used it for their music video. From what I've seen, they partnered with Google Gemini, and they also did this "challenge" where they asked fans to generate single covers for the song, plus a party where they showed the winner cover or all of the entries, I'm not sure. Either way, I was really disappointed to see this. I hate the use of generative AI, and I think that artist have no business whatsoever using it. Sure, it's a partnership with Google Gemini, and we don't know if they could've declined to work with them, but it's the fact that later on, in a @tbtokiohotel post, Tom said that "You either move with the times or the times move on without you" when addressing the "Changes" music video, and he also added that they "just wanted to experiment".

There's nothing wrong with wanting to experiment. That isn't the problem, but rather the fact that using AI is seen as "moving on with the times". I'm saying this because AI is taking over an overwhelming amount of media, whether it be music, art, advertisements, and so on. I don't think this is something that should be seen as exciting and as a new opportunity for careers like this - instead, AI is fully replacing them.

Referring back to the Google Gemini single cover "challenge" thing, I think it's is very unfair on the fans that enjoy drawing. Sure, seeing as Tokio Hotel partnered with Gemini, they could've just used the AI for the music video, but at least they should've given fans the opportunity to showcase their work. Additionally, if I was in the band, I would be so weirded out at seeing my face being generated by AI on the single cover, because AI doesn't properly generate faces - it's really uncanny!

Other fans speculate that Tokio Hotel have also used AI for their "Fata Morgana", "Hands Up", "How to Love" and "Changes" single covers, plus their lyrics are thought to have been generated by AI as well. I am not sure if this is true, so I don't want to jump to conclusions, though I have seen a promo tiktok for "Fata Morgana" with Bill's face looking suspiciously made with AI.

Lastly, Tokio Hotel's recent merch looks bland and, you guessed it, made with AI - in specific, the "Western T-shirt" with Bill Kaulitz on it. That looks straight out of ChatGPT, and the fact that it costs $76.00 is ridiculous.

Either way, I was disappointed to see Tokio Hotel use AI. We unfortunately live in a world where creativity and originality are becoming shadowed by the use of AI, and to see a band that I like a lot actively partnering up with Google Gemini and possibly using AI outside of their partnership is pretty disheartening. Yes, I know that Tokio Hotel isn't what it used to be, but that does not mean they have to give in to the usage of AI. Whether they actually used AI before or after the Google Gemini partnership, I don't know, but if they continue using AI for their merch, lyrics, promo videos and single/album covers, I'd rather they disband instead of continuing with the slop. Wouldn't you rather remember them by their emotionally charged lyrics, eye-catching merch and creative album covers? Wouldn't you rather remember them by their innovative sounds and aesthetic? Wouldn't you rather remember them as a band that defied norms and did their own thing? I know I would.

Second, Bill Kaulitz being problematic.

This is slightly off-topic since this blog is about Tokio Hotel, but I want to talk about this too; when I say I like Bill Kaulitz, I mean before he became a self-absorbed, rude and problematic man who sleeps with taken/much younger men. Sure, it's the taken men's fault too because they're actively choosing to cheat on their partners, but it's also Bill's responsibility to not engage in any type of interaction with these guys. And what baffles me is seeing these delusional fans defend Bill by saying "but he's just happier now🥺🥺" and somehow praising him.

Bill has gone through a lot of stress, hate and overall emotional turmoil during his teenage years, so, yes, it's good that he can express himself however he wants...though that does not excuse his rude and nasty behaviour at all. You're telling me, that out of everyone Bill can date, he goes for taken or younger guys? Really? Is this him being happy, or is this him being a prick? Imagine the partners of the men Bill sleeps with, going through a lot of emotional pain and stress because their male partner was unfaithful with Bill. Or picture this, Bill, a 36 year old man, dating young men. This is messed up. Then Bill ends up getting heartbroken because he doesn't find a loving partner...shocker, huh? Date a cheater and they will cheat on you eventually. *cough cough* Marc Eggers *cough cough*

Additionally, in their reality show, Instagram stories and Kaulitz Hills podcast, you can 100% see Bill doing some stupid crap like posting his bare cheeks, admitting to talk badly behind Tom's back whenever the twins argue, (Kaulitz & Kaulitz season 1) giving his dog alcohol, and plenty of other things. There is a lot of proof, and Bill himself has admitted those things. How the heck is that him "being happy because he can express himself"?

And yeah, this is why I don't like the new Tokio Hotel, not because they changed their music style, but because it feels like they're resorting to using AI, and also because Bill can be a prick -  but this blog is no hate towards the members, like I said, I'm just expressing my dislike for a few reasons, so don't come at me with rude comments - let's keep things kind and civil :)

Thank you for reading! :D