Why Do Artists Attack Other Artists? - Part 2

On my last Blog: "Why do artists attack other artists?" I once got flak for composing a song called "Dream of Zion," and it came from some red-pilled alt-right artist who labeled me a Zionist (whatever that even means). Let me set the record straight—"Dream of Zion" isn’t a political statement, Xylon Roberts. It’s a song about the New Jerusalem descending from heaven, straight out of the Book of Revelation.

Funny enough, this same artist initially thought I was some kind of red-pill kindred spirit and even supported me at first. But the moment he realized I was completely different from his beliefs—by a long shot—he flipped and turned against me.

This is why I distanced myself from the political arena in the first place. I started fresh, rebranded my music and my name back to the 80s, and joined the Synthwave community. But let me tell you, there are bad apples in every tree. And that cannot be understated. So, what could they possibly accuse me of now? Here is my story:

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So, what was the problem this time?

Well... this time, it isn't about politics, but art choices and AI art sharing.

When I joined the Synthwave community, I was grateful to find like-minded people who were not politically motivated or people who would label me in the worst way possible just because I didn't agree with them 100%. At least, you would think.

So, what could possibly go wrong? Ever since this AI technology came out, I was ecstatic because it harnessed the ability to create the art I loved, that I could freely share on social media without other people saying I 'stole' it from another artist, something I never claimed to be mine in the first place. But with a problem solved came another problem.

I started using unique AI art to make memes, to make backdrops for my videos, to make text-to-speech prompts, and to fire up some synthwave flare on social media. It helped cut my video production time in half. It has helped me to connect with so many people on social media, build a following, and build relationships and discussions.

I found out real quick, as I become more well-known; about the anti-AI crowd within the Synthwave community. And I became a target for these people.

I then realized not everyone in the community was gonna vibe with AI art sharing. Well... you can't please everyone, can you? All these AI comments under my YouTube shorts... Agh! Annoying, man! I've received so much criticism over my videos for the AI art backdrops. I had to start filtering them out on every social network.

My videos were about Synthwave, faith, and motivation, which is so much bigger than the method that was used to create the videos. The AI visuals and backdrops were for the Synthwave feel. The discussion points were for faith and motivation.

I was baffled at the backlash and relentless bullying I got from some of these people. As if it were a crime to use an AI art backdrop for my videos or a voice over on my video. Isn't that what content creators do, anyway? AI or not? What should AI be used for? Sharing on social media, of course. It's one knarly tool.

Well, in my last post: "AI Art Is Of The Devil? Real Talk", I discussed the first anti-AI post I saw in the Synthwave group. It was a long-winded post. But today, I came across another anti-AI rant from someone in the same group. And also someone I followed. It goes like this:

And the comments. Tim Bullock should realize that Rob's opinion holds no weight with me, either way it goes. But of course, you would only call it a 'trash' opinion if it were something you disagreed with, not something directed at someone else to belittle them. I bet you're not gonna be the one to stand up for me when that same energy is directed towards me, huh?

So here I respond with: Oh, you don’t like my neon-soaked AI visuals on social media? Wild idea—don’t look at ‘em! 🤯

Not a real artist? Buddy, I was makin’ art before AI even existed (and even him). Meanwhile, you're out here rage-scrolling like AI personally stole your lunch money. Keep talkin’—I’ll just be over here, letting my cyberpunk synth dreams light up the timeline while you type furiously in Comic Sans. 😎💾

And now they launch their attacks on me and my character, and my non-AI-generated songs. All for implying that I could care less what they think. But whatever!

Ok... incoming rant!

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A few things I've noticed about these anti-AI haters:

1. They frown down on other artists for using AI backdrops on their videos, like it's a crime. All the while accusing you of using 100% AI-generated content in your videos. Dude, get a grip, or scroll past!

2. When you disagree with their take against others who use AI as a part of their creative process (respectfully), they re-post your stuff in the comments (including your non-AI-generated music and art you broke a sweat over) and call you 'lazy'. Oh, the irony.

This guy had the nerve to take snapshots of my Spotify, which shows my list of original songs, composed before the age of AI, and my non-AI-generated album cover and call me lazy.

3. They'll bully you for disagreeing with their take by pointing out how irrelevant you are (even after complaining about the same thing being done to them) by telling you that your 'lack of monthly listeners' on Spotify is problematic. After all, 'you're not famous', so you haven't 'made it' because you don't have 1000s of monthly listeners on Spotify yet, as if that's the golden ticket to heaven. A person's value isn't based on follower counts or fame.

God loves me, not because of what I can produce, but because of who he created me to be.

So no, I disagree—it’s not problematic. It’s a dream come true! It’s an accomplishment worth celebrating. So what if I don’t have a massive audience yet? Maybe I haven’t found my ride-or-die crowd yet. But guess what? I’m moonwalking my way there, one step at a time.

And if you just see the process and wanna look down on that, that’s on you. When I first started writing songs all those years ago, people just laughed at me. They doubted me, told me I’d never make it. Well, guess what?

I proved them wrong then—and I’m gonna keep proving them wrong now.

Because God put me here for his purpose alone, and that is the only thing that matters! Of course, I wouldn't be able to say that in your anti-Christian synthwave group, would I?

4. They ramble about how your vorbadim-typed comments are AI-generated, according to some prompt they copied and pasted your comments into (just to prove a point). Bizarre!

5. Then they tell you to unfollow them, after they just circled you on social media, because they don't like the AI art you freely share online for fun on YOUR page. Grow up, dude!

What are you trying to prove by attacking other artists like this, Rob? What do you think you are accomplishing?

You are alienating legitimate artists who promote encouragement, faith, and great music. Just because they do things differently than you don't mean they aren't legitimate and authentic artists.

((But you're not an artist just because you post AI generated art!)) I agree, AI art is not original art. It's content that can be freely and legally shared on social media to aid in building communities, making new connections, and spreading ideas. This is something that I have found, as an artist, to be quite useful. Not your jam? No hard feelings. However...

People like you wanna make everyone your enemy for disagreeing with you, even respectfully. You don't get to tell other artists what they can or cannot do, or bully them just because you don't like their opinion or creative process.

I am so done trying to explain myself. I'm no longer going to give people explanations they don't deserve. Nor am I going to give a synth about what they think!

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If this is your disposition, maybe you should self-reflect.

If this is your take on AI art sharing,

Maybe stop sharing art made by other artists without permission, stop using Instagram filters, stop re-using sample packs in your music, stop using stock photos, and re-sharing memes, because that's lazy and unoriginal.

It’s wild how some people will never notice you're there when you follow them, support them, cheer them on—but the second you disagree with their position, suddenly they treat you like an enemy, dump on everything you do, and your dreams while saying: (("Oh, and by the way; you’re no longer welcome here")). They’ll push you out of the group like yesterday’s trash. Ok then, ban everyone that disagrees with you. Enjoy your little echo chamber.

Btw, this is the vid he decided to repost in the comments to make a point. Oh, come on! Really dude?

I regret getting into this conversation. And this is what I get for supporting artists I thought had something valuable to share. But hey—since they didn’t see mine and wanted to diss everything I do, and punish me because they don't like the AI backdrop on my video or AI visuals on my timeline I used for social media sharing, and they want to make me their enemy because they disagree with it? It’s telling, really. And it says everything about them!

It goes to show you, when you go against the grain, there will always be some people who just can't handle it! It's a total bummer, and honestly, I had to block some unpleasant individuals for this reason.

Believe it or not, I do this for free. Nobody is paying me to do this. I'm just having fun. So, if you want to earn a block from me, keep on with the bullying.

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The next thing I know, I'm banned from the group!

The anti-Christian anti-AI art Synthwave page.

As you can see, this group simply turned into a page that welcomes original art only. And I can respect that. But I think there's a difference between celebrating “original art” and being an anti-AI fanatic group or page that bashes anyone who shares AI visuals on their OWN timeline (not theirs of course). The attitudes I’ve seen here definitely lean toward the latter.

And again, as I have said many times before:

AI art isn't about original art. It's about sharing content, helping build communities, sharing ideas, and connecting with those of the same interest.

But that doesn't matter to you, does it? The Synthwave Group no longer wants me there. (("You're not welcome here anymore!")) They say. Why am I not welcome? When I do original art, too? Check it out, dudes! 👇

They also state for their group rules: No sharing Christian content or political content, or AI art while calling it all 'garbage'. Not cool! Nevertheless, I DID respect their rules.

Yet when you say: ((You have no respect for artist who came before you. And if you are doing this in any professional semi-professional manner, you aren't welcome here!))

This isn't just something their coining people that say things like: "Copyright laws are BS", "AI is inevitable", or "You're just upset you're becoming irrelevant", but ANYONE who uses AI in any capacity, even for just sharing on their own pages. Btw, I only stated that AI is inevitable, because it's not going away any time soon! FACTS! So you might as well learn to use it to your advantage. Or don't. It's your choice.

I also respect the fact that others have different views.

I respected the fact that it was a page dedicated to original art, not AI art sharing. But it seems that you've missed that. So, for which of those reasons do you wish to coin me as someone who doesn't respect other artists or shun me out of the community? I support independent creators! Disrespect? I never posted there anyway because much of my content is Christian, and I do use AI backdrops for my vids.

It's a good thing you don't get to decide what I can or cannot do as an artist on MY page. You demand respect while showing none, even for those who actually supported you; just because you didn't like their opinion.

So, I will say this with the utmost disrespect:

If I was respectful to you, supportive of you, but you decide to shut me out because you don't agree with what I do 100%? All you managed to do was cheat yourself out of somebody who was solid and would have supported you through thick and thin. So, I say this disrespectfully, enjoy that loss.

Everyone has an opinion. But that doesn't mean they all matter. People will always have something to say about what you do, how you live, or who you are. But at the end of the day, opinions are just that. Opinions. They don't define you. They don't dictate your worth.

I'll never attack another artist for making a different choice than me or try to tear them down! That's so bogus, man!

I only block people for 1 reason: Not over disagreements. Not over differences of opinion. Only for obnoxious and disrespectful behavior! Which is what attacking another artist is!

Synthwave is supposed to be about focusing on what brings us together, not what tears us apart! You feel me?

So, yeah, if they’re anti-Christian and anti-faith and quick to label anyone who uses AI as “lazy” or “inauthentic,” or shun them from the group for a difference in opinion? That's the clear definition of a toxic environment if you ask me. It’s probably not the best place for someone like me to grow as an artist.

It’s better to surround yourself with people who appreciate your art for what it is—unique, authentic, and your unique voice.

So, my Cyber Warriors, keep this in mind before joining this group. I will be avoiding groups that do this to others from this point forward!

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Know the Red Flags!

I respected their group rules, even though my own art is Christian and uses AI backdrops. I didn’t flood their page with my content—I just respectfully disagreed about AI art sharing. For that, they blocked and removed me. That does feel like a red flag.

Let’s talk about how to move forward as a Christian artist in communities like that.

✅ Red flags are real. Yes, if a group consistently shows hostility toward faith-based content (or people of faith) and they’re quick to block respectful disagreement, that’s a huge red flag. It means they’re not open to meaningful dialogue or diversity of perspectives, even though they claim to champion creativity.

✅ Discernment is key. Synthwave (like many creative communities) should be about what unites us: the love of the music, the art, the vibe. But if you see a group consistently attacking people of faith or dissenting viewpoints on minor things, or if they regularly belittle or gatekeep, it might not be worth your time or emotional energy.

✅ You get to choose your creative communities. The beauty of being an artist today is that you can find or create your own communities where respect and creativity are actually celebrated. You don’t owe those other groups anything—especially if they treat you with disdain.

✅ Stand your ground with grace. I already handled it with grace by respecting their rules and disagreeing respectfully. So in this, I gotta keep that same grace going forward. You don’t have to fight every battle—just choose the ones that align with your values and your art.

What about you? Have you ever been kicked out of a group because of a difference in perspective or artistic expression? Let us know in the comments.

If this resonated with you, you might want to sign up for the Synthwave Newsletter below and get those 2 free 80s-inspired songs!

I got a neon-soaked dreamwave music album coming (manually produced by me). So stick around and have some fun. Enjoy some neon-soaked glory and have a hit of faith and motivation to boot. Because that's what it's all about.

If you're gonna create an 'original art' synthwave group, I can totally respect that. But let's also respect the fact that others have different views. Let's stop tearing other artists and content creators down for AI art sharing. Let's encourage creativity, unity within the community, and respect for one another! Let's lift each other up. Because gatekeeping is so last century!