Song Machine
As with other media, Song Machine's production was mildly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with work on the series continuing to be done remotely through e-mails and Zoom sessions, starting with "Strange Timez".[7][8][9] According to Albarn, the original idea for Song Machine's music was for there to be two collaborators recording with Gorillaz for a track on separate floors at Studio 13, without hearing either of each other's contributions.[13] As per Gorillaz' usual approach, Song Machine explores a multitude of different musical genres, thus far including punk rock,[14] hip-hop,[15] R&B,[16] bossa nova,[17] reggae,[18] synth-pop,[19] electronic,[20] acid house,[21] and downtempo.[24] Song Machine was originally inspired by 60s children's series like The Banana Splits, and by the binge-watching format of online streaming services.[27] "The Valley of the Pagans" was created using the director mode of Grand Theft Auto V.[28] On 28 January 2020, the band officially released images via social media teasing a concept entitled Song Machine.Song Machine's first episode, "Momentary Bliss" officially premiered on YouTube on 30 January 2020, and the single was subsequently released on music streaming platforms.After the premiere, additional "Machine Bitez" featuring interviews with "Momentary Bliss" collaborators Slowthai and Slaves by Gorillaz' virtual frontman 2-D were also uploaded to YouTube and music streaming services.Episode three, "Aries", ends with a snippet followed by a brief message from Gorillaz virtual band member 2-D informing viewers to stay safe amid the COVID-19 pandemic."[1] On 9 September 2020, during the premiere of "Strange Timez", it was announced that Song Machine was going to be released as a full studio album called Song Machine, Season One: Strange Timez with eleven tracks (seventeen on the deluxe edition), featuring guest appearances from artists such as Elton John, Robert Smith, Peter Hook, Beck, St. Vincent, Schoolboy Q, Octavian, 6lack, JPEGMafia, Chai, and various others.Afterwards, "Song Machine Theme Tune" was posted on the band's social media pages on 28 January 2020 and the series made its premiere two days later.On 15 October 2020, the band began posting snippets of Song Machine, Season One: Strange Timez' cassette editions online, starting with Noodle's."Désolé" – the second episode of Song Machine – features guest Fatoumata Diawara and depicts Gorillaz as they teleport to Lake Como through a portal in Kong Studios.[49] Affinity Magazine called Song Machine one of Gorillaz' most ambitious projects to date, saying that it's "a testament to their unique take on the music industry".The series also contains segments featuring Gorillaz co-creators Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett, and provides hands-on information regarding the making of Song Machine, Season One: Strange Timez.[55] The concert was performed by the Gorillaz live band in Kong Studios and featured augmented reality appearances from the characters as they were shown in previous Song Machine episodes.The merchandise for Song Machine is usually a limited edition art print, t-shirt, or sticker sheet that is released on the official online Gorillaz store with the premiere each episode.
Music videoGorillazJamie HewlettPhil CornwellKevin BishopHaruka AbeRemi Kabaka Jr.Camera phonesingle-cameraThe LineGorillaz ProductionsYouTubeweb seriessinglesCracker IslandMurdocNoodleRusselDamon AlbarnMurdoc NiccalsRussel HobbsWest LondonWest SussexPhantom TollboothMoroccoHumanzMomentary BlissCOVID-19Strange TimezMike Will Made ItPrince PaulJames FordMike DeanRobert SmithJoan As Police Womanpunk rockhip-hopbossa novareggaesynth-popelectronicacid housedowntempoHumilityDésoléThe Banana Splitsthe first Gorillaz albumHanna-BarberaLooney TunesChuck JonesElton JohnThe Valley of the PagansGrand Theft Auto VSlowthaiSlavesCOVID-19 pandemicBBC Radio 1Annie MacDesignated SurvivorSchoolboy QSampa the GreatTame ImpalaInstagramPeter HookSt. VincentOctavianJPEGMafiaTwitterPac-ManFatoumata DiawaraLake ComoFriday 13thThe Pink PhantomPink PantherPlastic BeachLeee JohnutilitarianDIY MagZ2 ComicsApple Musicvirtual live gigsaugmented realityRock WerchterSplendour in the GrassRolling StoneThe Lost ChordHow Far?Gorillaz discographyDemon DaysThe FallThe Now NowG-SidesD-SidesThe Singles Collection 2001–2011Tomorrow Comes TodayFeel Good Inc. EPEl MañanaKids with GunsiTunes SessionMeanwhile EPDemon Days LiveLaika Come HomeClint Eastwood19-2000Rock the HouseLil' Dub Chefin'Feel Good Inc.Dirty HarrySuperfast JellyfishOn Melancholy HillDoncamaticRevolving DoorsAmarilloDoYaThingSaturnz BarzWe Got the PowerAscensionAndromedaLet Me OutSleeping PowderStrobeliteGarage PalaceHollywoodNew GoldBaby QueenRhinestone Eyes