This weekend marks a long-awaited moment for fans of the virtual band Gorillaz: their debut performance on Saturday Night Live. The group, the brainchild of musician Damon Albarn and artist Jamie Hewlett, will share the stage with host Ryan Gosling on March 8th. Initial promotional clips released this week showcase a typically understated approach from Albarn and Hewlett, adding to the mystique surrounding the animated ensemble’s first appearance on the iconic late-night show.
The promotional videos, which have circulated widely online, feature Gosling and SNL cast member Ashley Padilla reacting to the fact that Gorillaz has never before appeared as a musical guest. Albarn and Hewlett maintain their characteristic stoicism throughout much of the exchange, responding to Padilla’s enthusiastic question with a synchronized, playful wiggle of their fingers. A previous promo clip featured Gorillaz’s 2001 hit “Clint Eastwood” as its soundtrack, further fueling anticipation for their performance. You can view the promo clips here and here.
Albarn on AI and the Future of Music
Beyond the excitement surrounding their SNL debut, Damon Albarn has been vocal about his concerns regarding the increasing role of artificial intelligence in music creation. In a recent interview with The Needle Drop, Albarn discussed his work scoring Luca Guadagnino’s upcoming film, Artificial, which centers on OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. He expressed skepticism about the notion that AI can replicate the emotional depth and nuance inherent in human artistry.
“I think there was a foolish moment where the big corporations thought AI was going to create their life easier and more money,” Albarn stated. “And well, that is not the case. I don’t think it’s possible for AI to make soulful music.” He elaborated on this point, arguing that the value of art lies in the intangible qualities that emerge from the artist’s personal journey and creative process.
“I’ve had a lot of time to think about it. Music and art should not be easy. Once it becomes easy, it’s meaningless. In a way, it’s the things you don’t see or hear that make it art. It’s a weird intuition that the listener has that picks up on the journey that the artist has been through to make that particular thing with the tone of the voice, etc. You can’t replace that.”
A Long Road to the SNL Stage
Gorillaz, formed in 1998, began as a virtual band featuring animated characters created by artist Jamie Hewlett and music composed by Damon Albarn. NBC Insider notes that the project has evolved over two decades, releasing nine studio albums and collaborating with a diverse range of artists, including Bad Bunny, De La Soul, Stevie Nicks, and Beck. Albarn is also known as the frontman for the influential Britpop band Blur.
The band’s unique blend of animation, music, and visual storytelling has garnered a dedicated global following. Their performances are known for incorporating elaborate stage designs and projections, bringing the virtual world of Gorillaz to life. The group recently concluded a leg of their tour supporting their ninth album, The Mountain, and announced a North American tour kicking off in September, their first in four years.
The upcoming SNL appearance comes at a busy time for Albarn, who is balancing his work with Gorillaz, his solo projects, and now, composing the score for Guadagnino’s Artificial. The film, which focuses on the story of OpenAI’s Sam Altman, promises to be a thought-provoking exploration of the ethical and creative implications of artificial intelligence. Albarn’s involvement suggests a critical perspective on the technology’s potential impact on the arts.
Fans can catch Gorillaz’ debut on Saturday Night Live this weekend, alongside host Ryan Gosling. The show airs at 11:30/10:30c on NBC and will be available for streaming on Peacock the following day. The band’s North American tour dates will be announced soon, offering fans further opportunities to experience their innovative and captivating live performances.
What do you think about Damon Albarn’s views on AI and music? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with fellow music lovers!
