Before TikTok filters and virtual
influencers, Gorillaz was a fully animated band that revolutionized music in
the early 2000s. Gorillaz, which was formed by Blur's Damon Albarn and artist
Jamie Hewlett, wasn't your usual rock band. Rather, they provided us with four
cartoon icons, each with a distinct chaotic, enigmatic energy: 2D, Murdoc,
Noodle, and Russell. With a fantastic soundtrack, it was like witnessing an
animated series come to life.
Gorillaz cast
(https://teachrock.org/traceitback/gorillaz/)
Gorillaz's sound was what set
them apart. They blended everything from hip-hop and rock to electronica and
funk, showing little concern for genre boundaries. Listening to each song was
like browsing through a playlist created by someone with impeccable taste and
no boundaries. Before Spotify playlists even existed, they were essentially
merging genres.
The song "Feel Good
Inc." followed, which made Gorillaz unavoidable. It was released in 2005
and included a hypnotic bassline, laid-back rap lyrics, and that instantly
recognizable scary chuckle. It had purpose in addition to being catchy. You'll
nod along with the lyrics, which go deeply into topics like false happiness and
how we become mired in comfort. It was like to dancing to therapy.
Demon days Album
cover
(https://gorillaz.fandom.com/wiki/Demon_Days_(album))
What about the music video?
Complete art. The combination of Murdoc's ominous dystopian tower and 2D's
floating windmill island appeared to be taken from a nightmare or a dream. It
was so avant-garde and melancholy that it might yet be released today and
become a viral sensation. They even won Grammys and MTV awards for it,
demonstrating that you don't need celebrities to have an influence.
Gorillaz continued to develop
even after "Feel Good Inc." They collaborated with artists ranging
from De La Soul to Bad Bunny, released albums such as Demon Days and Plastic
Beach, and created a whole animated world that seems more authentic than the
lives of most influencers. They gave music a cinematic feel with their
unparalleled storytelling, imagery, and atmosphere.
Years later, your cool older
cousin still can't stop talking about Gorillaz, and for good reason. Long
before it became popular, they served as the model for fusing music, art, and
online culture. Gorillaz walked so virtual artists might run, regardless of
whether you're listening to "Feel Good Inc." or delving deeply into
their lore.
Written by Galang Afdala Harsa
Source
https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/gorillaz-big-summer-jam-120380/
https://www.rollingstone.co.uk/music/gorillaz-25-years-interview-damon-albarn-jamie-hewlett-53346/
https://pitchfork.com/thepitch/1425-gorillaz-saw-the-future-of-pop-narratives/
Wow, I totally forgot how ahead of their time Gorillaz were. This brought back so many memories!
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