Song Machine is a music series, consisting ofsingles and music videos, released by British virtual band, Gorillaz. The project began on the 30th of January 2020. The series presents itself as a collection of singles and music videos, dubbed "episodes" each featuring previously unannounced guests. Season One of Song Machine, set to consist of 10 episodes, began on the 30th of January 2020, and will be released as a compilation titled Almanac in October 2020.
Background
On the 28th of January, the band officially released images via social media teasing a concept entitled Song Machine. A 23-second promotional single entitled "Song Machine Theme Tune" was released on streaming services with an accompanying video. Damon Albarn and Remi Kabaka Jr spoke to BBC Radio 1's Annie Mac for the official premiere, saying that Song Machine "may have an obtuse narrative arc at the end of each season, but it's more Ozark, than Designated Survivor. You just keep going until you run out of ideas." Upon the premiere of "Momentary Bliss", Albarn revealed that the group had been in the studio with ScHoolboy Q and Sampa the Great among others, although he did say that these songs were likely to be saved for future series of Song Machine. The group also teased a possible collaboration with Australian band Tame Impala on Instagram. A press release was put out to explain Song Machine further, with virtual Gorillaz member Russel Hobbs saying: "Song Machine is a whole new way of doing what we do, Gorillaz breaking the mould 'cos the mould got old. World is moving faster than a supercharged particle, so we’ve gotta stay ready to drop. We don’t even know who's stepping through the studio next. Song Machine feeds on the unknown, runs on pure chaos. So whatever the hell’s coming, we’re primed and ready to produce like there’s no tomorrow."
Release
Season One
Song Machine Season One will contain 10 "episodes" would be released spontaneously throughout the year. Each episode will feature previously unannounced guest musicians on new Gorillaz material, with the first being "Momentary Bliss", which features both British rapper slowthai and the Kent-based punk rock duo Slaves.
