"Are We the Last Living Souls?": Discussion on Creativity with the Gorillaz
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A Creative & Philosophical Discussion on Technology, Humanity, and the Virtual
We live in a world where the boundaries between the real and the virtual blur more each day. From our phones to AI, from avatars to digital selves—what does it mean to be human in the 21st century?
This meetup is an open, free-flowing discussion group exploring creativity, modern technological life, and transhumanism, guided by the music and ideas of Gorillaz (especially their seminal album Demon Days) and Damon Albarn’s Everyday Robots.
Albarn once reflected:
> "We're in a moment of extraordinary transition as a species, and what is the outcome of that? Are we going to become closer to ourselves or are we going to become more distant?"
Using this question as our starting point, we’ll dive into themes such as:
- 🎶 How music and art like The Gorillaz act as cultural mirrors of our digital age
- 🤖 The interplay of human creativity and technology in an era of AI and virtual selves
- 🌌 Baudrillard’s theories of simulation and hyperreality—are we already living inside them?
- 🧠 Transhumanism and the future of identity: are we evolving, or fragmenting?
This is not a lecture but a collaborative conversation. Bring your ideas, your curiosity, and maybe even your favorite Gorillaz track to spark discussion.
💡 Who are the ideal attendees?
- Fans of Gorillaz or Damon Albarn’s work
- Creatives, artists, designers, and musicians
- People working in tech or digital spaces
- Anyone fascinated by the intersection of art, philosophy, and the future
- or...... just a curious and imaginative person
📚 Optional Reads/Watch Ahead of Time:
- Blog: An exploration of how the Gorillaz performance of “Feel Good Inc.” at the 2005 MTV EMAs can be considered ‘live’ and encapsulates notions of hyperreality, spectacle and identity
- BBC: Gorillaz always had 'a touch of the apocalypse’
- YouTube: How One Man Changed Music Forever… TWICE┃Blur and Gorillaz
📅 When & Where: Sept 30 place TBD