The Gorillaz will release new music this Thursday, January 30th, featuring collaborations with slowthai and Slaves as part of the Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett-led animated series, “Song Machine”, the band announced on Instagram Tuesday. The first episode of Song Machine will air at 7:30 p.m. GMT.
Reports of the forthcoming single surfaced over the past couple of days when a Google search result detailed the collaboration.
While the Northampton, UK-based MC slowthai and garage punks Slaves have worked together in the past, this will mark the first time either have worked with the UK’s favorite virtual band.
Details on the ominous Gorillaz project, “Song Machine”, are scarce, however, the group gave some into the project via a press release, saying that the series will see the group collaborate with an “ever-evolving roster” at the band’s Kong Studios.
Gorillaz virtual-drummer Russel Hobbs added, “‘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.” He continued, “‘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. Y’know, just in case.”
The first tease began with an Instagram post picturing Russel, captioned “Russel has switched on the Machine.” Next came a short, 22-second video showing Murdoc Niccals switching on a virtual song machine, titled “Song Machine Theme Tune”, perhaps eluding to the animated series.
Watch the teaser video below.
Gorillaz – “Song Machine Theme Tune”
[Video: Gorillaz]
Then, on Wednesday afternoon, the Gorillaz dropped the trailer to Episode One, titled “Momentary Bliss”, confirming the collaboration. Watch the trailer below.
Gorillaz – “Song Machine” Episode One Trailer
[Video: Gorillaz]
Whatever the ever-mysterious band has in store for fans, we are sure to find out soon enough. Be sure to keep tabs on the band’s official website for the latest news as it becomes available and tune in here, tomorrow (1/30) at 7:30 p.m. GMT.
[H/T Rolling Stone]