Grimes collaborates with Hatsune Miku

Musician and producer Grimes has unveiled a new single titled "Miku-Maxxing" in collaboration with the virtual performer Hatsune Miku. The track was created with Japanese Vocaloid producer SatapanP, according to an interview published by Hypebae.

Hatsune Miku originated as vocal software from Crypton Future Media. The software allows users to input lyrics and melodies to generate a synthetic singing voice. This tool spawned a vast fan culture, with users creating and sharing their own music online, propelling Miku to global fame.

A music video accompanies the single's debut. It depicts a protagonist exploring a chaotic digital world named Cyberland alongside Hatsune Miku. The visual style combines pixelated, low-poly graphics with textured animation and mixed-media elements.

Project Scope

The song serves as the opening track for the forthcoming compilation EMERGE MODE MIKU. This broader project launches Dwango's BEYOND BORDERS program, which aims to connect Japanese Vocaloid creators with producers and vocalists based in the United States.

The EMERGE MODE MIKU project features a wide array of musical contributors. Alongside Grimes and SatapanP, the roster includes Odetari, George Clanton, Frost Children, slayr, XAMIYA, jon-YAKITORY, and picco. "Miku-Maxxing" is available for streaming now. Additional singles will be released ahead of the full EP's launch this September.

Grimes on Art and Authenticity

In the interview, Grimes reflected on the collaboration's personal impact. When asked about hearing her voice alongside Miku's, she remarked, "She has a prettier voice than me." Discussing the limits of human artistry compared to a digital entity, she stated, "The specter of death haunts me."

Grimes expressed a feeling of mortality. "I feel all too human. All too mortal," she said. "I see Miku and myself, perhaps I have vitality, but at what cost? What am I but meat?"

She speculated on what fans seek from artists. Grimes suggested people desire honest art, which she noted is difficult to achieve with digital characters. She credited Miku's longevity within culture for adding value, calling the avatar "profoundly futuristic, but she is also kind of old."

A Shift in Perspective

Grimes also addressed evolving notions of authenticity in internet culture. She described herself as "one of the original poptimists" but admitted she is "really eating my words with that lately." She argued for a necessary distinction between mainstream and alternative music.

"We need to delineate capital A artists from art machines and projects by big labels," Grimes told Hypebae. She further advocated for more recognition of folk art within serious artistic discourse.

For Grimes, the key difference lies in artistic motivation. She distinguishes between "art that exists to make money and art that exists because the artist has no other choice but to make it." After years of touring and experiencing fame, she resolved only to return to creating art if firmly engaged in the latter category. The "Miku-Maxxing" video ends on a shot of the digital landscape glitching.