Who's behind the notes? Discover Porter Robinson: Architect of Emotional Electronic Worlds
"Sad Machine" is a song by American electronic music producer Porter Robinson, released in 2014 as a single from his debut studio album, "Worlds." Here are some interesting facts about the song and its creator:
Collaborative Effort: While Porter Robinson is the main artist behind "Sad Machine," the song features vocals by a Vocaloid software named "AVANNA." Vocaloid is a voice synthesizer technology that allows users to create singing voices, and AVANNA is one of the Vocaloid voices developed by Zero-G.
Virtual Companion: The lyrics of "Sad Machine" are written from the perspective of a virtual companion or AI, reflecting themes of loneliness and longing. This concept of human-AI relationships adds a unique and emotional dimension to the song.
Visual Storytelling: Porter Robinson is known for his intricate visual storytelling in his live performances. During his "Worlds" tour, he incorporated animated visuals that told a story of him and the "Sad Machine" character traveling through a fantastical world. The visuals helped enhance the emotional impact of the song during his live shows.
Grammy Nomination: "Sad Machine" received critical acclaim and was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2016 in the category of Best Remixed Recording, Non-Classical. It was remixed by Deon Custom, and this nomination highlighted the song's lasting impact on electronic music.
Music Video: The official music video for "Sad Machine" features a combination of animation and live-action footage. It continues the story of the song's lyrics and explores the relationship between Porter Robinson and the Sad Machine character.
Influential Album: "Sad Machine" is part of Porter Robinson's "Worlds" album, which is widely regarded as a groundbreaking and influential work in the electronic music genre. The album marked a departure from traditional electronic dance music and embraced a more emotive and melodic sound.
Live Performance Adaptations: Porter Robinson often incorporates live elements into his performances, including playing the piano and singing, which adds a personal touch to his shows. "Sad Machine" is one of the songs where he showcases his singing abilities during live performances.
Artistic Evolution: "Sad Machine" and the "Worlds" album represent a significant shift in Porter Robinson's artistic direction, as he moved away from the high-energy, festival-oriented EDM sound of his earlier work to focus on more introspective and experimental music.
Fan Engagement: The "Sad Machine" character and its story have captivated fans, leading to various fan art creations and interpretations of the character. This shows the depth of engagement and emotional resonance that Porter Robinson's music can have with his audience.
"Sad Machine" remains a beloved track in Porter Robinson's discography and continues to be celebrated for its unique blend of electronic music and emotional storytelling.