Alok is not unrelated to the integration of technology in its futuristic performance around the world, but in Coachella, it has highlighted the power of the human collective. Saturday evening, the Brazilian star played a set surrounding on the Sahara stage, supported by 50 dancers of urban theory.
“We discuss in the world how AI takes care of everything and even the arts,” says Alok Roller on his performance. “How can we keep human art? Because art needs soul. I know that robots and AI can do things according to what they have learned, but do they have a soul to create an appropriate art? I think art needs a soul.”
Alok was joined by a group of 50 dancers of collective urban theory disguised as robot outfit and silver gloves, making the choreography of the hands with whom was so smooth, it seemed almost automated. The screens display the message “it’s not AI”.
A particularly powerful segment of the whole was inspired by the environment, a cause that Alok defended alongside Aboriginal Brazilian activists in the Amazon, raising thousands to tackle climate change. The arms movements of the dancers have transformed, making a massive tree and triclant and overwhelming waves. It is also a nod to its future is an ancestral non-profit organization, an initiative of UNESCO-CESBRATED dedicated to the amplification of the voices of the Aboriginal peoples of the world.
The Alok DJ stand was retained by two massive silver hands, which followed Alok throughout his career. But on Saturday evening, it was a “powerful symbol to remember from the energy and the power that humans must create”. Coachella’s performance will be an even larger launch ramp for the already world artist, who has made history as two nominees twice for the very first category of Latin electronic music performance in Latin grammys last year.
“We have to be connected at this moment of transformation,” explains Alok. “I think that is what the declaration of the show is talking about is inspiring people through art to connect, synchronize, face this moment as a collective.”
The Brazilian star guides us through her set and preparing for the surprise appearance of Ava Max.
Browse me your reflection process for this set.
This idea came from the creative director Fabio [Soares]Which was extraordinary. It was a challenge because we are in Coachella for the very first time, but we would not be allowed to use drones, lasers. It is a place where it is a very important place for the artist to position himself in itself on the market. We wanted to prepare something special.
It was funny because when we published the promotional video, many people are like: “Oh, it’s AI.” It is not AI. It’s so crazy to see how AI has taken over. At the end of the day, the message I want to give to everyone is to keep human art.
In a space like yours, where technology is a big problem, why do you think it is important to highlight the power of humans?
I think technology is a very important tool that we have, but we cannot allow technology to control ourselves. I think we are experiencing a very difficult moment at the moment. I think that benefits us in so many different ways, but it is also very important to understand that humans cannot be replaced. Of course, we have to adapt to the way the world changes, but there are things that need the human soul.
How do you see things change?
What do you know? Everything we discuss will be completely different after six months or in a year. Everything moves very quickly. As it moves very quickly, it is also important to try to prevent the AI from taking all the above.
What do you hope that people withdraw from your set overall?
Everything nowadays is AI, and now we have an excellent opportunity to do something that is not, and it’s always incredible. I have always been very focused on technology, then I started talking about protecting nature. Then people said, “Why technology?” In fact, the same reason. I can say with confidence that with everything we have in technology, there are things that cannot be replaced. This is the position I have on this subject. I think we also learn with this process.
As an artists, I think we are responsible for advancing culture. Coachella is this huge moment and this huge platform, and it’s also a time when you have to try to advance the culture and position it. I would not be happy to have this lot and make a normal show. I am very proud of the message we have become because we all discuss the importance that humans connect with the same synergy.
You are one of the two Brazilian artists this year after Anitta withdrew. How is one of the few artists who represent your country?
Well, to be honest, it doesn’t make me proud because last year there were more Brazilians. It is actually a degradation, but at least I am there. I would say that I would have liked us to have more. In Brazil, Coachella is super famous and everyone really likes to follow and watch. Glastonbury? They have no idea what it is, but Coachella is something super popular. I think Brazilians are very proud of it.
You will go out AVA Max for this set. Tell me about your relationship with her and why you make her come out for this performance.
It met last week, in fact a few days ago. I had to work on my set to add it. I thought it was important that I put two songs. We are going to be “sweet but psycho”, but it’s a new version that I have made to make people see who is on stage. The second will be “Car Keys”, my song with her. It is a song that works very well on the electronic dance scene. This is my first time in Coachella. I never went there. For me, it is also a very fresh and new experience. I am very impatient to be there.
How was it to work with urban theory?
This is brand new for them too. It is also a dream for them. It is a collective dream. This is how we can get there. Otherwise, it would not be possible.
Is there anyone you are delighted to see in Coachella this year?
I would really like to see Green Day, Travis Scott, Keinemusik, and the following Saturday, Ed Sheeran too. There are a lot of names. We have two weekends to appreciate. The whole family is now in Los Angeles. We will spend an entire month in Los Angeles. They are super happy to be there.
