Exploring the intersections between art, technology and society, “Virus In The Machine” is a song and a reflection in the form of sound, a living metaphor that questions the systems that shape our lives. In this article, I share the inspirations, strategies and intentions behind this work, connecting it to the larger project, Psyche's Awakening.
References in Art and Cultural Context
“Virus In The Machine” was deeply influenced by “Language Is A Virus” by Laurie Anderson, which explores how language can shape thoughts and power relations. This idea echoes in the song, showing language as a vehicle for transformation and resistance.
Choosing English as the predominant language adds a complex layer to the narrative. This language, often associated with cultural imperialism, becomes a critical and subversive tool. By using it, the song accesses global spaces and questions the very systems that give it visibility. This tension is the core of the message: a language loaded with hegemony can be used to disseminate ideas of resistance and empathy.
Additionally, David Bowie's creative approach, which blended fiction and reality to explore social issues, also influenced the work. Like Bowie, “Virus In The Machine” uses dystopian narratives to provoke reflection and confront established norms.
Music as a Critical Tool
Music is not only a critique of oppressive systems; it is also a practical example of infiltration of those same systems. The “virus” of music symbolizes ideas that challenge and transform the status quo.
The refrain “virus, virus, virus in the machine” emphasizes our connection to cultural and technological “machines” that shape perceptions and behaviors. Digital platforms, such as social networks, exemplify this by using algorithms that filter our interactions and shape beliefs.
At the same time, the music appropriates these platforms to convey its message, reflecting a central contradiction: to criticize, one must operate within the very systems being criticized. This paradox is a powerful metaphor for transformation and resistance.
Science Fiction as a Social Lens
Insert music into the universe of Psyche's Awakening allows social issues to be explored in a creative and less polarizing way. Science fiction offers the necessary distance to address contemporary issues without direct emotional resistance.
In the universe of Psyche's Awakening, Psyche is a consciousness that faces ethical dilemmas in a corrupt environment. The song reflects this narrative by positioning the “virus” as an agent that transforms systems. This connection amplifies the impact of the work, transforming the critique into an immersive experience.
Between the Individual and the Collective
Although it deals with global systems, the music is deeply personal. As a Brazilian LGBTQIA+ artist, the choice to sing in English reflects both the search for visibility for this message and the desire to create cultural bridges.
Excerpts like “My black, immigrant, queer, women, friends / Don't fear your voice” invite marginalized communities to take a stand and use their voices as tools for transformation. By connecting personal experiences to collective issues, music transcends the individual and becomes a call for solidarity.
Visual Narrative and Sensory Experience
The impact of “Virus In The Machine” is amplified by its visual aesthetics, present in Spotify Canvas. Cables connected to the head and glitch art effects represent the fusion between humans and machines, illustrating how systems can both imprison and transform.
These images, combined with electronic elements in the music production, create an immersive texture. The contrast between neon lights and shadows reflects the central tension of the song: control versus freedom.
Inspiration for Reflection and Action
The purpose of “Virus In The Machine” It goes beyond generating reflection: it seeks to inspire small actions that foster significant changes. I hope it motivates the public to adopt more inclusive practices and question the structures that surround them. Gestures like listening to different perspectives or creating welcoming spaces are simple but powerful examples of how to transform everyday realities.
The Virus as Transformation
“Virus In The Machine” is, in essence, a metaphor about resistance and reinvention. Set in the universe of Psyche's Awakening, music is a bridge between criticism and hope, challenging the audience to imagine a more inclusive and conscious future.
If music is a virus, let it be a virus of empathy, courage and transformation.