G rimes is an artist who released her first album on a small indie label over 10 years ago. Aespa, on the other hand, is a girl group formed during the pandemic under a prominent K-pop label. The group consists of four hardworking women – Karina, Giselle, Winter, and Ningning – who have achieved superstardom in the past three years through their singing and dancing. Although it may seem unexpected, Grimes’ love for K-pop dates back many years, and she has a keen interest in new technologies such as Elf.Tech and an AI girl group called NPC. When Aespa debuted, they took advantage of remote living by introducing virtual counterparts for each member, known as the æ members. These virtual members are woven into the group’s videos and lyrics, creating a unique and carefully crafted lore. This convergence of Grimes’ and Aespa’s universes is significant, as Grimes delves deeper into technology and AI while Aespa aims to make a stronger connection with the real world.
During a conversation between Grimes and Aespa, they discuss their shared interest in AI and visuals. Grimes commends Aespa for their innovative and visually striking work, particularly their use of avatars. She appreciates how Aespa has a strong presence in both the digital and real worlds. Aespa explains that they started with a focus on the metaverse due to the pandemic but have since expanded to live performances. Grimes agrees, highlighting the potential for innovation in music videos and the freedom to explore visual art without the need for a narrative. Aespa reveals that they heard about Grimes from a photographer and played her music during a shoot, expressing their admiration for her. They discuss the unique nature of Aespa’s lyrics, which stray from typical pop lyrics and contain deeper meaning. Grimes admires this aspect of their music and mentions that she has followed Aespa since before their debut due to the use of the “æ” letter, which holds personal significance for her.
The conversation continues with Karina discussing the meaning behind the “æ” in Aespa’s name, representing avatar and experience in their metaverse. Grimes asks about the importance of incorporating the past into the future and their attention to language in defining their band name. They explain that the “æ” represents their engagement with avatars and experiences in the metaverse and the stories that come with it, leading to the creation of a new word. Grimes is then asked about her feelings towards exercise, to which she admits she isn’t particularly fond of it but finds it more enjoyable when gamified. They also discuss the influence of Grimes’ children on her art and the belief that creating art specifically for children doesn’t require dumbing it down but rather respecting their understanding and appreciation for beauty. Grimes mentions her babies’ love for K-pop and their fascination with coordinated dancing.
In summary, the conversation between Grimes and Aespa highlights their mutual interest in AI, technology, and visual aesthetics. They appreciate each other’s innovative approaches to music and discuss topics such as the use of avatars, unique lyrics, and the impact of children on their art.
