Grimes and Aespa Dish on Confronting K-Pop Media, AI-Powered Music Creation, and Beyond

Grimes, a self-taught and self-produced artist, released her debut album on a small indie label over a decade ago. On the other hand, Aespa is a girl group that was formed by one of K-pop’s leading labels during the pandemic. Comprised of four hardworking women named Karina, Giselle, Winter, and Ningning, Aespa has quickly risen to superstardom in the past three years through their singing, dancing, and talent. Although the pairing of these two artists may seem random, it’s worth noting that Grimes has had a love for K-pop for many years and has a strong interest in new technologies. She has even created an AI music software program called Elf.Tech and an AI girl group named NPC. Similarly, when Aespa debuted, they introduced virtual counterparts for the members as a way to make the most of remote-living during the pandemic. These virtual members, known as the æ members, are an integral part of Aespa’s videos and lyrics. It’s interesting how both Grimes and Aespa are exploring different directions in their respective universes. Grimes delves deeper into technology and the unknowns of AI, while Aespa aims to be more present in the “real” world as they release their new EP, Drama. Throughout their conversation, Grimes expresses her admiration for Aespa’s visuals and innovative work, particularly their avatars and incorporation of the metaverse. Both artists discuss their shared interest in the interplay between technology and music, with Aespa mentioning their start in the metaverse and transition to live performances, while Grimes remarks on the innovation that can happen in music videos. They also explore Aespa’s unique lyrics and visual aesthetics, with Grimes appreciating the depth and subtext in their pop music. The conversation touches on various topics, including inspiration, language, exercise, the influence of children, and the importance of creating art specifically for kids. Overall, it’s a fascinating exchange between two artists from different backgrounds who find common ground in their love for music, technology, and pushing boundaries.