Youthful, lusting yet tempered: The newest single and music video from CGI pop-creation (yes, you read that correctly) Miquela, titled “Automatic,” presents a snapshot of a pastel-colored party dream following in the steps of current pop standards like Dua Lipa, Bea Miller, and Hayley Kiyoko.
While “Automatic” is technically a love song, it carries a slow-burning, toned-down, dancing-but-sad feel, apt for bedroom listening and anthem-belting alike. Dynamically, this track remains steady, but it’s not worse for wear: “Automatic” glides through several choruses before tuning out into distorted vocals preceding the finish. Amidst a final chorus, a satisfying affirmation declares: “It’s automatic, I give all of my love to you.”
“Automatic” is a satiating pop sing-along about devotion to a romantic interest, and the video only supplements the mood. Glitter, a shimmering pinata, and strobing holographic lights populate the changing scenes as twenty-somethings in candy-colored ensembles laugh, dance, and play spin-the-bottle in various Easter egg-hued rooms. The video doesn’t ask for much from viewers, and it works – the simplicity of revelry is just enough to distract from the somewhat unsettling depiction of Miquela.
In the video for “Automatic”, there are several scenes where Miquela’s too-matte skin and too-smooth movements incur a twinge of the uncanny valley. Her rollicking peers nod their heads, organic hair bouncing and crow’s-eyes narrowing, only furthering the contrast between themselves and Miquela. The few times that the CGI does look realistic happens during slow-motion frames, or when her back is turned from the camera.
Like many celebrities, Miquela is highly active on her social media, models for high-end fashion brands, and even endorses products online. But on April 19, 2018, after several issues with her Instagram account being hacked, Miquela came forward to the world and announced the truth of her identity: “I’m not a human being.”
What is Miquela, then? After two years in the public eye, she finally revealed the truth about her identity. Miquela is a CGI personality created by a California startup called Brud. As could be expected, many of Miquela’s fans were confused, and she quickly grew a large base of critics and “haters”.
The introduction of such a controversial figure raises some important questions about transparency concerning image, and the ability of the public to discern reality from creation. As you listen to Miquela’s newest track “Automatic,” or previous singles “Money” and “Wasted”, ask yourself: When it comes to constructed realities, especially concerning the creation of people, how far is too far?
Keep up with Miquela here.
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