"Are We the Last Living Souls?": Discussion on Creativity with the Gorillaz

*A Creative & Philosophical Discussion on Technology, Humanity, and the Virtual*
We live in a world where the boundaries between the *real* and the *virtual* blur more each day. From our phones to AI, from avatars to digital selves—what does it mean to be human in the 21st century?
This meetup is an **open, free-flowing discussion group** exploring creativity, modern technological life, and transhumanism, guided by the music and ideas of **Gorillaz** (especially their seminal album *Demon Days*) and **Damon Albarn’s** *Everyday Robots*.
Albarn once reflected:

> *"We're in a moment of extraordinary transition as a species, and what is the outcome of that? Are we going to become closer to ourselves or are we going to become more distant?"*

Using this question as our starting point, we’ll dive into themes such as:

* 🎶 How music and art like *The Gorillaz* act as cultural mirrors of our digital age
* 🤖 The interplay of human creativity and technology in an era of AI and virtual selves
* 🌌 Baudrillard’s theories of simulation and hyperreality—are we already living inside them?
* 🧠 Transhumanism and the future of identity: are we evolving, or fragmenting?

This is not a lecture but a **collaborative conversation**. Bring your ideas, your curiosity, and maybe even your favorite Gorillaz track to spark discussion.
💡 **Who are the ideal attendees?**

* Fans of **Gorillaz** or Damon Albarn’s work
* Creatives, artists, designers, and musicians
* People working in tech or digital spaces
* Anyone fascinated by the intersection of art, philosophy, and the future
* or...... just a curious and imaginative person

📚 **Optional Reads/Watch Ahead of Time:**

* Blog: *[An exploration of how the Gorillaz performance of “Feel Good Inc.” at the 2005 MTV EMAs can be considered ‘live’ and encapsulates notions of hyperreality, spectacle and identity](https://www.studocu.com/en-gb/document/newcastle-university/celebrity-culture/hyperreality-spectacle-and-identity-case-study-of-the-gorillaz/16850146)*
* BBC: *[Gorillaz always had 'a touch of the apocalypse’](https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-55086156)*
* YouTube: *[How One Man Changed Music Forever… TWICE┃Blur and Gorillaz](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWZ2FYcx1O4)*

📅 **When & Where:** Sept 30 place TBD