She has always been one of the pioneers in experimentation in the world of music. I remember when I heard my first Bjork album "Debut" back in my younger days, I believe my infant musical sensualities weren't developed enough to comprehend her true genius. And yet, I remember myself thinking that this should be what future would sound like. Then came the strangely bizarre video for "Hunter" and I failed to decide how I felt about it. When I finally decided that this is what future might look like. The technology back then clearly wasn't as advanced, but it was a step that paved the path for artists of today who dare to tread out of ordinary. Rightly so, we are exploring similar sound today in the world of electronic music what Bjork lay bare about 20 years ago. It wouldn't really surprise me if what she is doing today caught on and became mainstream in some future era, where real instruments will be traded for more computerized elements and music business shall be integrated with many other state of the art technologies. The world is heading that way and Bjork is here to lead the way! She is still radical, still beyond our imaginations.
Earlier this year, Bjork released her new album "Vulnicura". Yet another piece of gem that combined seamlessly her Icelandic accent, avant garde elements, electronic music, solid harmonies and trademark Bjork ssensibilities. Of course, it was nothing like we have ever heard before, but we can safely trademark it as "Bjork" and recognize it right away. With songs like “Lionsong” that blends dissonant harmonies and beautifully simple yet eccentrically poetic lyrics. And, the video is a riot of visuals as well – ranging from peculiar to symbolic- complementing the song perfectly. But, what makes Vulnicura really special right now is Bjork’s decision to take it a notch higher and integrate Virtual Reality into the album bundle. Earlier she launched the video for “Stonemilker” as a 360 degree virtual reality video where one can be instantly transported to the Icelandic landscapes. This was followed up by her announcing a virtual reality tour for Vulnicura. Her first show in Japan successfully took the attendees into a journey of the virtual world with temporary VR installations and is conducted in groups. Several of her tracks have been converted to VR and she plans to further delve into the medium.
Vulnicura paints a beautiful picture with its sound – but, it also transports its audience to a different world of experience through the visual medium. Music business is not isolated to only the music anymore. It all started with MTV when videos became popular and started being synonymous with the music as a bundle. Now artists earn more by touring than through record sales and Bjork’s idea and experiments can potentially be the next big change in music business.
Other than Bjork only a few artists have incorporated the VR element into their music bundle including Megadeth and Foals. Vulnicura might only be my third favorite Bjork album by far. However, it is definitely a historic one. One that shall open up the doors for future artists to dwell and benefit from Virtual Reality – there’s so much to explore – and this is just the beginning!
