Chile’s First AI Pop Star Has Made Her Live Stage Debut
Meet EMM4, the Chilean virtual pop artist built using AI who has now moved from music and social media onto a real stage.
Chile has a new pop artist, except this one wasn’t discovered at an audition or signed after building a following online. EMM4 was created using artificial intelligence and human creative direction.
Developed by Chilean studio DUGG, EMM4 has been designed as an entire virtual artist rather than simply an AI-generated voice or avatar.
The technology behind her includes ChatGPT for developing her narrative and concept, Suno for music experimentation and production, and UpSampler alongside other tools for her movement, images and visual content.
She now has music on streaming platforms, her own social media identity and, for the first time, a live show.
How does an AI pop star perform live?
EMM4 made her first public appearance at VAULT94 in Santiago on September 5.
Rather than putting a single avatar on a screen, the show used projections, visuals, lighting, sound and human performers to make EMM4 part of the physical space.
Chilean singer and dancer Valentina Guzmán, a member of girl group Dynasty, performed during the show and interacted with EMM4’s digital presence.
Her Instagram account later described the performance as her first time on stage and with an audience, saying she felt a little more real afterwards.
EMM4 has also released Peli de Amor, a project that plays with the idea of one song existing in different forms. Alongside pop and urban versions are experimental “Digital Cut” interpretations in which AI transforms the music with different textures and sounds.
DUGG’s ambition is bigger than releasing AI songs. EMM4 is being developed across music, social media, collaborations and live entertainment, testing whether a character created with AI can build something resembling a real artist’s career.
Follow EMM4 online
EMM4’s story is only just beginning. Her Instagram account is already being used as part of the character itself, with new music, videos and updates presented from EMM4’s perspective.
Follow EMM4 on Instagram at @emm4cl and listen to Peli de Amor on music streaming platforms.
