Alok is no stranger to incorporating technology in his futuristic performances across the world, but at Coachella, he put the spotlight on the power of the human collective. On Saturday evening, the Brazilian star played an entrancing set at the Sahara stage, backed by 50 Urban Theory dancers.
“We are discussing in the world how AI is taking over everything and even the arts,” Alok tells Rolling Stone about his performance. “How can we keep art human? Because art needs soul. I know that robots and AI can do things based on what they have learned, but do they have a soul to create proper art? I think that art needs a soul.”
Alok was joined by a group of 50 dancers from the collective Urban Theory disguised in robot-like attire and silver gloves, doing hand choreography with that was so smooth, it seemed almost automated. Screens displayed the message “This is not AI.”
One particularly powerful segment of the set was inspired by the environment, a cause Alok has championed alongside indigenous Brazilian activists in the Amazon, raising thousands to address climate change. The dancers’ arm movements transformed, making a massive tree and trippy, crashing waves. It’s also a nod to his The Future Is Ancestral nonprofit, a UNESCO-celebrated initiative dedicated to amplifying the voices of Indigenous peoples to the world.
Alok’s DJ booth was held up by two massive, silver hands, which have followed Alok throughout his career. But Saturday night, it was a “powerful symbol about holding energy and the power humans have to create.” The Coachella performance will be an even bigger launching pad for the already global artist, who made history as a two-time nominee for the first-ever Best Latin Electronic Music Performance category at the Latin Grammys last year.
“We need to be connected in this moment of transformation,” says Alok. “I think this is what the statement of the show is about, is to inspire people through art to get connected, to get in sync, to face this moment as a collective.”
The Brazilian star walks us through his set and preparing for Ava Max’s surprise appearance.
Walk me through your thought process for this set.
This idea came from creative director Fabio [Soares], which was extraordinary. It was a challenge because we’re at Coachella for the very first time, but we wouldn’t be allowed to use the drones, the lasers. It’s a place where it’s very important place for the artist by itself to position themselves in the market. We wanted to prepare something that was special.
It was funny because when we posted the promotional video, a lot of people are like, “Oh, this is AI.” It’s not AI. It’s so crazy to see how AI took over. At the end of the day, the message I want to give to everyone is keep art human.
In a space like yours, where technology is a big deal, why do you think it’s important to highlight the power of humans?
I think technology is a very important tool that we have, but we cannot allow technology to control us. I think that we are living a very challenging moment right now. I think that it benefits us in so many different ways, but it’s also very important to understand that humans cannot be replaced. Of course, we have to adapt ourselves to how the world is changing, but there is stuff that needs the human soul of it.
How do you see things changing?
You know what? Everything we’re discussing now is going to be totally different after six months or in a year. Everything is moving super fast. As it’s moving super fast, it’s also important to try to avoid that AI just takes over everything.
What do you hope people take away from your set overall?
Everything nowadays is AI, and now, we have a great opportunity to do something that is not, and it’s still amazing. I have always been very focused on technology, and then I started to talk about protecting the nature. Then people said, “Why technology?” Actually, the same reason. I can say with confidence that with everything that we have in technology, there’s stuff that cannot be replaced. That’s the position that I have on this. I feel that we are also learning with this process.
As artists, I feel that we have the responsibility to push culture forward. Coachella is this huge moment and this huge platform, and it’s also a moment where you have to try to push culture forward and position it. I wouldn’t be happy to just have this lot and do a normal show. I’m very proud of the message that we became because we are all discussing the importance of having humans connecting with the same synergy.
You’re one of two Brazilian performers this year after Anitta pulled out. What is it like to one of the few performers representing your country?
Well, to be honest, that doesn’t make me proud because last year there were more Brazilians. It’s actually a downgrade, but at least I’m there. I would say that I wish we had more. In Brazil, Coachella is super famous, and everyone really likes to follow and watch. Glastonbury? They have no idea at all what that is, but Coachella is something super popular. I feel that Brazilians get super proud of it.
You’re going to bring out Ava Max for this set. Tell me about your relationship with her, and why you’re bringing her out for this performance.
That came across last week, actually a few days ago. I had to work on my set to add her in. I felt it was important that I put two songs. One is going to be “Sweet but Psycho,” but it’s a new version that I did so that people see who it is onstage. The second one will be “Car Keys,” my song with her. It’s a song that works super well on the electronic dance scene. It’s my first time at Coachella. I’ve never been there. For me, it’s also a very fresh and new experience. I’m very looking forward to it.
What was it like working with Urban Theory?
This is everything new for them as well. It’s a dream for them as well. It’s a collective dream. That’s how we can make this happen. Otherwise it wouldn’t be possible.
Is there anyone you’re excited to see at Coachella this year?
I really would like to see Green Day, Travis Scott, Keinemusik, and the next Saturday, Ed Sheeran as well. There’s a lot of names. We have two weekends to enjoy. The whole family’s in LA now. We are going to spend a whole month in LA. They’re super happy to be there.
