created, =this.created & modified, =this.modified
tags:y2025performance
A lot of the fun is the ambiguous dreamy nature, texture without concrete answers to it but I’ve thought about this a bit!
But I’ll over analyze.
In the Discord QnA there was mention
“but im obsessed with catchy hooks . the power it has to remain in everybody’s brain it’s crazy to me … and im the first customer of that like i think it’s magic”
“nothing super precise you know but like also that love i have for little melodies and sounds of instruments like flute and stuff like that - it directly connects to almost like a traditional vibe - folkloric vibe”
my friends often told me that they see me as a person with a giant flute instead of my brain
There definitely is a sense of modern folkloric feel to the video. Think of the traditional Pied Piper, or mystery in Picnic at Hanging Rock. First, I thought we were viewing onset of a mysterious calamity, like a dancing mania. Something with song (perhaps all sound, perhaps awareness of the actual song we hear) is creating hypnosis.
This is both like, and unlike our world.
In the video I think there’s more to the Oklou “character” where she’s a trickster, but also wrapped in the song like us. Highlighting key points in video 1:21 (flute thrown), 1:33 (arcing fingers), 2:11 (hand reach, Oklou grin), 2:32 (knowing smile), 2:56 (Oklou dance).
Regarding the flute, even the word instrument has alternate forms “an object for producing musical sounds” and “a thing used in pursing an aim; a means - agency”
Agency has an interesting contrast with “performance.” Performance
For me, playing an instrument is a bit of control and a bit of not control. I control the instrument with intention, but I also want it to be free. There can be a point where picking up an instrument also hurts because you open yourself up to the pleasure and pain of a song, or expectations.
Regarding hypnosis, or earworms - just think of a DJ or a concert. There’s some degree of unconsciousness to the act. Mind control in the dance, and letting go of yourself. Being hypnotized to dance, and choosing to dance look identical.
We also can imagine people lip syncing, or singing to a song in their car. The artist’s voice literally takes over for the voice of the listener. They mouth, but the primary voice is in the singer through them.
Regarding the magic in the QnA, think of this conversation, we’re discussing this because it was created. And there is a spirit (a thread, a dance) that links these creative moments.
I think this is blended together with the life of someone who creates things in the lyrics. I think of my life as 30 something. What do I aspire to be? Is it a choice of a path, or a fate like a dance? Do we strive for comfort or experience? Can you create an original dance, or just love dancing with your family and friends (who are often being pulled apart from you with their own hypnosis/life). What’s my role as an adult? Do I want a family of my own? Do I give up my friends/family for this? If things are good why change?
If I put my heart into something…
It feels like chaos.
I’m not sure but I see the knowing smile at 2:32 part of the Oklou character forever realizing she can live within the chase/dance. Let go a bit, create and thrive.
Do we pick up the flute?!
my friends often told me that they see me as a person with a giant flute instead of my brain
The first neanderthal flute - “its origin is disputed, with many arguing that it is most likely the product of carnivores chewing the bone, and others a flute.” Isn’t that a lovely contrast of origins here? A bone to chew, or instrument? both?
We are the flute. We are the song.
Anyway, that’s how I related to it.
Alternatively it’s about plants are emitting hypersonic hypnotic dance sounds (tree in the breeze is ultimate music form)…