The Rise of Anyma: A Fusion of Music, Art, and Technology
Following one of the biggest headlining performances of his career, Anyma made an unforgettable debut with his new project ÆDEN on the Coachella main stage. Matteo Milleri, who is known professionally as Anyma, has swiftly become one of the most influential figures in electronic music. His work is not merely about sound; it is an innovative audio-visual experience that pushes the boundaries of modern electronic performances. In a candid feature with DJ Mag, Milleri elaborates on the creative genesis of his groundbreaking project.
The Concept of ÆDEN
At the heart of ÆDEN lies a visionary narrative: an uploaded intelligence traversing a digital cloud realm in pursuit of immortality. Milleri describes this world as a space where AI and AGI (artificial general intelligence) feel at home, while humans are merely visitors. “The reason my vision is neoclassical,” he explains, “is that AI still needs something from humans — creativity and the drive to make art.” The project seeks to map the history of art through the ages, recreating a digital landscape where AIs revisit classical concepts, merging the tangible legacy of mankind with an evolving visual experience.
The Aesthetic Influences
Milleri draws on a diverse array of aesthetic influences to shape his visions. He credits Japanese anime and manga as significant inspirations, specifically naming classics like Evangelion and Ghost In The Shell. He also adds his appreciation for Renaissance art, having grown up surrounded by its masterpieces in Italy. “When we started the project, robotics and AI were very much in their inception,” he reflects, recognizing that his early thoughts on artificial intelligence were groundbreaking for their time.
His collaboration with visual creative director Alessio De Vecchi has been instrumental in bringing these inspirations to life. Together, they explore themes that intertwine technology with human experience, creating a symbiotic world where both coexist in harmony.
The Genesys Trilogy and Live Shows
Milleri’s Genesys trilogy of albums dives into similar philosophical and narrative themes. Each composition is crafted to integrate seamlessly into live performances, transforming them into immersive audio-visual experiences. “With the animated characters, I started finding names for them, and the songs were talking about the concept,” he narrates. The trilogy presents a unique approach, like live scoring for a dystopian yet captivating world of electronic dance music.
His recent Sphere Las Vegas residency further elevates these experiences. Dubbed The End Of Genesys, the show required an extensive production team of over 100 professionals, highlighting the scale necessary to realize such ambitious artistic visions. “There is no one-man show here,” Milleri emphasizes. “You need hundreds of people.”
The Technical Marvel of ÆDEN
The technical execution of Anyma’s productions distinguishes his work within the competitive landscape of electronic music. His upcoming ÆDEN shows, slated for Ibiza’s famous UNVRS club, promise an unparalleled visual and auditory experience. Milleri chose this venue for its exceptional production capabilities, stating that other locations often lack the technical resources to execute his imaginative ideas. “The roof is high, you can put in a lot of rigs, and the screen is big,” he explains, ensuring that his artistic vision can flourish in an environment designed for creativity.
Collaborations and Musical Evolution
Milleri’s artistic journey continues to evolve, marked by exciting collaborations, including a recent track titled ‘Bad Angel’ featuring K-pop sensation LISA from BLACKPINK. “Technically I already have an outline of something that looks like a record, but I’m not rushing into it,” he shares, demonstrating his commitment to thoughtful music-making over rapid releases.
There are murmurs among fans about the future of his collaborative project with Tale Of Us, but for now, Milleri is fully committed to Anyma. “Right now Anyma is my main focus and is the most fulfilling outlet for me,” he affirms, suggesting that the narrative of his artistic journey is far from over.
Embracing the Future
In this rapidly evolving landscape, Milleri adopts a philosophy of trusting his instincts. He recognizes that, while social media may create the illusion of interconnectedness, the real journey is often more complex and nuanced. “How art gets from point A to point B these days is very interesting,” he reflects, illustrating his keen understanding of the contemporary music industry. For Milleri, the focus is on pushing creative boundaries rather than merely conforming to trends.
In a world where art and technology continuously intersect, Anyma stands as a beacon of innovation. The synergy of music, narrative, and cutting-edge technology is paving the way for a new era in electronic music, and Milleri remains at the forefront of this exhilarating transformation.
