Koto Murai (/ˈkoʊtoʊ mʊˈraɪ/); known professionally as Koto, is a Vietnamese-American tech alchemist and creative technologist. As a part of the Gen-Z generation of digital artists, he has leveraged the internet to build his career, working with the band Brockhampton as K-pop Star Kevin Doan[1] and touring the world as their visual artist and creative technologist. He has also been a key member of Grimes' creative team since 2020, serving as a creative technologist for video productions, live shows, and the development of GrimesAI. [2]

Currently, Koto is focused on his own ventures, building Asgard Studios, a creative studio and multimedia neo-toy franchise [3]. His main project, Koto Club, aims to create the next Hello Kitty or Pokémon for new generations, emphasizing leading-edge creativity, technology, and leadership. Koto's work has garnered support from notable figures like Grimes, Bella Poarch, and Jaden Smith.

Career

edit

Work with Brockhampton

Murai was involved in the visual and technological aspects of Brockhampton's live performances and music videos during their global tours. His contributions have been noted for enhancing the group's innovative visual style. [1]

Collaboration with Grimes

Since 2020, Murai has been a part of musician Grimes' team as a creative technologist. He has contributed to the production of music videos, live performances, and the development of AI-related projects.[citation needed] This includes working on the GrimesAI project, which integrates artificial intelligence into creative processes.[4]

Asgard Studios

edit

Murai is the founder of Asgard Studios [5], a creative studio focused on technology-driven projects. The studio has worked on various collaborations with artists like Grimes and Brockhampton, as well as with tech companies such as OpenAI, Runway, and Google.

Koto Club

In 2020, Murai launched Koto Club, an online community and brand designed to foster creativity and innovation among its members. Originally started as a passion project, Koto Club has evolved into a platform aimed at producing new cultural icons. Murai envisions the project as creating a cultural phenomenon akin to Hello Kitty or Pokémon.

References

edit
  1. ^ a b Jenkins, Craig. "The Boys in the Band Brockhampton is not your typical 13-member genre-defying rap collective–slash–multimedia empire". New York Vulture. Vox Media Network. Retrieved 29 August 2024.
  2. ^ Rascoe, Rachel. "Grimes Explained to UT Students Why Artists Should Make Songs With Her AI-Generated Vocals". Austin Chronicle. Austin Chronicle. Retrieved 29 August 2024.
  3. ^ Berlin, MWM. "Most Wanted: Music 2023". Swapcard. Swapcard. Retrieved 29 August 2024.
  4. ^ Studio, Kaiber. "When Art Meets Algorithm: The Grimes AI Visual Spectacle at Coachella". Kaiber Blog AI. Kaiber. Retrieved 29 August 2024.
  5. ^ Studios, Asgard. "Asgard Studios". Asgard Studios. Asgard Studios. Retrieved 29 August 2024.