Skullz, A Spice Girls And K-Pop Joint Virtual Singing Group

JAKARTA - A British songwriter, Peter Kirtley, has recently formed the girl group Skullz. This group is not random, but a group of girl singers created through artificial intelligence (AI). Skullz will release a non-fungible token (NFT) instead of making a single.

NFTs are limited edition assets that are sold without any physical form via the blockchain, effectively providing a certificate of ownership. They are lauded as a way to sell artwork and digital assets.

Inspired by the Spice Girls and K-pop, Skullz is described as the world's first interactive emo-pop trio and virtual band. In addition to forming Skullz, Peter Kirtley, who has written hits for groups Hear'Say and Sugarbabes, has also founded a blockchain music label called Soundr.

Soundr, marks an interactive virtual act that will only ever exist in the collective virtual space known as the 'metaverse', according to the label's website, https://skullzofficial.com/.

Skullz, will have a launch party in the metaverse later this year. All Skullz singles will be played via the metaverse, which is only accessible to fans via the internet via online games. This Metaverse won't even play on radio or streaming sites like Spotify. Fans can also purchase group-related merchandise as NFT.

Kirtley, who won an Ivor Novello award for songwriting, came up with the idea for Skullz after his daughter was bullied online. He wants all-girl groups to have an 'alternative, rebel' look, with Asian characteristics to appeal to Korean K-pop fans.

“I thought 'how can you put together the 21st century Spice Girls in a metaverse that teenage girls can enjoy with meaningful interactive experiences?” said Kirtley, who had been in Boyzone's video, Dream.

The group consisting of three members named Orkid, Sneeka, and Hyde will be able to develop their 'virtual brain' through AI technology and by meeting fans in the metaverse.

“Fans can hang out with band members backstage in the metaverse, take digital selfies with them, and influence their songs and girlfriend choices”, Kirtley said. “Avatars can expand their vocabulary and learn to think from interactions with fans”, says Kirtley.

Kirtley sees a future where the group can be featured in popular online games like Fortnite.

"We are currently witnessing a major shift towards virtual entertainment as youth culture uses games, not music, for their social expression and interactions", he said.

“Music, as an experience, needs to form a deeper connection that is authentic and real-time. We are now seeing the birth of the metaverse – turning the internet into a place you can visit, touch, and explore”, he added.

“We are thrilled that Soundr, and our digital artists, can be a part of this movement. Gamifying music is something we love", Kirtley said.

Soundr, which uses the same blockchain technology like Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, was founded by former record company executive John Black.

The label describes its vision as investing in the future of the music industry through engagement, culture, and technology, giving fans greater independence over the groups they belong to.

Soundr claims to have four other virtual acts still in development, across a 'myriad of genres' of music. Skullz's own avatar will be completed in August and the group will officially launch later this year.