The Mystique of Virtual Self

[@SpitfireTheWolf]

1:22 this is Andy Blueman’s remix of Serenity by Afternova. The real ID was My Nostalgia Is A Curse, which was played before this

[@cremewastaken]

THANK YOU! While scripting, I spent hours researching trying to fact-check myself whether or not this was a Fellow Feeling demo or some other ID, but was never able to find definitive info on it. It's a bummer that this video is published with incorrect info, but I'm glad that the song is finally identified. I'll pin your comment to hopefully not mislead too many people.

[@dR0L0b]

was about to comment on this but yup, i think is the only error on the vid

[@SpitfireTheWolf]

@@cremewastaken it’s all good, it happens hahah. He used to play this one out a ton before going into Mikkas’ remix of Unison

[@edmrussia]

@@cremewastaken It didn’t seem like it was a completely unknown ID. I talked about this in my video. Porter was inspired by this track. As he said in an interview: “I simply pass everything that I like through my creative filter.”

[@cooooooooooooock420]

@@edmrussiaYo, can you try to help me find this interview? I need to send it to someone lol

[@hrzworks]

"You know, Porter Some people die of nostalgia. So you better look out.." - Is There Really No Happiness? - Porter Robinson, 2024

[@chivu8535]

Just kidding Has Good one!

[@airesme]

Now we need to stop cheerleader producers from mixing “my nostalgia is a curse” with ITRNH

[@hrzworks]

@@airesme what a coincidence that I were in the middle of listening to Cheerleader when I saw your reply lmao

[@clearlyblurry508]

Now it gets me thinking. Is There Really No Happiness (Virtual Self remix).

[@wyy2k]

i fear you have made two of the best youtube videos about music ever

[@driesverhaag8955]

I fear this is a factual statement

[@kiltacular280]

Cringe

[@Thetamusic212]

oh hey you're that one guy i follow on twitter

[@swshi_]

oh hey youre the twitter porter stan

[@Thetamusic212]

@@swshi_ oh hey you're another guy I follow on twitter

[@utopicangel]

dry your eyes official release and my life is yours porter

[@cremewastaken]

real.

[@ChainShrine]

and God Rays

[@DownStruckMusic]

​@ChainShrine I believe porter said god rays may release on spotify soon

[@user-nkho]

@@DownStruckMusiche said he meant to release it. Def not releasing on Spotify soon.

[@DownStruckMusic]

@@user-nkho Ah okay

[@hn6850]

The g jones and eprom inclusions are fking awesome

[@michaelroy6630]

Agreed. A Porter collab with either of them would be life altering

[@ThunderHOWL16]

@@michaelroy6630there’s a virtual self g jones collab, i think it’s the song played near the end of the video? dry your eyes?

[@onkarlally]

GIVE ME AN EPROM AND PORTER COLLAB AND MY LIFE IS YOURS

[@ajmnaj69]

@@michaelroy6630till this day my favorite set I’ve seen live is Virtual Self B2B G jones at second sky 2022

[@RadiantLightUnit]

Word

[@silverwave010]

Virtual Self was ahead of its time!! One of my absolute favorite projects from Porter to date. If you're a 90s kid, chances are you too watched all of the Y2K anime, listened to the "futuristic" DDR trance and techno, and hoped that the 2010s-2020s would be the future we so desperately yearned for. But when we grew older, It seemed like that was all a childish illusion. I can see why Porter wanted to breathe life back into that dream for I do as well. I honestly hope to see Virtual Self now in 2024 and beyond, with the wave of Y2K DNB/Jungle kicking back in. Thank you for this breakdown- it helped refuel my creative process and juice!

[@RalseiSmokinAFatBlunt]

Absolutely correct. it blows my mind how ahead of the wave he was. That y2k inspired hypertrance jungle type stuff is all the rage right now

[@silverwave010]

@@RalseiSmokinAFatBlunt It's crazy because he called it back then too! He knew what was coming. Hearing these tracks back in 2017 before the Y2k wave was sensational haha

[@andibaofficial]

Brother i know you said you weren’t sure if you were gonna do a follow up, but honestly you have a talent. Even if you don’t do it with porter, your videos have been insane. Between this and the retro of porter, your videos have spoken to me cause porter himself has changed my life, and i’m so happy to feel heard by other people who have had a similar experience

[@julesmlodzik]

Video editor and motion graphics designer by trade here, and I can confirm that this shit absolutely goes

[@notyoutube8128]

Virtual self had by far one of the coolest ascetics is edm

[@divinitylain7790]

I sat for every Porter related content, but VirtualSelf? Its an obligation to watch and paying attention to the max

[@airesme]

YOOOO, WE GOT NEW CREME VID BEFORE HOLLOWHEART

[@Jerseyjamboree]

This aged amazingly

[@shunpofx]

angel voices still holds up to me as one of the best electronic songs ever made. im completely in love with this EP

[@sammyruntz]

While I adore it now, Virtual Self was the first and only real time I experienced the "all too common" feeling of not clicking with the new style that Porter moves in after he finishes an era. I remember hearing EON BREAK when it released, and thinking this whole project wasn't for me. It wasn't until after the entire phase was over, and Porter was gearing up to announce Nurture, did I fully come around to enjoying everything that Virtual Self had to offer, and boy am I kicking myself for missing out. At this point we all know how much Porter dislikes going back to styles or sounds he's done before, but some part of my heart hopes that technic-Angel and Pathselector get to make more music someday.

[@tvre0]

probably has a whole albums worth of Virtual Self ids

[@OurlordandsaviorShrek]

i really hope he does come back to virtual self too since its a whole seperate alias and not just an album or era.

[@ThatIdiotJSev]

Now holding my breath for Air2Earth retrospective 😉

[@ashleylevy3240]

10/10 video - no matter how much time passes I always find myself reaching back for the Virtual Self EP and I feel like you really captured that desire and love of being immersed

[@4ringmaster]

I saw Virtual Self at EDC in 2018 and the set blew me away. I didn’t even know it was Porter at the time. I had only heard about VS through Porter reposting tracks on soundcloud and thought they were pretty cool. Him and i_o were very formative for me as a newby to the techno and trance genres at the time and I will always credit their work for the impact it had on me.

[@brandonfloreslewis]

RIP i_o

[@QuickkCutss]

My man just made two videos, and I am not joking; these are the best two music videos on KZbin.

[@dvdlegendMusic]

this is probably the greatest video ive seen this year on youtube,the previous porter robinson video was already amazing,but this one is even better

[@PackOfWolves928]

It would be a dream come true for virtual self to return with that g jones collab and a skrillex collab

[@ThunderHOWL16]

skrillex, VS, and G Jones… i would die happy

[@mojoloco2504]

hate that Virtual Self will never come back 😭

[@Friedtimchee]

Don’t say never cause that’s how it starts

[@chopsfps]

i went to the Virtual Self show in Chicago and it was seriously one of the most otherworldly experiences i've ever been to. unbelievable energy and a general aesthetic in the air that was and still is way ahead of it's time in a live environment. i don't think anything will recreate it, if anything i'd love to one day myself. really, really amazing show, and great vid

[@Dealiosis]

I saw Virtual Self in Detroit in 2018 and it is still one of my favorite concerts to date.

[@anticlickbait]

Being the same age as Porter I know why he feels *nostalgia* in that particular way

[@garshne]

Gut wrenching that Virtual Self never made it to Australia, which means I'll probably never get to see it live in my life. Plenty of artists to fill the void, but it's tough.

[@MacDarf]

Glad you've returned to once again give me a history of Mr Protein Ribbon

[@growingup15]

Virtual Self was ahead of it's time and sparked a new Wave of Neotrance and Neo-Y2K Music and Visuals. only in the 2020s that this style of music has suddenly taken off. The whole vibe and aesthetics surrounding it is just peak. Whether Porter knows it or not This was their best work and I feel warrants a Virtual Self 2.0

[@tvre0]

alright this is the definitive explanation of virtual self. i know that 5 minutes in.

[@iam_aaa3025]

This is beautiful, thank you!

[@dendenbruh]

Virtual Self isnt talked about enough. its very much a part of porter lore even tho it isnt part of his porter robinson named albums. Virtual Self is a whole self he created to get away from the expectations of Worlds. that he couldnt be the person people expected him to be (Worlds 2). Virtual Self's purpose was to entirely get rid of himself in a sense, just lose himself in a world again. like you mentioned with the nostalgia line, its such a part of who porter is. especially with his new song Is There Really No Happiness? Nurture is the resolution to that drought he felt after worlds and virtual self by extension. his contemplation on his creative drought. Virtual Self is the epitome of his nostalgic tendency and how he entirely loses himself, he makes a "virtual self" AHHH got em.

[@maxgreen2365]

Probably one of the sickest live shows I’ve ever seen.

[@phann42]

Man this is so good! Your documentary made realize on how much i love virtual self. Everything about it so good. The concept,lore, music and porter nostalgia. I hope he brings it back and release those ID's

[@tommy1436]

Really good video man! Loved every part.

[@Julian-oy7hx]

i’ve been on virtual self repeat heavy lately. this is perfect

[@taylor7439]

really cool essay. The editing around 6:00 gave me goosbumps

[@kycoo2921]

Porter really knows how to sculpt a feeling or a vibe and you captured it perfectly! Fantastic work 👏🏻👏🏻

[@Makhwax]

6:47 that 🤨 emoji fading out 😂😂😂

[@facelessguy1242]

When I listened to Virtual Self back in 2017~2019 I had never heard of anything like it. The experience was literally euphoric, especially Angel Voices. I've been chasing that high ever since lol I always get massive chills when anything Virtual Self related gets mentioned, thank you for making this video. Fun fact: The music video for Angel Voices was made by DV-I, an artist which probably had similar inspirations to Virtual Self. I recommend you check her out as she is a very underrated artist and deserves more eyes on her. Present Day. Present Time.

[@itzSpoke]

Such a good video, thank you for paying hommage to this project and era of his!

[@sakurahertz]

Virtual Self might be my favorite Porter Robinson era

[@rnknvisuals]

Great analysis and great editing! It's always baffled me how much went into the world building for Virtual Self.

[@yuikirara6124]

WE WANT VIRTUAL SELF BACK!!!

[@psoninja]

I got to see virtual self about 3 times live. Been a fan of early era porter, caught him at a small stage at edc around the time of spitfire. VS means so much to me, while im in the minority here; his newer stuff is not my jam. But im glad hes doing well, i look forward to getting back into his later stuff one day.

[@steviemightdoit]

got literal goosebumps while watching this video when the Dry Your Eyes lead melody started coming in over that segment from the Zach Sang show ... ;-; masterful work my friend, hats off to you

[@ReavoEnd]

Huh?? This instantly goes into my favorites list. I don't update that list much. But man, what eye and ear candy. It's just art.

[@selm1313]

ooh you are the dude made the other amazing porter video, great job again! rly like your quality

[@BagrielMusic]

For sure the best video about Virtual Self on internet I've ever seen. Well done!

[@edmguy11]

I just found this video, but I already dig this and the channel. Plz do more edm video essays

[@Blue_Brawler]

my favorite KZbinr rn ON GOD. you’re editing is amazing man! I love your style! And of course, I fucking love Porter Robinson!

[@rosariogiordano696]

This video is incredible

[@hxnxur]

amazing work frfr

[@paxenimzi]

just finished the video & read the description... DUDE U KILLED IT WITH THE VIDEO PRODUCTION ON THIS SHEEESHHH

[@Lumiereclips]

10/10 editing skills

[@kwispy9932]

randomly remembered this channel cuz of the last video and subbed a few days ago, then you go ahead and upload a video in perfect timing thank you for waiting for me :)

[@crazyfurnaceguy1229]

Y2K J-TRANCE music, Bemani series, DanceDanceRevolution series and these Y2K arcade/home console 3D music video demo aesthetics most probably make Porter impressed and nostalgia while he during suffer from depression 🤔

[@financialweeb8016]

yet another banger from the internet's resident porter expert, keep it up my man

[@itspism]

wow. using custom robo ost tracks in this video is genius. mad respect

[@ANTH0NY.VII.]

Instant sub, your production quality is cracked

[@SorryNotMaya]

i like how the video uploaded at 4:3 this isnt just a coincidence

[@cheapbanksy]

subscribing now so i can say i was one of the first 1.5 k. You are definitely going places my guy 🔥

[@notyoutube8128]

He has to be the most underrated documentary maker on KZbin

[@LagSammiches]

I saw Virtual Self at Lights all Night in 2019. I didn't even know who Porter was, I just thought hey this is really good shit. Too bad I missed some of it because I was in the gaming lounge. I heard Ghost Voices and Eon Break clearly, and I instantly fell in love. I wondered where they went for a while lol. Imagine my shock when I discovered Porter, and later realized they were the same person. Someone that scratches a similar itch is Killmatter. The energy in his tracks is absolutely mental.

[@kiltacular280]

No killmatter is nothing like VS. You can’t disrespect VS like that 😂😭

[@LagSammiches]

@@kiltacular280 They have similarities between them, but they’re not exactly alike. They’re both inspired by internet aesthetics, just in different directions. I’m not disrespecting anything by drawing a comparison like that.

[@jpbianchini]

Cursed by nostalgia for the Virtual Self era

[@yshak466]

a completely new self gave me chills

[@RogueBeatsARG]

dud your visuals are insane

[@Spookyy24]

Extremely excited to see whats next from this channel. Absolutely love these video essays and how passionate you are about music

[@MIAninjas]

this is a very well made video

[@ThisIsAdri]

God damn man such a well made video

[@hankharrelsonmusic512]

super sick video. quality is thru the roof and i love ur takes on what it all means. i think that is a basis for a lot of his music is taking the art for what it means to you in that moment

[@cedricsonaquevido1565]

amazing video

[@Barelyaliveandbreathing]

Bros got a knack for story telling, holy shit 10/10

[@jyoun275]

one of the best videos ive seen in years thank you for this

[@risky1042]

I just came from watching your retrospective video, love everything. Thank you for showing me the inner details of this artist.

[@SuperSealMan777]

Your editing is superb man. Thanks for feeding my brain food

[@carters.9814]

Dude, visuals and editing are so good.

[@MagusFlorren]

Really thoughtful video! Love all the passion. From Porter, to you, to me. ❤

[@mattygaming_]

You suddenly posted one of the best videos ive ever watched

[@ElseWhere19]

Another banger video loved the retrospective so glad this was pushed in my recommended shoutouts to you and your impeccable editing skills

[@AriGrabb]

Amazing video. Not only was your analysis spot on, but your editing is remarkable as well. Virtual Self was an amazing project. As much as I would love to see it continue, watching this video made me feel like it will probably not. But I hope Im wrong, because there really is something magical within this world he created that a lot of people want to return to. But the wariness of nostalgia makes me unsure if we'll ever "sense the void of the layer-utopia" again.

[@WLLL____.]

Virtual Self mentioned

[@divehalfway]

Love your editing style, I actually had no idea Porter made this and thought the title meant something totally different lol. Nevertheless, engaged all the way through. Banger. 💯💯

[@mqmvm]

Really impressive editing, amazing video

[@jesselent7894]

porter is the goat. i’ve said it for years

[@SonicJ2]

This was interesting, I discovered an artist im not familiar with and remembered I want to watch lain lol! Good video

[@waynecrls]

this is the best video about virtual self i've ever seen

[@NAWN]

MASTERPIECE wowowow this video is peak youtube I can't put into words how well made this video is you should become a full time youtuber

[@ENVE5]

What an amazing video bro! Love porter, but also loved the editing and the voice over. 10/10 brother!

[@CEOofBdubs]

PEAK JUST DROPPED

[@cl0ud.i1]

this was beautiful

[@equinoz]

i miss virtual self

[@wbynan]

What a phenomenal video sir

[@TheGh0stType]

bravo man im only half way through and this is amazing!!!

[@zevidmusic]

Finally a video essay for virtual self

[@kutaaa]

OKAY ONE SECOND INTO THIS VIDEO N HEARING EPROM I FEAR I AM IN LOVE W YOU

[@Friedtimchee]

👏👏👏 very good video thank you sir ❤

[@Permaviolet]

this is such a great video, god i love virtual self

[@Legitusername7392]

Crazy video. Would love to see one about ISOxo!

[@cremewastaken]

Interesting suggestion! I enjoyed kidsgonemad, but have never really looked into him much past that.

[@roelferrales9769]

Eproms - Motion Blur

[@DanielHennellMusic]

This is an amazing video man! Keen to see more. Subbed.

[@BEEMOREmusic]

FINALLY OMFGG THANKIEE!!! i thought u gonna up something about SMILE tho :D

[@XanderHDD]

Thank you.

[@tylergrendel]

Ok this is really good