Porter Robinson: Calvin Harris was my inspiration for Virtual Self

Porter Robinson‘s new “neo-trance” project, Virtual Self, has officially exploded into the mainstream. With appearances at Holy Ship!, Buku, Ultra 20, Spring Awakening, and Bonnaroo, the artist’s side moniker has now caught the attention of MTV News in a recent revealing interview.

Previously, a leaked insider e-mail from Robinson to his close friends had revealed his side project’s inspirations for blending trance, hardcore, techno, and more nostalgic genres. Yet, in a surprising twist, Robinson tells MTV that it was Calvin Harris‘ 2009 mega-hit, “I Am Not Alone,” that partly inspired his journey as Virtual Self to upset the electronic music realm.

The catalyst for mentioning Harris’ name was based on a previous tweet from the Scottish producer on his appreciation for Virtual Self’s instant classic, “Ghost Voices.”

https://twitter.com/CalvinHarris/status/952275740216647680

“I was just really surprised when Calvin tweeted that out,” Robinson revealed. “I’ve never interacted with him before, ever, and even as Porter we never had any relationship. Often times people won’t even say that kind of thing when their buddies release new music, so I messaged him and I told him – and this is true – that I think his track from 2009 ‘I’m Not Alone’ was really inspirational for this project. It’s one of the only tracks from the last 10 years that sort of gives me that classic sort of trance feeling.”

Whether Robinson’s goal with Virtual Self was to even reach the mainstream remains unclear. In actuality, it seems Robinson detests the culture surrounding pop music, a terrain for which Calvin Harris so easily fits in. Whatever the case, Virtual Self has sparked a movement within the electronic realm that is changing the way music is experienced.

Via MTV News

Featured Photo: Rukes