Afterlife: The Utopian World of Technology, Nature and Humanity

From the FUTUREMAG archive. Originally published in FUTUREMAG #03 — Afterlife (June 2023).

Afterlife is a record label and event brand founded by Italian DJs and producers Carmine Conte and Matteo Milleri, known as Tale Of Us. Since its creation in 2016, Afterlife has become one of the most influential names in electronic music.

Welcome to the story of Afterlife, a world where the senses awaken and the boundaries between music and visual art blur into a unique experience.

More than music

Afterlife has gone beyond music and events to become a broader concept that seeks to convey values such as consciousness, respect and love through music and art. Its aim is a utopian world where technology, nature and humanity coexist in harmony.

Afterlife events have taken place in iconic venues around the world, such as the legendary Club Space and Hï Ibiza, Printworks in London and the Brooklyn Mirage in New York, as well as at major festivals like Tomorrowland and Ultra, where it hosts its own stage. These parties are defined by an immersive atmosphere and a focus on the fusion of electronic music and visual art.

Alongside the events, the compilation series "Realm of Consciousness" and "Unity" are an integral part of Afterlife. Released annually, these albums feature music carefully selected by Tale Of Us, reflecting the label's artistic and sonic vision, with both established artists and emerging talent.

Visual aesthetics

At Afterlife, visuals are fundamental to creating an unparalleled metaphysical immersion. That's why the vision has gone a step further with Anyma and MRAK, both part of an innovative mixed-media concept that merges music and imagery into a new form of creative production.

Thanks to NFT technology, they have been able to tell longer, deeper stories. Each NFT is like an EP or a single, presented in a show to make the narrative even more tangible. The fusion of art, 3D imagery and electronic music has captivated and empowered their community.

Genesis, Transcendence Pact and Symbiosis

The story of Afterlife is divided into three parts: Genesis, Transcendence Pact and Symbiosis.

At the center of the narrative is Eva Zero, a piece of Genesis. Eva embodies the fusion of the human and the technological. Like a reborn symbiote, she comes back to life with her own heart, becoming the first complete android they have unveiled, the personification of a balanced and harmonious world.

Through these stages, they let us explore abstract landscapes that represent an ideal world in balance. Driven by curiosity to be part of that world, Eva goes through a transformation from human to cybernetic, always keeping a connection with nature to achieve perfect balance. Her curiosity leads her to merge with technology, becoming an android with a human heart and human virtues.

The collaboration with visual artist Alessio De Vecchi has been crucial in creating the stunning visuals at the events. Alessio brought Eva Zero, the android who appears at every Afterlife event, to life. His creative process evolves alongside the music, conveying the vision they want to share with the world.