Idols

Biography & Overview

In entertainment, a virtual band (also called a virtual music group, cartoon band, or cartoon music group) is a band composed of virtual performers (such as virtual singers or virtual idols) which are fictional characters or people depicted by virtual avatars. The music is produced by people, sometimes with the use of singing voice synthesis software. Media related to the virtual band, including albums, music videos and concerts, features the virtual performers; in many cases the virtual performers have been credited on the music.
The term virtual band was popularized with Gorillaz in 2000. However, the concept of the virtual band was first demonstrated by Alvin and the Chipmunks in 1958, when their creator, Ross Bagdasarian, accelerated recordings of his own voice to achieve the "chipmunk voice". There have since been numerous virtual bands that have recorded material. Computer animation, traditional animation, and vocal mixing and manipulation are common features.
The term virtual idol originates from Japan, where it dates back to the 1980s and has roots in anime and Japanese idol culture. Popular virtual idols include the Vocaloid singer Hatsune Miku as well as virtual YouTubers, Kizuna AI and Hoshimachi Suisei.
The term is sometimes confused for music groups who collaborate using the Internet, who do not require members to be in the same physical place for their work.