When dynamic director duo BRTHR first approached Xite to collaborate on Grimes’ forthcoming music video, the team was up for the challenge. Xite was tasked with creating virtual worlds that powerfully reflected Grimes’ artistic vision. She first drew her inspiration for the “Shinigami Eyes” music video from the mystical cult Japanese anime film Death Note. From that point, Grimes began crafting a storyboard. It soon became obvious that the music video concept relied so heavily on virtual production elements. That’s when BRTHR decided to bring Xite into the mix.

The worlds Xite created for “Shinigami Eyes” include:

1. Space Dark Abyss
2. Japanese TV show Set
3. Cybersphere
4. Ocean World
5. Cybersky
6. Tesla Light Tunnel (AKA the Cyber Truck)
7. Damaged Screen
8. K-Pop Land
9. Moon/Clouds environment

This visually stunning, avant-garde masterpiece was filmed entirely at Xite’s studio in Calabasas, CA. In addition, it features several noteworthy cameos. These include Jennie Kim (BLACKPINK), Dorian Electra, and experimental fashion Instagram star Ryon Wu. Moreover, the cyber-tech hallucinatory music video features incredible CG effects, one of which includes Grimes’ glowing red eyes. Grimes is supported by dancers wearing snakeskin-like bodysuits and metallic fallen angels as well as holographic dancers. As a whole, the music video for “Shinigami Eyes” powerfully brings Grimes’ celestial and future inspired vision to life. Undeniably, “Shinigami Eyes” is a music video for the modern age. It presses the confines of what is possible in creative production.

The show was programmed and operated using Disguise xR workflow and hardware. Most notably, all virtual environments graphics were created with Unreal Engine. Xite’s camera tracking and talent tracking system came from stYpe.

Grimes – Shinigami Eyes