Smoke & Mirrors Sound System

Since 2022, we partnered with Smoke & Mirrors Sound System to create over twenty official music videos — each one pushing a different approach to AI-assisted motion imagery. From early experiments to fully developed cinematic storytelling, this ongoing collaboration continues to expand both artistic vision and technical ambition.

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Smoke & Mirrors Sound System is an international collective rooted in ska, reggae, and dub — anchored by their dynamic roster of collaborators including Victor Rice, Silky Hookings, Roger Rivas, and many more. Their music blends heritage with innovation, making them a natural match for Above The Void’s experimental visual language.

Every project in the collaboration has explored a new cinematic technique. Early videos were built using Deforum notebooks running on Google Colab — raw, unpredictable, and rich in abstract movement. As the partnership evolved, visuals were powered by more advanced workflows such as WarpFusion and custom pipelines designed to strengthen narrative cohesion. This constant evolution reflects the studio’s philosophy: each song deserves its own visual identity.

A recurring figure emerged along the way — John, a lone astronaut who wanders through surreal environments shaped by love, disillusionment, and cosmic melancholy. His story now spans three videos — Hyperactive, It’s Not The Fall That Hurts, and Don’t Break My Heart — forming an emotional thread that fans continue to follow.

As the relationship deepened, the band began integrating Above The Void’s videos into their live performances, projecting them as dynamic backdrops whenever possible. This allowed the visuals and music to merge into a fully immersive stage experience — extending the collaboration beyond the screen and into physical venues.

Despite the variety of styles, one value remains: technology is always guided by human intention. The result is a growing filmography that respects the band’s rich musical craft while embracing the creative potential of machine-assisted cinema.