Project File
PESTO_Augmentality_DEMO_fest_2023.mp4 (117 MB)

Pesto - AUGMENTALITY

"Augmentality"

[verse 1]
Oh dear, it's real
Never thought it was that near
My worst fear is now here
Life is going to get weird
Can no longer trust my eyes
Nor what I hear through my ears
In this virtual paradise
No one can tell fake from real
Even though it let's you pick
Everybody's look but yours
You still don't seem to rejoice
That's a paradox of choice
With one voice they all say
Hey, chill out it’s all okay
Nay, you can go and play
I will stay away and Pray

[Chorus]
What you see ain't what you get
What you hear has not been said
Ain't no more reality
Age of Augmentality
(Orchestral choir: Quod Vides Non Existit)

[bridge]
Can no longer trust my eyes
Nor what i hear through own ears
Everything is a disguise
No one knows what's fake what's real
Sound and picture don't suffice
To be used as evidence
This pretended paradise
Will be our decadence

[Chorus]
What you see ain't what you get
What you hear has not been said
Ain't no more reality
Age of Augmentality
(Orchestral choir: Quod Vides Non Existit)

[Verse 2]
Choose views, colours, hues
Make the World completely yours
Bend it's look to your will
Put on goggles feel the thrill
It's a drug, a pain relief
Once you're in, you cannot flee
Hooks you on a lucid dream
In which nothing's like it seems
Sold as a visual fix
Things it can depict looks sick
Hard to spot what's fake what's not
Gives you powers of a God
But! Prep for a surprise
A vicious wolf in sheep's disguise
It will turn the bait you ate
Into a disastrous fate

[Chorus]
What you see ain't what you get
What you hear has not been said
Ain't no more reality
Age of Augmentality
(Orchestral choir: Quod Vides Non Existit)

  • Pawel Stokajlo
    Author
  • Pesto
    Name of Band or Artist
  • Project Type:
    Song, Lyrics Only
  • Genres:
    Hip-hop
  • Length:
    4 minutes 12 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    July 15, 2023
  • Country of Origin:
    Poland
  • Language:
    English
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Prague Music Video Awards
    Prague
    September 1, 2023
    Best Lyrics Song
Artist Biography

Pesto is an independent artist hailing from Southern Poland. From a young age, he displayed a passion for music and started composing his own songs on an Atari microcomputer at the age of 14. By 16, he had begun crafting his own lyrics, setting the foundation for his musical journey.

At just 18, Pesto released his first independent album, which garnered attention when one of its tracks was played on regional radio stations. However, as he pursued higher education, his music career took a backseat temporarily. After completing university, he made the bold decision to leave Poland and embark on a life abroad.

Even while living abroad, Pesto continued to nurture his passion for music, composing songs and writing lyrics. However, it was only recently that he made the decision to produce and share his best works. Currently, he divides his time between Gibraltar and Poland, dedicating himself to creating not only captivating songs but also visually compelling music videos.

Pesto's first two music videos, "Ciecho" and "Vespa," have achieved significant success, earning multiple awards at international film and music festivals. This recognition has fueled his motivation to create more exceptional work.

His latest song, "Augmentality," is a visionary piece with English lyrics. The hook was written back in 2019 during the rise of deep fake videos, and the rest of the lyrics were completed in 2023, coinciding with the launch of AI chatbots like GPT. The song serves as a warning about potential negative aspects of the AR (Augmented Reality) world that is heavily promoted in today's society.

While "Augmentality" is still in the process of being turned into a music video, Pesto is already working on two new songs, aiming to reach a broader audience with his unique blend of music and thought-provoking lyrics. With his determination and creative spirit, he continues to evolve as an artist, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music and visual storytelling.

Add Artist Biography
Artist Statement

In "Augmentality," I explore the concept of a world where "Augmented" and "Reality" collide, giving rise to a new digital realm shaped by AI algorithms. This virtual paradise, filled with limitless possibilities, allows users to mold their surroundings according to their desires. However, this apparent luxury masks a hidden cost, one that many are hesitant to acknowledge.

As the appearance of everything becomes subject to user preference, the true condition and essence of the original objects, including humanity itself, are disregarded and forgotten. The immersive experience within this simulated world leads to a decline in the value and care for the tangible reality, turning people into addicted participants, reluctant to leave the confines of the artificial simulation.

While this utopian-like existence captivates many, not everyone can afford or is willing to embrace this digital mirage. As a result, those who remain outside the widely accepted "new reality" are labeled as outlaws and rebels, experiencing a nightmarish version of existence, starkly different from the idealistic illusion.

The digital world's dependency on electric power sets the stage for a dramatic awakening. When the devices that sustain this lucid dream eventually run out of batteries, the harsh truth becomes undeniable. The illusion shatters, and the stark reality emerges, revealing the consequences of neglecting the true world.

"Augmentality" serves as a cautionary tale, urging us to contemplate the implications of prioritizing a virtual paradise over the authentic, tangible world. It challenges us to recognize the delicate balance between embracing technology's wonders and preserving the essence of our humanity and the environment we inhabit. Through this song, I hope to provoke thought and reflection on the path we choose to tread as we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of augmented reality.