The Tired Influencer

An influencer is someone who has established a significant following on social media platforms or other online channels. Brands often partner with these content creators to promote their products or services, leveraging their reach and credibility to reach new audiences and drive sales. "The Tired Influencer" delves into the daily struggles of a content creator in LA. While Gorillaz' song critiques the influencer marketing industry, it also conveys compassion towards the modern-day influencer looking for love and meaning.

Gorillaz cartoon bassist Murdoc Niccals offered his thoughts about "The Tired Influencer" in a Cracker Island listening party. "I know what that feels like," he said. "I've been an influencer my whole life. Even as an infant, all the other kids would copy my style, like the black leather onesie and the mohawk and the custom space-hopper. Bloody exhausting being so influential. It made me a wee bit tired."

Gorillaz recorded "Tired Influencer" for their eighth album, Cracker Island. Damon Albarn, co-creator of the virtual band, worked with American record producer Greg Kurstin on the album. "It's a museum of '80s synths and weird instruments. Everything's patched in and ready to go," Kurstin told Apple Music. "I gravitate towards the melancholy, even in a fun song. And Damon really brings that in his ideas. When I first heard Gorillaz, I was thinking, 'Oh, he gets me and all the music that I love.' I always felt that connection. It's what you look for - your people."