[3][4] Song Machine centers around the adventures of British virtual band Gorillaz and the various events they experience through their haunted headquarters at a newly revamped and relocated Kong Studios, which contains various portals through which the band visit the guests and transport them to Kong, while recording music for their newest project, Song Machine.

This version of Kong Studios, like the previous incarnation, is subject to paranormal activity, the most prominent example being The Pink Phantom from the episode of the same name.

As with other media, Song Machine's production was mildly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with work on the series continuing to be done remotely through e-mails and Zoom sessions, starting with "Strange Timez".

[7][8][9] According to Albarn, the original idea for Song Machine's music was for there to be two collaborators recording with Gorillaz for a track on separate floors at Studio 13, without hearing either of each other's contributions.

Albarn has stated that Song Machine was created because he became tired of the typical six-month time period that making an album takes.

[13] As per Gorillaz' usual approach, Song Machine explores a multitude of different musical genres, thus far including punk rock,[14] hip-hop,[15] R&B,[16] bossa nova,[17] reggae,[18] synth-pop,[19] electronic,[20] acid house,[21] and downtempo.

[24] Song Machine was originally inspired by 60s children's series like The Banana Splits, and by the binge-watching format of online streaming services.

[27] "The Valley of the Pagans" was created using the director mode of Grand Theft Auto V.[28] On 28 January 2020, the band officially released images via social media teasing a concept entitled Song Machine.

A 23-second promotional single entitled "Song Machine Theme Tune" was released on streaming services with an accompanying video.

Song Machine's first episode, "Momentary Bliss" officially premiered on YouTube on 30 January 2020, and the single was subsequently released on music streaming platforms.

After the premiere, additional "Machine Bitez" featuring interviews with "Momentary Bliss" collaborators Slowthai and Slaves by Gorillaz' virtual frontman 2-D were also uploaded to YouTube and music streaming services.

[30] A limited edition art print and additional merchandise was then put up for sale on Gorillaz' online shop following the episode's premiere.

Episode three, "Aries", ends with a snippet followed by a brief message from Gorillaz virtual band member 2-D informing viewers to stay safe amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

"[1] On 9 September 2020, during the premiere of "Strange Timez", it was announced that Song Machine was going to be released as a full studio album called Song Machine, Season One: Strange Timez with eleven tracks (seventeen on the deluxe edition), featuring guest appearances from artists such as Elton John, Robert Smith, Peter Hook, Beck, St. Vincent, Schoolboy Q, Octavian, 6lack, JPEGMafia, Chai, and various others.

[36] On 26 November 2019, Gorillaz put a set of holiday merchandise featuring the characters in a new look up for sale on their official online store.

Afterwards, "Song Machine Theme Tune" was posted on the band's social media pages on 28 January 2020 and the series made its premiere two days later.

On 15 October 2020, the band began posting snippets of Song Machine, Season One: Strange Timez' cassette editions online, starting with Noodle's.

"Désolé" – the second episode of Song Machine – features guest Fatoumata Diawara and depicts Gorillaz as they teleport to Lake Como through a portal in Kong Studios.

[49] Affinity Magazine called Song Machine one of Gorillaz' most ambitious projects to date, saying that it's "a testament to their unique take on the music industry".

The series also contains segments featuring Gorillaz co-creators Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett, and provides hands-on information regarding the making of Song Machine, Season One: Strange Timez.

[55] The concert was performed by the Gorillaz live band in Kong Studios and featured augmented reality appearances from the characters as they were shown in previous Song Machine episodes.

The merchandise for Song Machine is usually a limited edition art print, t-shirt, or sticker sheet that is released on the official online Gorillaz store with the premiere each episode.