Having previously used SoundCloud as a vehicle for expressing his thoughts on COVID-19 back in 2020 by uploading a track to his user18081971 account with a filename linking to a conspiracy video, Aphex Twin has now employed a similar method to clarify his stance on vaccines.
When people called the producer born Richard D. James was called out for his actions three years ago, he updated his bio to explain, “I definitely don’t think COVID is a hoax, I’m just very worried about the erosion of civil and human rights and how we are to get them back.”
He has since felt the need to offer additional commentary, with a fan on Reddit posting a screenshot last week of an ID3 tag for an Aphex upload ripped from his 2014 Syrobonkers interview with Dave Noyze. In addition to reading, “Vaccines are poisonous, mercury, aluminum can = autism, cancer," the tag also shared propaganda pertaining to the likes of Hamas, 9/11 and chemtrails [via Stereogum].
James took to the platform over the weekend to address the text in the tag, claiming that it did not reflect his views.
“I put random things in ID3 tags sometimes but this one about vaccines has been changed," he wrote. "When you get known, people will try and bring you down, comes with the territory. I recommend trying to find common ground with your fellow humans, rather than dividing yourself into smaller and smaller groups.”
The producer continued, "My thoughts on vaccines for what it’s worth is that I’m not against them in principle but you should look at them on a case by case basis, see what’s in them, do your research and decide if it’s right for you or your loved ones, it’s up to the individual whether you have them or not."
“I should also add for future reference that if you want to know my thoughts on any topic I believe in everything and nothing simultaneously," he added, clear as mud.