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Holly Herndon: PROTO

+ AYA

Holly Herndon in front of a choir recording

Electronic musician Holly Herndon presents her vision of a digital future, exploring technology’s potential through artificial intelligence, vocals and visuals.

A hybrid of studio project and touring band, Herndon is joined by an expanded vocal ensemble, her nascent machine intelligence creation Spawn and a newly developed A/V experience, to perform music from her third album PROTO.

Herndon and artist and philosopher Matthew Dryhurst and ensemble developer Jules LaPlace have developed custom A.I. processes for sound, vocal processing and visuals, exploring new forms of communion that continually evolve further.

Support comes from Manchester-based DJ & producer AYA (fka LOFT). Usually found playing US rap, 00s pop divas and uncompromising club sounds, here she will perform a new live set.

This performance will begin promptly at the advertised start time and running time will be confirmed closer to the event.

Produced by the Barbican in association with Rockfeedback

  • ‘There’s a pervasive narrative of technology as dehumanizing. We stand in contrast to that. It’s not like we want to run away; we’re very much running towards it, but on our terms.‘
  • ‘Choosing to work with an ensemble of humans is part of our protocol. I don’t want to live in a world in which humans are automated off stage.‘
  • ‘I want an A.I. to be raised to appreciate and interact with that beauty.‘
    Holly Herndon

Read the programme

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Barbican Hall

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