In the ever-evolving landscape of music technology, a groundbreaking project is pushing the boundaries of human-computer interaction and vocal performance. Lucija Ivsic, along with Jon McCormack and Vince Dziekan, has developed the Transhuman Ansambl, a unique interactive singing-voice interface that blurs the lines between human and machine, performer and audience. This innovative system consists of sixteen bespoke virtual singers arranged in a circle, designed to respond to vocal input with human-like vocalizations, creating an immersive and intimate auditory experience.
The Transhuman Ansambl operates in two distinct modes: live performance and standalone sound installation. In live performance mode, the virtual singers listen to a human performer, interpreting pitch, intonation, and volume cues to generate responsive vocalizations. This interactive dynamic challenges traditional performer-listener roles, fostering a reciprocal connection between the human performer and the virtual ensemble. The standalone sound installation mode takes a different approach, utilizing ultrasonic distance sensors to detect audience presence and respond with vocalizations, effectively surrounding the audience with a chorus of responsive virtual singers.
The project draws upon the interdisciplinary field of voice studies, which considers the voice as a sound medium independent of language, capable of enacting a reciprocal connection between bodies. Ivsic, who developed the system as part of her practice-based PhD and artistic practice as a live performer, explores how technology can support the effect of intimacy produced through voice. The Transhuman Ansambl raises intriguing questions about the future of vocal performance and human-computer interaction, offering a glimpse into innovative ways of live performing that transcend traditional boundaries.
The practical applications of the Transhuman Ansambl extend beyond the realm of live performance. The system’s ability to interpret and respond to vocal cues could revolutionize audio production, enabling more intuitive and dynamic interactions between musicians and digital audio workstations. Additionally, the use of ultrasonic distance sensors to detect audience presence and respond with vocalizations could inspire new approaches to sound design and interactive installations in various contexts, from museums and galleries to public spaces and events.
As music technology continues to evolve, projects like the Transhuman Ansambl pave the way for new forms of artistic expression and human-computer interaction. By exploring the potential of the singing-voice as a medium for interaction beyond language, Ivsic and her collaborators are challenging conventional notions of performance and audience engagement, opening up exciting possibilities for the future of music and technology.
