March 21: RM Francis to Perform Experimental Computer Music, Give Talk in DAC Event

The WSU Digital Audio Collective presents an experimental computer music performance by Seattle artist RM Francis at 7 p.m. Friday, March 21, at the WSU Planetarium. This four-channel (surround sound) audio work consists of sound and language generated by artificial intelligence and machine learning/listening technologies.

The event is free to all ages and open to the public with support from the WSU David G. Pollart Center for Arts and Humanities, the WSU Libraries, and the WSU Department of Physics and Astronomy. Please note that seating is limited, and admission is granted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Francis will also deliver an artist talk during the day of the performance at 3 p.m. in the Terrell Library atrium. The talk will feature a demonstration of his machine listening process and provide some historical context around his work.

Francis’ current work exploits discrepancies between human and artificial auditory systems to translate musical sound into language, producing a libretto founded on phonetic imitation and musical repetition rather than logical coherence. This musical script is then sung or spoken by a virtual ensemble of computer-generated voices. To learn more about Francis, please visit his website.

The Digital Audio Collective is a registered student organization that facilitates an inclusive environment for students to find collaborative opportunities, share information, and support each other in creating audio-based projects. The DAC presented the “Music for Observations” series at WSU’s Jewett Observatory last summer and fall and more recently appeared at the “Get Involved Fair” in January. The group will perform its first large-scale concert Thursday, April 3, in the Terrell Library atrium, featuring a dozen members presenting their music.

For more information, please contact WSU Libraries’ Jason Anderson, 335-5713.