Holly Herndon, born on March 10, 1980, in Johnson City, Tennessee, is a talented composer and sound artist now residing in Berlin, Germany. Her work primarily revolves around computer-based music, where she creatively employs Max/MSP, a visual programming language, to design unique instruments and manipulate vocal sounds. She has released her work under respected labels like RVNG Intl. and 4AD.
Recently, Herndon was nominated for a PhD program in Electronic Music at Stanford University, where she also earned her MFA in Electronic Music and Recording Media, studying under notable figures such as John Bischoff, James Fei, Maggi Payne, and Fred Frith.
Currently based in Berlin, American composer and musician Holly Herndon has taken her musical talents abroad after achieving her doctorate at Stanford’s prestigious Center for Computer Research in Music and Acoustics. Her compositions largely rely on computers, featuring human vocals—including her own—and often involve the creation of custom instruments and vocal manipulations via Max/MSP. Her music, distributed through labels like 4AD and RVNG International, includes her third album, Proto, released on May 10, 2019.
Beyond her solo projects, Herndon has engaged in various collaborations, working with Chicago-based producer Jlin, the Dutch design studio Metahaven, and Iranian author Reza Negarestani, alongside her long-term collaborator Mathew Dryhurst. Their ventures are noteworthy for exploring innovative approaches to content creation.Web 3.0 , blockchain, andartificial intelligence Herndon and Dryhurst co-host a podcast titled 'Interdependence,' where they explore the fusion of technology and the arts alongside leading figures in these fields.
2023
On May 15, Holly Herndon shared some insights for fellow musicians regarding adaptation in the face of AI advancements. She urged caution against outright relinquishing voice rights to generative AI programs, at least not without considerable thought. Herndon emphasized that artists should remain vigilant about signing contracts involving their vocal outputs in AI applications, as the technology's potential for misuse is far from fully understood.
Holly Herndon has delved into artificial intelligence projects like 'Holly+,' an AI-powered twin she developed with her partner Matt Dryhurst and 'Spawn,' an AI collaboration that played a role in the creation of her album Proto in 2019. Recently, she employed Holly+ to record a fresh rendition of Dolly Parton's classic 'Jolene.'
Latest news about Holly Herndon
During the Grand Prix season in Singapore, Affyn, a firm based in the city, is putting on an event called 'Web 3.0: Art Meets Metaverse.' This event will delve into the convergence of art, culture, and technology in the age of Web 3.0. It will feature discussions led by representatives from Warner Music Singapore, ONE Championship, and PwC, alongside a panel discussion and a curated exhibition of artworks. Affyn will also present an exclusive preview of its forthcoming mobile game, Buddy Arena, aiming to highlight new avenues for the digital future.
