I am sitting in a machine; – Dubplate Record Version

About

I am sitting in a machine; is an algorithmic work that begins with a recording of an artificial human voice reciting a text which is then run through an MP3 encoder over and over again. With each iteration of the loop, one may hear the artefacts of the encoding process reinforcing themselves and gradually distorting the artificial human voice by revealing its data format.
The work is a hommage to composer Alvin Lucier’s 1969 piece I Am Sitting in a Room. The work consists of two parts. The first part is a limited edition, 30 unit dubplate vinyl. The second is a web page application distributed via the Internet. In both renderings, there are 32 tracks selected from 3000 successive iterations of the 128 kbps 44.1 kHz MP3 encoding.

I am sitting in a machine;
For machine voice and computer; (Limited Edition of 30)
2017
Size: 31,5 x 31,5 cm
Material: Dubplate (Acetate)
Record Label: Flipping the Coin Records

Exhibition View


The piece will be exhibited as both, record version (left) and web version (right). Please find more information below.

Ordering & Vinyl Dubplate Distribution

The vinyl distribution is handled through Flipping the Coin Records.
If you are interested in purchasing either the dubplate record or the web page application itself, please get in touch here: shop [at] martinbackes dot com. The vinyl version is strictly limited to 30 units. You will receive a reply with all needed information to place an order.

Flipping the Coin Records

Flipping the Coin tosses the coin three times: Once for records, a second time for books and a third time for films.
The dubplate label Flipping the Coin Records produces collector’s editions of auditory material created by visual artists. Sounds, beats, songs and melodies are cut into a carrier material and then played, thereby emitting the musical content back into the ether. More information here: Flipping the Coin Records

Real-Time Web Version

Please find the real-time web version of I am sitting in a machine; here: I am sitting in a machine; (Web Version)

Please note: Mobile browsers are not supported. Please use a desktop web browser (the work is optimized for Firefox and Chrome).

Blog Entry and personal Notes

You can read some personal notes about what the project is all about right here: Blog entry and personal notes

 

NOMINATIONS & PRIZES