Transhuman Ansambl - Voice Beyond Language

TL;DR

The paper introduces the Transhuman Ansambl, an innovative interactive singing-voice system that responds to human input and audience presence, exploring voice interaction beyond language in live performance and installation contexts.

Contribution

It presents a novel virtual choir system with responsive virtual singers that interact through voice cues and environmental sensing, advancing voice-based human-computer interaction in artistic performance.

Findings

Virtual singers respond to pitch, intonation, and volume cues.

System supports both live performance and audience sensing modes.

Explores voice interaction beyond linguistic communication.

Abstract

In this paper we present the design and development of the Transhuman Ansambl, a novel interactive singing-voice interface which senses its environment and responds to vocal input with vocalisations using human voice. Designed for live performance with a human performer and as a standalone sound installation, the ansambl consists of sixteen bespoke virtual singers arranged in a circle. When performing live, the virtual singers listen to the human performer and respond to their singing by reading pitch, intonation and volume cues. In a standalone sound installation mode, singers use ultrasonic distance sensors to sense audience presence. Developed as part of the 1st author's practice-based PhD and artistic practice as a live performer, this work employs the singing-voice to explore voice interactions in HCI beyond language, and innovative ways of live performing. How is technology supporting the effect of intimacy produced through voice? Does the act of surrounding the audience with responsive virtual singers challenge the traditional roles of performer-listener? To answer these questions, we draw upon the 1st author's experience with the system, and the interdisciplinary field of voice studies that consider the voice as the sound medium independent of language, capable of enacting a reciprocal connection between bodies.