Holly Herndon

Holly Herndon is an American artist and composer currently based in Berlin. She operates at the intersection of electronic and avant-garde music, forging her unique and disruptive style. Her academic background includes studies in composition from Stanford University before receiving her Ph.D. from Stanford's University Center for Computer Research in Music and Acoustics. Her music often incorporates vocals, including her own and is predominantly computer-based. Herndon utilizes visual programming languages and neural networks to create custom instruments and vocal processes. Her music has been released on renowned labels such as RVNG Intl. and 4AD. Beyond her solo work, Herndon has collaborated with notable artists and entities such as writer Reza Negarestani, producer Jlin and design studio Metahaven. Her ongoing collaboration with Mathew Dryhurst has led them to explore the frontiers of art and technology, delving into AI, Web 3.0 and blockchain systems. Herndon's compositions and soundscapes challenge and transcend conventional categorizations, blurring the boundary between the digital and the human. With her extensive expertise in vocal processing techniques and proprietary digital instruments, she creates immersive and thought-provoking pieces that defy traditional distinctions. Her work is a testament to her deep exploration of machine learning, music, and the boundless possibilities of merging art with technology.