Lifestyle, Culture, Technology, Entertainment, Music VOCAL Lifestyle, Culture, Technology, Entertainment, Music VOCAL

Feel the Pride

For the month of June, NYC Pride welcomes WorldPride as it marks the 50th Anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising and a half century of LGBTQI+ liberation. To celebrate this moment, The Ally Coalition have created an emotive community-driven sound and light experience featuring a soundscape by St Vincent, and generated by user messages. The experience is powered by Microsoft AI technology that explores powerful feelings of hope, anger, joy and determination.

 

The Ally Coalition Presents Feel the Pride, an immersive installation celebrating WorldPride, Powered by Microsoft

As WorldPride NYC Commemorates the Reality of Stonewall 50, Artificial Intelligence Creates a Unique Audio-Visual Display of the World’s Sentiments on Pride.

 

For the month of June, NYC Pride welcomes WorldPride as it marks the 50th Anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising and a half century of LGBTQI+ liberation. To celebrate this moment, The Ally Coalition have created an emotive community-driven sound and light experience featuring a soundscape by St Vincent, and generated by user messages. The experience is powered by Microsoft AI technology that explores powerful feelings of hope, anger, joy and determination.

Feel The Pride is an immersive experience that aims to express what Pride feels like with a stunning sound and light display that will take guests on a journey through shared sentiment of what Pride means to them. Either onsite or from around the world using the #FeelThePride hashtag on Twitter, users input their message conveying their personal feelings of Pride from which Microsoft Azure’s Sentiment Analysis tool analyzes the content for sentiment and translates it into a generative sound and light experience. The sounds of St. Vincent and lighting display of color patterns that are presented evolve into a unique presentation for each message based on the underlying sentiment.

The 2019 WorldPride is the first to take place in the Stonewall Uprising’s home of New York City, an event that in 1969 marked a turning point in equality for personal choice of expression which remains a symbol of strength in the LGBTQI+ communities around the world. To commemorate its 50-year anniversary, the non-profit activist spokesgroup The Ally Coalition envisioned an experience that would amplify the passion of this movement, elevating participants with collective hope while grounding them with the connections of community.

The Feel the Pride installation will run from June 15–30, located at 568 Broadway (at Prince St), New York, NY.

For more information, please contact VOCAL or visit www.theallycoalition.org.

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AI Powers Music Mood at Sister City

Sister City, a new, meticulously designed hotel in NYC that embraces technology to offer guests a modern respite, debuts a first-of-its-kind lobby music score. Inherent to Sister City’s founding ethos was the question of its sonic landscape — Sister City asks what new shapes music can take as a site-specific, living extension of the hotel, and looked to Brian Eno’s Music For Airports and John Cage’s concept for “4’33”” as touch points for these conversations.

Sister City

Sister City Announces New Generative Music Lobby Score Created by Experimental Musician Julianna Barwick in partnership with Microsoft

Sister City, a new, meticulously designed hotel in NYC that embraces technology to offer guests a modern respite, debuts a first-of-its-kind lobby music score. Inherent to Sister City’s founding ethos was the question of its sonic landscape — Sister City asks what new shapes music can take as a site-specific, living extension of the hotel, and looked to Brian Eno’s Music For Airports and John Cage’s concept for “4’33”” as touch points for these conversations.

Sister City completely rethinks how sound can be specifically designed for public spaces by responding directly to the environment it lives in. Rather than employing a playlist, it expands the possibilities of audiospheres and conceived an idea borne from Sister City’s experiential design, use of technology and love of harmony and balance. They worked with Microsoft to help with the project, and together brought in indie electronic musician Julianna Barwick to collaborate on a generative music score that exists as an extension of the hotel instead of an added layer. The result is an ever-evolving soundscape that uses technology to respond to its environment.

Sister-City_Adrian-Gaut_190008.jpg

“Ever since we first heard Brian Eno’s Music For Airports, we’ve been obsessed with the idea of creating music for a specific space. Working with Julianna Barwick and Microsoft to bring this creative dream to life has been rad — stuff like this is why we build hotels in the first place.” —Ryan Bukstein, VP of Brand, Atelier Ace.

Julianna worked with Microsoft to create a composition that uses Sister City’s sky camera on the roof to respond to the neighborhood: sounds that loop and shift as a pigeon flies overhead; during sunrise, sunset or rain; as a cloud or airplane traverses across the sky. Ever-evolving and in concert with nature’s moving targets, the piece enlightens guests to their surroundings in exuberant and innovative ways.

“I hope it’s going to inspire people to wonder and to be excited and curious as to what the different sounds mean, but also for it to be a pleasing thing to listen to. I lived in New York City for 16 years, so I almost see this installation as an homage to that vibe, and that neighborhood, and my time in New York. So it's kind of emotional a little bit personal.” – Julianna Barwick, musician

This installation utilizes Microsoft’s Custom Vision API to identify the objects captured by the hotel’s roof cam. The AI has been trained to ID various objects or incidents and match them with specific loops and sounds composed by Julianna. The collab is part of Microsoft’s Music x Technology program, bringing together Microsoft technology and boundary-pushing artists to transform the way we create and experience music. Past partnership have featured Brian Eno, Childish Gambino and Alison Wonderland. Sister City’s score will continue to evolve as they invite new artists to contribute.

Julianna Barwick - Recording process

Sister City is a hotel distilled to its most beautiful parts. Created by the people behind Ace Hotel and inspired by the functional perfection of Finnish saunas, Japanese bento boxes, the rock-cut cliff dwellings of prehistory and John Cage’s 4’33”, Sister City offers 200 intimate, efficient rooms, a ground-floor restaurant Floret and rooftop bar Last Light right on the Bowery, Manhattan’s oldest and most storied thoroughfare.

As a hotel, Sister City is inspired by the philosophy of Less, But Better. The inherent satisfaction of having just enough. They asked what was needed for today’s traveler, and shaved off the excess, considering aesthetic sustenance and human connection modern needs as well. The result: a new prototype for compassionate hospitality where efficiency and beauty find union. Sister City provides you shelter from the elements, but orients you to the wider world, as well.



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NAO Takes Fans Into “Orbit” With Interactive Music Video Powered By Microsoft AI

Microsoft has announced another partnership through their ongoing In Culture program that supports today’s most innovative creatives, this time with English singer-songwriter and rising star NAO. Together they are producing a never-before-seen interactive and personal music video to support the “Orbit” track on her new album Saturn released late in 2018.

From the Sky to Your Screen, NAO’S New Video is a Truly Personalized Experience.

 Microsoft has announced another partnership through their ongoing In Culture program that supports today’s most innovative creatives, this time with English singer-songwriter and rising star NAO. Together they are producing a never-before-seen interactive and personal music video to support the “Orbit” track on her new album Saturn released late in 2018.

Go behind-the-scenes of the music video for NAO's "Orbit." R&B artist NAO used Microsoft machine learning and artificial intelligence to launch an interactive music video that brings fans' zodiac constellations to life. Experience it for yourself at http://orbit.thisnao.com

The “Orbit” music video is centered on a Saturn return, a unique occurrence for each of us that exists when the planet returns to the same place in the sky that it occupied at our moment of birth. The astrological inspiration of the song is known as a personally tumultuous time that allows NAO fans a more intimate connection with the artist and her work. The use of Microsoft’s technology and AI create visualizations based on both user inputs and cloud-point data collected gather from a dancing NAO, taking this fan-artist connection even further for a deeper experience as it relates their own personal journey.

To customize the “Orbit” music video the viewer enters their birthday, initiating a launch of the zodiac-filled night sky in which NAO and the dancers move through the galaxy. Colors of the sky and stars can be adjusted as the AI picks up the different constellations in the dancer’s bodies, as well as the fan’s own astrological sign. At completion, fans can share an image of NAO posing in the stance of their astrological sign, along with a plot of Saturn’s return in their own personal timeline.

The process for the music video began at Microsoft’s volumetric capture studio in San Francisco where cameras captured NAO and an accompanying dancer performing choreography to “Orbit” that transformed their bodies into point clouds of data. The Microsoft Custom Vision API was then trained to identify constellations within their movements, resulting in a truly customized experience that allows fans to connect emotionally with NAO’s own personal story within the song.

Based in East London, NAO’s sound is a mix of soul, funk, R&B and electronic music — what she calls as "wonky funk". Saturn is her second studio album, released in October 2018 and supported by the singles "Another Lifetime" and "Make It Out Alive". The upcoming “Orbit” music video release with Microsoft is scheduled for April 26, with a special in-depth experience as a media preview set for April 25 in London, UK.

For more information on NAO, visit www.ThisNAO.com. For information around the Microsoft In Culture program, visit Microsoft.com/InCulture.

All media inquiries can be directed to VOCALnyc.com.


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Microsoft Lets You Step Inside Muse's New Album

Today the British rock band Muse kicks off the global Simulation Theory album tour in Houston, Texas, giving fans a first look at their much-anticipated partnership with Microsoft. For the holders of “Enhanced Experience” tickets at each tour stop, a VIP pre-party includes a revolutionary approach to audience inclusion that brings fans into the album’s imagined world through interactive virtual reality.

Muse Continues to Push the Boundaries of Fan Experience on Their New Tour, Now with Microsoft VR Technologies to Create a Unique Fan-Artist Connection. 


HOUSTON, TX (February 22, 2019) — Today the British rock band Muse kicks off the global Simulation Theory album tour in Houston, Texas, giving fans a first look at their much-anticipated partnership with Microsoft. For the holders of “Enhanced Experience” tickets at each tour stop, a VIP pre-party includes a revolutionary approach to audience inclusion that brings fans into the album’s imagined world through interactive virtual reality.

As part of their In Culture program that creates visionary initiatives that blur the line between artist and audience, Microsoft has partnered with Muse to develop a totally unique music-video experience through three custom VR games each soundtracked and inspired by a song from the Simulation Theory album. This virtual-reality immersion is initially reserved for dedicated fans purchasing the Enhanced Experience pre-show party package that includes the opportunity to take photos with props and memorabilia from the newest music videos, exclusive album-themed keepsakes, and front-row seats to the show.

The artwork for Muse’s latest studio album is reminiscent of the classic 80’s sci-fi movie Tron, the plot of which loosely aligns with the album title and it’s referenced “simulation hypothesis” that accepts that we’re all actually living within a computer-generated artificial reality. This is also in keeping with the band’s ongoing themes of a futurist technology dominated existence, as well as their visual interpretation that portrays more of a yesteryear’s vision of tomorrow. Complimenting this in contrast, Microsoft has incorporated their technologies to offer an out-of-this-world fan experience for today.

In creating more music videos for Simulation Theory than any previous release, Muse has also created an alternative visual world for the album that establishes a unifying theme for its songs. “The videos are very continuous; that's where the concept can be seen more so than in the music”, informs vocalist/guitarist Matt Bellamy. “So we're going to take that visual world and try to translate it into the live show, with the other performers who will be on stage with us.” The VR games developed with Microsoft take this audience experience far beyond a stunning audio-visual performance, guiding fans deep into the album’s virtual world for a uniquely personal immersion and real connection.

For more information on Muse and their upcoming tour, visit Muse.mu. For information around the Microsoft In Culture program, visit Microsoft.com/InCulture.

For all media inquiries contact VOCAL.  

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Microsoft Installation at Moogfest

Opening May 19, Realiti - Inside the Music of Grimes is an interactive installation, powered by Microsoft Kinect technology, that allows participants a chance to go inside the music of Canadian electronic musician and producer Claire Boucher (a.k.a. Grimes). The installation will run from May 19-22 at Moogfest, an annual music, art and technology festival inspired by the late inventor of the Moog synthesizer, Robert Moog.

The Microsoft Powered Installation Realiti - Inside the Music of Grimes Opens to Festival Goers at Moogfest 2016

 

Opening May 19, Realiti - Inside the Music of Grimes is an interactive installation, powered by Microsoft Kinect technology, that allows participants a chance to go inside the music of Canadian electronic musician and producer Claire Boucher (a.k.a. Grimes). The installation will run from May 19-22 at Moogfest, an annual music, art and technology festival inspired by the late inventor of the Moog synthesizer, Robert Moog.

Grimes is one of the artists headlining Moogfest, a destination for artists, musicians, inventors, designers, and entrepreneurs.

Microsoft x Grimes Installation, Moogfest

The immersive installation will feature the track Realiti from Grimes’ fourth album Art Angels. Microsoft’s Kinect technology will allow festivalgoers and fans to manipulate the music as they physically interact with the environment. The innovative hardware recognizes and tracks each interaction with the installation, translating data into unique sounds and visuals. The result is a dynamic and immersive environment that blurs the line between creator and audience.

Amy Sorokas, Director of Brand Partnerships at Microsoft Brand Studios stated "Moogfest is a destination for innovative creators to share new ideas, so it felt natural to bring Realiti - Inside the Music of Grimes to the festival. With this installation we're exploring the unexpected ways that technology can enhance the music experience and are hoping to inspire the community with their future endeavors." 

The first project to use the installation’s system was DELQA, an installation at the New Museum in New York City that invited the audience to participate in a collaborative experience by going inside the music of critically acclaimed artist and producer Matthew Dear.

Realiti - Inside the Music of Grimes will be the latest artist collaboration featured as part of the Music x Tech program. Curated by Microsoft, Music x Technology is an initiative that celebrates forward-thinking artists who are using Microsoft technology to transform the way we create and experience music. With monthly artist collaborations, the program seeks to empower artists with unique opportunities to create one-of-a-kind experiences for their fans.

For all media inquires, please contact VOCAL.


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ABOUT MICROSOFT

Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT” @microsoft) is the leading platform and productivity company for the mobile-first, cloud-first world, and its mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.

ABOUT MOOGFEST

Moogfest is the synthesis of music, art, and technology. Since 2004, Moogfest has brought together artists, futurist thinkers, inventors, entrepreneurs, designers, engineers, scientists, and musicians. By day, Moogfest is a platform for conversation and experimentation. By night, Moogfest presents cutting-edge music in venues throughout the city. This mind-expanding conference attracts creative and technology enthusiasts for three days of participatory programming in Durham, North Carolina. Performing artists include early pioneers in electronic music, alongside pop and avant-garde experimentalists of today.

ABOUT GRIMES

Grimes’ ‘Art Angels’ had prime placement on basically every 2015 End of Year list, with #1 spots from NME, Stereogum, Gorilla Vs. Bear and others. Jon Pareles of the NY Times called the album “a solo tour de force," Stereogum said, "In 2015, nothing sounded better,” and Rolling Stone called it a “triumph.” Time Magazine named “Flesh Without Blood” the #1 song of the year while iTunes named ‘Art Angels’ the #1 Indie Album of 2015 and it finished out the year at #1 most added on CMJ Radio. Within the past year, Grimes graced the covers of The FADER, Nylon, Teen Vogue, AnOther Magazine, Dazed and Confused, NME, London’s ES Magazine, Flare and more. 

ABOUT LISTEN

Listen helps brands + artists grow through creative and culturally relevant applications of music + sound.

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Mau5trap Artist ATTLAS Launches Single “Aspen” at Microsoft x Deadmua5 Listening Party

Last night, mau5trap artist ATTLAS launched his new single “Aspen” for a private audience at the Microsoft x deadmau5 listening party hosted at the Microsoft Lounge in Venice, CA. ATTLAS wrote the single during the mau5trap bu5 tour using Microsoft Surface software.

deadmau5.jpg

Last night, Mau5trap artist ATTLAS launched his new single “Aspen” for a private audience at the Microsoft x deadmau5 listening party hosted at the Microsoft Lounge in Venice, CA. ATTLAS wrote the single during the mau5trap bu5 tour using Microsoft Surface software.

The night started with DJ Jacob Plant spinning tunes while guests were treated to an open bar and delicious appetizers, including mini shrimp tacos! Thavius Beck then moderated a Q+A session with ATTLAS, where ATTLAS revealed how his love for music began (he started as a pianist!) to the moment he first met deadmau5–mid-performance on stage, deadmau5 kicks the back of ATTLAS’ knee waving a piece of equipment they both have saying, “I never leave home without mine either!” One of the few artists signed to deadmau5′ mau5trap record label, ATTLAS talked about the challenges he faced in writing music while on the mau5trap bu5 tour with limited resources and how he is ultimately just happy to be able to do what he loves for a living.

Well-spoken and humble, ATTLAS left a positive impression, and I left an ATTLAS fan and a newfound respect for his work and that of his industry. Moment of truth–I never quite knew if EDM artists knew music composition or if their musical ear was only coupled with sound engineering skills (which I recognize is still no small feat), but ATTLAS was throwing around music-theory jargon like we were all composers. I know many musicians who don’t know music theory, which is totally fine, but it’s cool to know that ATTLAS approaches his music with a composer’s ear/eye as well as a sound engineer’s.

Full story on SotoSpeak8

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Feel the Pride

For the month of June, NYC Pride welcomes WorldPride as it marks the 50th Anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising and a half century of LGBTQI+ liberation. To celebrate this moment, The Ally Coalition have created an emotive community-driven sound and light experience featuring a soundscape by St Vincent, and generated by user messages. The experience is powered by Microsoft AI technology that explores powerful feelings of hope, anger, joy and determination.

Accelerating the Future of Fashion

London College of Fashion, University of the Arts London is continuing its collaboration with Microsoft to inspire the next generation to rethink, redesign and revolutionize the future of the fashion industry. Leveraging Microsoft’s cutting-edge Mixed Reality, Artificial Intelligence, and IoT technologies and LCF’s industry-defining mentors, selected students were invited to participate in a semester-long intensive course that culminates in a final showcase of their prototypes this June.

Hollywood Dream Machines: Petersen Automotive Museum x Microsoft

The Petersen Automotive Museum announced today that its upcoming “Hollywood Dream Machines: Vehicles of Science Fiction and Fantasy” exhibit will spotlight a unique and immersive mixed-reality experience powered by Microsoft HoloLens. The display, named “Hollywood Dream Machines: Worlds Reimagined,” will be centered around the iconic Time Machine from “Back to the Future” and the famed Warthog from the “Halo” franchise. Opening May 4, 2019, the experience will offer guests an inside look at these legendary sci-fi machines.

AI Powers Music Mood at Sister City

Sister City, a new, meticulously designed hotel in NYC that embraces technology to offer guests a modern respite, debuts a first-of-its-kind lobby music score. Inherent to Sister City’s founding ethos was the question of its sonic landscape — Sister City asks what new shapes music can take as a site-specific, living extension of the hotel, and looked to Brian Eno’s Music For Airports and John Cage’s concept for “4’33”” as touch points for these conversations.

Chris Cole's Rail Jam Invitational

We’re excited to announce a new action sports music festival Gnarlytown set for June 22 in San Pedro, CA, co-founded by veteran pro skateboarder Chris Cole in partnership with John Reese of SGE and Nitro Circus. Set at the scenic LA Waterfront Berth 46 in San Pedro, CA, Gnarlytown will combine the perfect blend of action sports, punk rock, and craft beer tasting.

NAO Takes Fans Into “Orbit” With Interactive Music Video Powered By Microsoft AI

Microsoft has announced another partnership through their ongoing In Culture program that supports today’s most innovative creatives, this time with English singer-songwriter and rising star NAO. Together they are producing a never-before-seen interactive and personal music video to support the “Orbit” track on her new album Saturn released late in 2018.