Spirited blend of artificial intelligence and choral music

The thing about experimental electronic music is that while the recorded songs might be immersive and compelling, one tends to wonder how that experience translates to a live, communal setting.

- Eddino Abdul Hadi

The last thing you want to do at a concert is to gaze at someone hunched over a laptop.

That concern was laid to rest at American musician Holly Herndon's (above, right) gig at Victoria Theatre last Friday evening, the first of her two shows that are part of the Singapore International Festival of Arts (Sifa).

Hendon, assisted by long-time collaborator Mat Dryhurst and a trio of singers, put on a performance that was thrilling and visceral.

Her first gig in Asia combined haunting melodies, cutting-edge music technology, dance music and avant-garde soundscapes.