Sónar Musical festival returns to Hong Kong Science Park next month and with the line up featuring several big names, it’s easy to forget there’s more than just great electronic dance beats on offer.
But, there is, and it’s next level cool.
Sónar+D is Sónar’s in-festival technology-focused conference and can be attended with a separate ticket if EDM’s not your thing.
It features talks, workshops, and virtual reality experiences. Oh yeah, and a famous android, and holograms, yo.
So to give you the heads up and get you excited, Coconuts HK has put together a guide on some of the things to check out when Sónar+D sets up next month.
Sophia
Want to stare into the eerie amoral face of tomorrow’s master race of humaniod robots? Well, you’re in luck, sort of. Sophia may not have achieved the kind of sentience that leads to global AI conquest just yet, but the android’s lifelike facial expressions and realistic emotional responses have taken the world by storm.
Created by Hong Kong-based Hanson Robotics, she (well, it, we suppose) has become somewhat of a media darling, giving “interviews” to CNBC, Good Morning Britain, 60 Minutes with Charlie Rose, and even the Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
Sophia has also met high-profile figures from the worlds of entertainment, finance and tech, appeared as a panel member and presenter in conferences covering robotics and artificial intelligence, and become a citizen of Saudi Arabia.
It’s one well connected robot — best to stay on its good side.
Leafcutter John: Light Controlled Musical Interface
Experimental musician and inventor Leafcutter John, aka John Burton, will be performing his impressive sounding “Light Controlled Musical Interface” show in Hong Kong for the first time. Leafcutter John, who is known for his offbeat sonic odysseys, is part of the Mercury Prize-nominated experimental jazz band Polar Bear. The event promises to be a spellbinding live audio-visual performance accompanied by a talk. From the video, the performance looks like synesthesia meshed with the score from an indie film. Enjoy.
Ei Wada’s Open Reel Ensemble
In a day and age where most appliances and gadgets quickly become obsolete, it’s always cool to see outmoded items get a new lease of life, especially as musical instruments. Led by Tokyo-based musician Ei Wada, the Open Reel Ensemble have charmed Japan with their live musical performances using items that have included fans, rotary-dial telephones, and washing machines. The group are expected to perform at Sónar+D using 1970s-style reel-to-reel tape decks connected to computer controllers and a variety of outmoded electrical appliances.
New Reality Company: Milica Zec & Winslow Turner Porter III – Tree
VR experiences have allowed us to walk in space and battle zombies. But the time has come for the exciting technology to finally help us answer the biggest question of them all: What does it feels like to be a rainforest tree? Well maybe it’s not THE biggest question, but regardless, find out the answer at Sónar, with this immersive VR experience that follows its subject’s lifecycle from seed to sappling to fully grown. The project was part of the official selection at the Sundance and Tribeca film festivals. Spoiler alert: it’s treemendous.
Mutan Monkey – DIY Mutan Drone-Light Synth
For those of you who want to do something a bit more hands-on, how about creating your own electronic instrument?
The instrument you will making is a Mutan Drone-Light Synth, an electronic instrument that produces sound waves that can be modified by altering its exposure to light.
Festival-goers will making the futuristic musical device under the guidance of the inventors and can take the finished product home. There are only two sessions, so those who want to take part need to sign up and pay online. To do that, click here.
Looking Glass – HoloPlayer One & Little Pepper
No VR headsets are required for this experience that allows users to interact with 3D holograms in a variety of fun, creative and surprising ways. HoloPlayer One, made using Looking Glass’s cutting-edge holographic technology, is the first interactive lightfield development kit. The company will also be unveiling two new holographic projects that push the interactive concept to the next level.
What: Sónar Hong Kong
When: Saturday, March 17
Where: Hong Kong Science Park, Shatin, New Territories
Price: HK$180 for Sónar+D only, HK$880 for full programme, Valentines offer Sónar passes for HK$699 each for a limited period only, HK$3,168 for full programme passes for groups of four people
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