Machine Listener is an audio essay series featuring musicians, researchers, scientists, and artists whose work intersects with the topic of listening in the digital age. The episodes take a close look at the ways in which the listening sense has transformed through our interactions with technology, and the ways in which technology is informed by the listening sense. Produced by Aimée Theriot with the support of Stimuleringsfonds, NL.

In episode 2, Aimée Theriot is in conversation with Korean-American improvising musician, poet, and performer Bonnie Jones who works with electronic sound and text. They talk about mainstream streaming culture, its effects on listening, and the possibility to replicate a community-oriented model for sharing music in a self-sustaining way in today's online cultures.

“Once you take out the cruel capitalism out of the picture of the algorithm, it does seem like it could only be leaning to a more beneficial way of relational listening that happens inside of a streaming service.” - Bonnie Jones

Bio
Bonnie Jones is a Korean-American improvising musician, poet, and educator. Her work is committed to an interdisciplinary approach that incorporates text, sculpture, and video, but grounds itself in an improvised electronic noise and sound practice.

Referenced sources
Catalytic Soundstream
Wendy Chun video reference (min. 09:40)
Jonathan Sterne Audible Past

Soundscapes and music included in this episode
Manrico Montero: Ecosistemas de Bolivia
Llano de Moxos (II)
Litoral Nor-Poniente (Sisal CD 2015, Unfathomless 025)
Zonotrichia capensis, Jardín Botánico Umsa, 2013-Feb-1
Sean Dockray’s Always Learning (2020)
Dadabots NO SOUL (ai funk)
An Hour is a Sea by Bonnie Jones

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Machine Listener is supported by Stimuleringsfonds NL