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Hydras

by MOS-Man

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Jason Hembree
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Jason Hembree This is a really wonderful album that feels like it came out of nowhere. The only thing I'm struggling with is the brevity, but I feel like these pieces are meant to be lived with, something to loop and let play through many times, which is why they're short and to the point. Beautiful collection.
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  • Digital Album
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    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.

    Download includes 13 audio-reactive MP4 videos and a 78 page PDF booklet with code and data visualization examples.
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about

Entry 1133, 2046-01-12. [Internet video, Evolutionary algorithms]

Hydras were an audio-visual delivery system for a novel form of hypnotic suggestion widespread in the early 2030s. Current theories suggest the technology originated in the online advertising industry and was first used to prime observers and influence purchasing habits. Later, a more advanced form was co-opted by political organizations and nation states for information warfare.

Studies found that subjects could receive an encoded message imprinted unconsciously simply by viewing a brief video. Using genetic algorithms, each Hydra evolved to be different. Rapidly flashing images and sounds were used to lull the observer into a trance-like and suggestible state to receive instruction.

Mobile device botnets and ad networks were used to grow the initial Hydra code and media set. Each instance modulated its audiovisual pattern based on pupil dilation and micro-expressions seen through the camera on the viewer's compromised device. Using a decentralized network and data-sharing, Hydras quickly adapted to cover larger populations and resist countermeasures.

Hydras developed a broad range of emergent strategies, imagery, and sounds. These examples serve as a reference of the lineage and variation of instances recorded in the wild. Their encoding system and the extent of their messaging and impact is still not clearly understood.

credits

released February 12, 2023

WARNING: These videos may potentially trigger seizures for people with photosensitive epilepsy. Viewer discretion is advised.

Download includes 13 audio-reactive MP4 videos and a 78 page PDF booklet with code and data visualization examples.

Developed by @__MOS_Man__ 2021-2022 using Reaktor, Python, Librosa, and Matplotlib.

Free download codes:
docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1xhOOmNqvZSHy0tfKQd-GkJha8rE8GPup5kMQp2q2N_M/edit#gid=721295423

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XSEC Developments Palo Alto, California

Cassette & Digital Releases // Experimental Sounds & Media

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