Kate Crawford's atlas of sound

I first heard Kate Crawford’s work in the late 90’s; she and Nicole Skelty’s made music as B(if)tek, and it was playful electro that was always future focused. So it’s not that wild to know that Kate went on to explore this world of machine learning and artificial intelligence. What’s remarkable, is that today she’s one of the world’s leading voices on the subject. When you read Kate’s work, or see her art pieces at the Museum of Modern Art in New York or the V&A in London, you’re less likely to learn what is AI, and more what is AI doing to us.

Kate is interested in the supply chain that gets us there, the dirt, the minerals, the people, and the very human data that builds that illusive cloud, and how a few companies are controlling the power and politics of billions. Sound interesting? That’s why I asked her to Take 5.

Kate Crawford recently published an Atlas of AI, tracing back where it comes from and what it’s doing. So riffing off that, I asked her to share her Atlas of Sound, and walk us through the sonic cartographers that had shaped her life. From Kraftwerk to Laurie Anderson, to sounds I’ve never heard before, this is a fascinating conversation about creativity, curiosity, and power.

Kraftwerk - 'Computer Love'

Laurie Anderson - 'Language Is a Virus'

Alice Coltrane - 'Journey in Satchidananda'

The Caretaker - 'All You're Going to Want To Do Is Get Back There'

Serpent with Feet - 'Bless Your Heart'