Synthetic Ornithology

Frederick Rodrigues

Proceedings of the International Conference on New Interfaces for Musical Expression

Abstract

In Synthetic Ornithology, visitors encounter a compelling simulation of how shifting climates might transform Australia’s vibrant avian soundscapes. Powered by a bespoke ML model trained on an extensive archive of birdsong and corresponding climate data, the installation generates future sonic environments based on user-selected scenarios. The resulting soundscapes reflect the richness and complexity of Australia’s ecosystems, while also revealing how these voices may adapt—or fade—under the pressures of climate change. Ultimately, Synthetic Ornithology underscores the profound impact human interventions may have on the soundscapes of tomorrow, inviting reflection on our collective responsibility to preserve these fragile ecological realms.

Citation

Frederick Rodrigues. 2025. Synthetic Ornithology. Proceedings of the International Conference on New Interfaces for Musical Expression. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17801004 [PDF]

BibTeX Entry

@inproceedings{nime2025_music_4,
 abstract = {In Synthetic Ornithology, visitors encounter a compelling simulation of how shifting climates might transform Australia’s vibrant avian soundscapes. Powered by a bespoke ML model trained on an extensive archive of birdsong and corresponding climate data, the installation generates future sonic environments based on user-selected scenarios. The resulting soundscapes reflect the richness and complexity of Australia’s ecosystems, while also revealing how these voices may adapt—or fade—under the pressures of climate change. Ultimately, Synthetic Ornithology underscores the profound impact human interventions may have on the soundscapes of tomorrow, inviting reflection on our collective responsibility to preserve these fragile ecological realms.},
 address = {Canberra, Australia},
 articleno = {4},
 author = {Frederick Rodrigues},
 booktitle = {Proceedings of the International Conference on New Interfaces for Musical Expression},
 doi = {10.5281/zenodo.17801004},
 editor = {Sophie Rose and Jos Mulder and Nicole Carroll},
 issn = {2220-4806},
 month = {June},
 note = {Installation},
 numpages = {4},
 pages = {13--16},
 presentation-video = {https://vimeo.com/1073767625/d9a3262810},
 title = {Synthetic Ornithology},
 track = {Music},
 url = {http://nime.org/proceedings/2025/nime2025_music_4.pdf},
 urlsuppl1 = {http://nime.org/proceedings/2025/nime2025_music_4_file01.mp4},
 year = {2025}
}