Biologist uses microorganisms to create the world’s first “living record”

Could this be a contender for the most outlandish and obscure audio format? It’s definitely the weirdest music-related article you’ll read today – or any time soon. 

Scientist-turned-electronic artist Mikael Hwang (AKA Psients) has created the world’s first “living record” using living yeast cells. Titled ‘Signal’, Hwang’s creation is the first ever playable live music medium to both include and be mediated by a microorganism.

Speaking about the record on Instagram, he says it is inspired by “biology lab practices of culturing microorganisms in Petri dishes” and his “persistent love for electronic music.”

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A post shared by Psients (@_adaacid_)

‘Signal’ is also accompanied by an art exhibition, which debuted at South Korea’s Paradise Art Lab Festival in 2022.

In the middle of the display, an obelisk had a custom hybridised petri dish and record setup implanted inside. It held a hidden material that made it easier to record the vibrations of the yeast cells and successfully convey them as playable audio.

‘Signal’ goes deeper than Hwang’s love of biology and music. It expands the variety of materials available to artists, giving them more chances to interact with life and living systems.

He also claims it can act as a form of commentary about human capitalisation, exploitation, and consumption of living creatures, as well as give yeast, one of the first domesticated organisms by humans, agency and a voice.

“Clubs and dance floors are essential spaces for people to dance and enjoy music – that’s where my love of electronic music blossomed,” Hwang tells Art Style.

“I want to evolve from these places to exhibitions or galleries where music and sound can take on a different role; where people can listen, think, and reflect on their environments, rather than react to the immediacy of spaces, such as a club.”

Listen to ‘Signal’ below: