The Talk is an artistic creation of the TIMES project, commissioned by four festivals: Nuits sonores, reworks, Terraforma, and Sónar. As an ambitious multi-dimensional and multi-disciplinary work, presented with an immersive stage design, The Talk involves artists, and researchers from across Europe and beyond. The piece will be presented at the festivals involved in the commissioning process throughout 2025.
Heith, James K, Günseli Yalcinkaya present:The Talk [A/V – Show]
An exploration of our perception of reality through the lens of technology
The Talk is a multi-disciplinary performance by musicians Heith and James K with artist-researcher Günseli Yalcinkaya, featuring original set design by Andrea Belosi.
Presented in the style of a surreal panel talk, the show takes inspiration from the Antikythera mechanism, considered to be the world’s first artificial computer. Through hypnotic soundscapes and spoken word intervals, the act explores the ways in which narratives, as told through the lens of various technologies, shape our perception of reality.
Artists
Heith
Heith’s music crosses many different sonic landscapes, but it sets ground on a no man’s land of electronic music where the organic and digital clash thoroughly and constantly. Often illiciting reminiscence, confusion and puzzlement, his music sets the ground for a mediated conflict between different practices, something that was extremely clear in his 2022 opus X, wheel, released by PAN, where synths, percussion and electronic often occupy and dispute the same space as organic elements, such as guitar. This renders his music extremely textural, thus visual and rhythmic, surpassing the over-explored European tradition of melody-harmony above all, in a contemporary ritualistic form yet to be mapped.
After the establishment of his label Haunter Records in 2013, he became part of the curatorial team of Milan’s legendary space Macao.
James K
A version of James K was born. Comprised of bones, reactive metals and a larynx with freckled eyes that catalyzes that mix, she can now see through all the schemes. This is the truth. When she chews gum, it’s not clear which one of her personas does it. Since their first release in 2013, describing them separately is grunt work as they switch places, cosplay each other and would most likely lull you into a lonesome dream. Together, they know how to produce, sound, film and edit. Thus, they are brought to the table, performing and DJing in clubs and theaters, along composers and children alike.
She is sought after for her signature magnetic vocals, lyricism and production and, through collaborations, has created critically acclaimed music with artists such as Moin, Fergus Jones + Huerco S., Priori, Special Guest DJ, Beta Librae, Yves Tumor, Drew McDowall, LEYA, Parris, and many others.
Günseli Yalcinkaya
Günseli Yalcinkaya is a London-based writer and researcher. Her work on internet folklore explores the relationship between emerging technologies and the myths embedded within these systems. She is also the co-organiser of Cybernetic Serendipity: Towards AI, a one-day symposium held at the ICA in London in February 2024, and has spoken at conferences and panels at the Architectural Association, the BFI, Central Saint Martins, the London College of Fashion, Somerset House, Sónar+D, Unsound Festival, and the X Museum.
Andrea Belosi
Live AI FX
AI Artist Luca Cingolani
Software — ‘Fidelity’
Capturing video footage in real time, processing it through the lens of AI, and projecting it onto the screen. The audience will see the performance happening on stage through the lens of the AI.
A feedback loop process between machine vision and reality, in which reality is the central subject of the machine, but the machine also becomes the central subject of reality. In this context, AI is the medium that reflects reality.
The Talk will be presented at the commissioning festivals’ 2025 editions, see below for dates:
Nuits sonores 2025
Wednesday 28 May, Le Sucre, Lyon, FranceSónar 2025
Friday 13 June, Sónar by Day, Barcelona, SpainTerraforma Exo Milano
Friday 28 June, Milan, ItalyReworks 2025
September, Thessaloniki, Greece
Commissioned by
Nuits sonores FR
Nuits sonores festival is a Lyon-based cultural, artistic and urban laboratory founded in 2003, by the association loi 1901 Arty Farty. It’s a cross-generational, unifying and accessible project.
For 20 years now, the festival has been taking place all over the city, transforming Lyon into an ephemeral space for celebration and conviviality. As France’s leading electronic and independent music festival, Nuits sonores offers a cutting-edge, eclectic and inclusive programme, attracting audiences from all over France, Europe and the rest of the world.
Alongside the festival is the Nuits sonores Lab forum, powered by European Lab, offering debates, conferences and training sessions on culture, creation and contemporary issues.
reworks GR
Reworks is more than just a fusion of sounds and concepts; it’s a vibrant convergence of voices, a platform for dialogue, and a gateway to the future. Originating from Thessaloniki, Greece, its mission is to showcase the diverse landscape of contemporary music through the works of both local talents and global artists. From experimental compositions to advanced electronic beats, from seasoned performers to rising stars, Reworks promises 5 days and nights brimming with music, discourse, and dance.
Since its inception in 2005, reworks has been a catalyst for the growth and recognition of electronic music in Greece, elevating Thessaloniki’s status on the global music stage while bridging diverse musical genres. It’s more than a festival; it’s a symbol of modern Greek culture, uniting contemporary expressions and forward-looking music against the backdrop of Thessaloniki’s rich history.
Terraforma IT
Threes Productions is a creative agency committed to cultural sustainability. It was founded in 2012 in Milan with the belief that art and culture can generate virtuous circles of inclusion and environmental awareness. Threes develops and promotes experimental projects in the artistic domains with a conscious approach to ecology. Threes’ central project is Terraforma, an international music festival embodying the core mission of Threes Productions: sustainability, as well as environmental, social, and cultural regeneration.
Today, Terraforma stands as a sustainability laboratory and hub for cross-disciplinary cultural activities, fostering connections between local and international communities.
Sónar ES
Sónar is a pioneering festival that’s reflected the evolution and expansion of electronic music and digital culture since its first edition in 1994. Each year, Sónar converts Barcelona into a focal point for music lovers, artists and professionals from across the world, drawn to the multiple stages and venues of the Fira Barcelona by the festival’s innovative content, format, and celebratory atmosphere.
After three decades and over 100 editions worldwide, Sónar continues to re-define what a festival can be, removing barriers and forging connections between audiences, genres and creative disciplines.