XHABARABOT VOICE MACHINES: Collective Sound Making for Resistance and Solidarity

XHABARABOT VOICE MACHINES: Collective Sound Making for Resistance and Solidarity

Workshop with Rully Shabara

In this workshop, participants will explore “Xhabarabot Voice Machines” , a series of web-based interfaces created by artist and sound innovator Rully Shabara. Originally conceived as a way to expand the potential of the human voice by converting it into data, these machines have evolved into open-source digital tools designed for anyone to use, regardless of musical background. The focus will be on improvisation, collective sound-making, and the creation of unpredictable sonic patterns that break away from traditional digital instrument logic.

In line with this year’s “Threesound Expo 2025” curatorial theme of “Political Disappointment” as a part of Ring Sound (Liberty) program, this workshop invites participants to engage with the tools in a collaborative process of sonic creation. Using the “Voice Machines”, we will focus on crafting original sound and music samples that embody the spirit of resistance and collective struggle. Participants are encouraged to bring personal statements, words, voices, or sounds that speak to these themes, with the goal of using original, self-recorded samples to form a collective sound piece. This workshop will offer the freedom to explore various possibilities and techniques, fostering an open environment where participants can freely experiment with sound, meaning, and technique.

The “Xhabarabot” tools emphasize the importance of understanding sound assets as personalized digital instruments rather than disposable products. Participants will gain an understanding of the ethical implications of using digital sound assets, exploring how we can create and repurpose sounds as a form of resistance against the commodification of culture.