The power of the imagination is arguably the greatest during youth, and Oslo-based collective DNA? AND? brings this notion into play in the most remarkable fashion. Comprised of professional musicians and youngsters with Down syndrome, DNA? AND?’s infectious exchange between carefree improvisation and stark repetition elicits some of the most original music ever produced—impulsive, unfiltered, and free.

Going strong for over a decade, the collective has traveled the world and played with N.U. Unruh and Hamid Drake, gathering praise from international outlets such as The Quietus. In a world that so often attempts to explain Down syndrome from the outside in, DNA? AND? takes matters into their own hands in a beautiful way.

Additionally, DNA? AND? is also the inspiration for an immersive music improvisation performance in VR. The concept for the VR experience is still in the research and development phase. This immersive audiovisual project has the potential to become a hybrid multiplatform project as well: a VR experience at the heart of the project, with the possibility of a linear behind the scenes companion piece and side events such as other physical and/or online concerts.

DNA? AND will be performing at Le Guess Who? on November 7 2024. More information here.

‘Improv Music Collective DNA? AND?‘ is the working title for this VR project, co-created with the members of DNA? AND?.

CREATING A VR MUSIC IMPROVISATION EXPERIENCE

On stage now at Le Guess Who? (7 nov): the Improv Music Collective DNA? AND? 
Touring in Virtual Reality next time!?

We want to create an immersive music improvisation performance in VR of the band DNA? AND? This is an Oslo-based music group, a collective of teenagers and young adults with special needs. We will use new VR registration techniques to fully capture the performance of this great band. Because the musicians have special needs they do not often travel. We want to create an immersive music VR experience, using cutting-edge VR recording techniques. We want their exceptional, improvisational performances to tour the world. Help us create/produce this VR experience!

Crowdfund campaign: VR MUSIC IMPROVISATION EXPERIENCE.

Production details:

In collaboration with Le Guess Who? festival Tivoli Vredenburg Utrecht.
Country: Norway, The Netherlands
Running time: 30 mins
Status: In development, expected in 2025

A VR music improvisation performance.