What makes Proto by Holly Herndon notable?

Proto was notable for its innovative use of AI and machine learning, showcasing the potential of technology in music production. The album received widespread acclaim from critics, appearing on numerous year-end lists and solidifying Herndon's position as a leading figure in contemporary experimental music. Released in early 2019, Proto marked Holly Herndon's third studio album, following her critically acclaimed 2015 release, Platform. At this point in her career, Herndon had established herself as a pioneering voice in avant-garde electronic music, blending cutting-edge technology with deeply personal themes.

How many songs are on Proto?

Proto has 13 tracks, running approximately 44 minutes.

Proto

Holly Herndon · 2019

44 min · 13 tracks · electronic music

An experimental tapestry woven from digital textures and human voices, exploring the intersection of technology and identity.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Alienation — This track embodies Herndon's exploration of isolation within a technologically driven society, utilizing glitchy beats and haunting vocals to evoke a sense of disconnection.
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Canaan (live training) — Here, Herndon employs live AI vocal training to create an ethereal soundscape that blurs the line between human and machine, encapsulating the album's core themes.
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Godmother — Featuring an emotional blend of choral harmonies and electronic manipulation, this track serves as a poignant tribute to Herndon's mentor while addressing themes of lineage and support in artistic communities.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

76 /100

Alpine

Higher than 98% of albums we've rated

Proto showcases innovative composition and production techniques, making it a standout in experimental electronic music.

What we noticed

Several tracks incorporate live training sessions with AI, resulting in unpredictable variations in melody and rhythm.
The sequencing of tracks often shifts between dense layers of sound and sparse moments, challenging the listener's expectations.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 9/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 9/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Birth 1:14
2 Alienation 3:43
3 Canaan (live training) 1:36
4 Eternal 4:45
5 Crawler 5:57
6 Godmother 2:30
7 Extreme Love 2:34
8 Frontier 4:29
9 Fear, Uncertainty, Doubt 3:11
10 SWIM 4:38
11 Evening Shades (live training) 1:33
12 Bridge 2:48
13 Last Gasp 5:09

What to play next

Go back to

Platform

2015

Full Holly Herndon discography Artists like Holly Herndon

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