Less than human

Contriving a holographic future

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  • Published 20250506
  • ISBN: 978-1-923213-07-4
  • Extent: 196 pp
  • Paperback, ebook, PDF

IN A PACKED concert venue, thousands of fans wave glowsticks in perfect synchronisation, their movements choreographed to music pulsing through the space. The atmosphere crackles with anticipation as the crowd awaits their idol. When she appears – a slight figure with distinctive blue-green hair styled in twin tails that cascade almost to the floor – the roar is deafening. 

But this isn’t your typical pop concert. The star commanding this devotion isn’t human – she’s Hatsune Miku, a digital creation performing through advanced holographic technology while backed by flesh-and-blood musicians.

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About the author

Matt Sainsbury

Matt Sainsbury is a multidisciplinary journalist, critic and author. His work has appeared in The Australian, The Daily Review and The Shot, among many others. His website,...

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