Algorithmic Arts

Genetic Music From DNA and Protein

The music on this page was composed algorithmically with Algorithmic Arts software from the raw genetic data that is available as free downloads on the internet. You can either audition or download the full tracks as free .mp3 files.

Audition music To download the .mp3 files below, right click on the hand icon. Use the play icon to audition. The underlined link is to information about the DNA/protein database "score," not to the music. Please note that all music files are copyrighted material and may not be redistributed.

line2.gif (1223 bytes)

Music created with ArtWonk/MusicWonk (2010-2012)

Spidroin (Dunn 7:00) This is based on the genetic data from spideron, the major protein of spider dragline silk. The sound is generated with a bank of 16 Scope DSP synthesizers set up as 8 symmetrical voices, controlled by an ArtWonk algorithm that phases the two halves of each voice in a chase sequence - sort of a musical image of the DNA double helix.
Spidroin2 (Dunn 6:00) Another piece based on the genetic data from spideron, the major protein of spider dragline silk. Here, the sound is generated with a similar ArtWonk phasing patch, but using the Emu EmulatorX sampler soft synth.
Ten Minutes of Cold (Dunn 9:10 - companion to image by Jamy Sheridan). Uses the E-Mu EmulatorX3 sampler and the E-mu Planet Earth sample library. Again, set up as 8 symmetrical voices. Algorithm source is based on the pixel values, following the image details from left to right.

line2.gif (1223 bytes)

Dunn & Clark: Life Music (1998)

This is the first CD from an ongoing collaboration between myself and Biologist Dr. Mary Anne Clark, produced from the primary and secondary structure of protein sequences, using Algorithmic Arts' software. In each piece, pitch is determined by amino acid identity and instrumentation is chosen according to protein folding pattern, with different instruments representing regions of alpha-helix, beta-strands and turns. An article detailing this work has been published in Leonardo On Line. The title is: Life Music: The Sonification of Proteins.

1. *Beta-globin (Dunn 7:10)
2. Calmodulin(Clark 2:55) view image
3. Gamma Lens Crystallin (Clark 2:54) view image
4. Alcohol Dehydrogenase(Clark 5:03) view image
5. Lysozyme C(Clark 3:43)
6. Lysozyme C (Dunn 7:13)
7. Triose Phosphate Isomerase (Clark 6:36) view image
8. Spidroin(Clark 3:34)
9. Collagen (Dunn 13:56)

* Protein Notes by M.A. Clark

line2.gif (1223 bytes)

John Dunn: Music from DNA (1995)

Music I created for the collaborative performances I have given during the first year of my RFA (Research Fellow in the Arts) appointment at the University of Michigan. The HIV DNA used in the first four of these performances are from a set of samples taken from an AIDS patient over a 4 year period. All selections were created with Algorithmic Arts software.

1. HIV DNA #007 (7:00)
2. HIV DNA #011 (10:32)
3. HIV DNA #110 (10:46)
4. HIV DNA #039 (5:41)
5. Frog Mitochondria DNA (9:3)
6. Alpha/Beta/Folding (10:47)

line2.gif (1223 bytes)

John Dunn: Algorithmic Music (1992)

These are samples of DNA and brain wave music created with the early DOS versions of Algorithmic Arts software, with DNA algorithms developed in collaboration with University of Hawaii botanist DR K.W. Bridges.

Based on DNA data from the NIH GenBank:

1. Human Sex Hormone(9:10)
2. DNA of HIV (3:52)
3. Starfish (7:37)
4. Vampire Bat(3:06)
5. Slime Mold (5:00)
6. Sea Urchin (8:05)
7. Scorpion Stinger (2:34)
Based on Brain Waves:
8. Theta Music (15:16)

Go To Top

Copyright © 1996-2010 by John Dunn and Algorithmic Arts. All Rights Reserved.