Alpha Xiao is an experimental musical group. They use a portable electroencephalagraph (EEG) which modulates designed audio samples in real time (Per Huttner). They also use a traditional Chinese flute called a Xiao (William Stafford). The two person constellation focuses musically on connectivity through rough sketches of compositions, sounds and themes. As brain waves influence certain dynamics of the sound, and vice versa, a type of feedback loop is generated between the activities of the brain and sound produced ad infinitum.

Alpha Xiao has been active in its musical exploration of mental and musical space since 2020. They often collaborate with other musicians and artists in different constallations. They have participated in “An Infinite Love” at Konstnärshuset in 2021, performed at Teater Reflex and played with Olav Westphalen at Hökarängens antikvariat. Alpha Xiao has also created music for Fabien Guillermont and Toan Van Che’s full-length documentary “Reality Check” in 2024.They are currently developing live visuals for their live sets.

For the performance at Tribunalen they collaborated with Sebastian of Godmother who played the EEG. The event was part of Transformation III, a migratory festival of music and biofeedback. Photos by Nakako Takei.

Listen to Alpha Xiao on Soundcloud.