Ariane Joudrey

Putting the ‘A’, ‘I’, into Audiobooks

Sep 19, 2019 – by Ariane Joudrey

Online Arts and Lit Editor, Ariane Joudrey, explores Chinese search engine Sogou’s use of AI in creating audiobooks.

In today’s society, the use of AI (Artificial Intelligence) is becoming increasingly prevalent. Despite it being used to make our lives more efficient, it is earning a reputation as also being almost disturbingly familiar.

Chinese search engine Sogou is taking it one step further.

Traditionally, audio-books are recorded either by the author of a book themselves, or by a recognised reader. Somebody will go in a studio vocal booth and read the book aloud. However, in a push to make this process, faster, cheaper and more efficient, Sogouis creating artificial-intelligence robots to read popular novels in the voices of their authors, cutting costs by an estimated 90%.

The robots not only sound like the author, but they are made to look like the author too. They are constructed from video recording of famous authors. Some of the author-AIs created so-far as famous Chinese authors such as Yue Guan and Bu XXin Tian Shang Diao Xian Bing. The search engine creators have no only formed these ‘authors’ but they have also launch AI newsreaders.

Technological advances mean that digitised voices are beginning to sound increasingly life-like, perhaps to a point that we will no longer be able to tell the difference.

Perhaps this truly is the future in distribution of information. AI is not only efficient, but it is also non-biased and is not subject to human error or emotion. Thus, AI robots will be able to do the job of a newsreader probably much better than news readers themselves. This advancement is also evident in other forms of journalism. Sports articles are beginning to be written by AI machines as they are able to report scores and statistics mechanically, without much verification from a human. If this is truly where technology is progressing, is raises the question as to whether humans will really be needed in the journalism industry in the future? Even in the manufacturing industry? So, is it really robots who are taking our jobs?

Single Review: Shawn Mendes – If I Can’t Have You

After a long year of touring, Shawn Mendes is back again with a new single year after his previous self-titled album was released.

The incredibly catchy, ‘If I Can’t Have You’, feels very classic Shawn; the piano, synth and guitar are relatively stripped back highlighting his extraordinary, raw vocal range. However, this single also has a fresh hint of something new and exciting, despite Mendes stating that this is a stand-alone single and is not the start of a new album sequence.

There is no doubt that this single will be a major hit, full of vibrant energy when performed live. On stage, Shawn Mendes never fails to make the crowd feel immersed in the emotions of his songs. This new single has the capacity to be both an opening and closing song of his set.

‘If I Can’t Have You’ is a punchy and upbeat, yet smooth tune that suits just about every mood. It suggests power, lust, sadness, but it is also an absolute party jam. Despite focusing on the subject of an unattainable lover, the single is a perfect feel-good melody for post-exams. I will now be forever hoping this bop will come on in Unit 1 so I can feel its full potential as a dance tune.

REVIEW Shakespeare Society’s ‘Hamlet’

Shakespeare Society’s ‘Hamlet’

5 STARS

20th-22nd May – Lemon Grove – Tickets – bit.ly/ExeHamlet

28th– 30th June – Stratford Playhouse, Stratford-Upon-Avon – bit.ly/Hamlet2019

Shakespeare’s Society’s production of ‘Hamlet’, one of the hardest Shakespeare plays to perform, is executed in a stunningly fresh and modern, yet classic way.

stunningly fresh and modern

Each and every performance is classic yet innovative that even the gravediggers announce their importance and value within the play to portray the comic realism of death.

Hamlet seems genuinely disturbed, providing an entirely convincing performance

His emotional outbreaks, soliloquies and striking facial expressions truly convey to the audience the extent of Hamlet’s emotional torment. Through this production, Shakespeare Society hopes to use the character of Hamlet, through its fantastic on-stage portrayal, as a mechanism to discuss and raise awareness for mental health issues.

The set design was most striking. Six broken mirrors comprise the backdrop to insinuate the notion of surveillance and questioning of humanity throughout the play. It Is humbly innovative to have such a simple and minimalist backdrop provide such a rich and clever environment. All of the actors make use of the stage available to them by utilising all walls, aisles, ground and height to give an interesting and dynamic performance for the eye to follow.

What is most impressive in this production is the use of modern technology

What is most impressive in this production is the use of modern technology in order to build the atmosphere of the tragic play. In all my history of watching about 7 different productions of Hamlet, I have never seen a production that utilises sound, lighting and projection in as unique and purposeful way as this. Whenever the apparition appears, the use of projection, lighting and varying volumes of sound are spooky and unnerving, captivating the audience through fear and eagerness to discover the reactions of the characters and the next stage of the plot.

The scene between Ophelia, Laertes and Polonius is hilarious and targeted perfectly to an audience of university students, making the play comically familiar to our age.

It is truly a modern production exploring timeless themes.

In particular, Polonius is performed in one of the most entertaining ways I have ever witnessed. The expression of lines and stage movement are increasingly funny, causing the audience to audibly laugh – a stark contrast to the boring typecast usually set out for Polonius. The production is full of comedy from the ironic choice of the ‘Happy’ book that Hamlet reads, to the grave digger singing pop songs whilst digging for the dead.

I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to experience this outstanding production

Every aspect of production; the actors, the tech-team, the directors, was so impressive that it is clear how thought-through and intelligent this production is. I urge you all to not miss out! The production will continue in Exeter for a further two nights before venturing to Stratford-Upon-Avon, the very heart of Shakespeare for perform another 2 shows at the Stratford Playhouse. Find links to buy tickets below:

20^th-22^nd– Lemon Grove – Tickets – bit.ly/ExeHamlet

28^th– 30^thJune – Stratford Playhouse, Stratford-Upon-Avon – bit.ly/Hamlet2019

In order to execute their performances in Stratford, Shakespeare Society need your help! Find their crowd funder here: exeter.hubbub.net/p/ExeHamlet/

Exeter’s Top Study Spaces

Has staring at the same library walls for hours upon end left you feeling unmotivated, disillusioned and frankly, a little bit dead inside? It may be time to say goodbye to Forum Marketplace and venture out into the great unknown, as one of these lesser known study spaces may be able to evoke the inspiration we so desperately crave in these trying times.

Forum Library

The atmosphere is definitely that of intense, focused study. Although it does come across a little boring, and arguably uninspiring, it does have the essentials of comfortable seats, lots of plug sockets, and water fountains to refill your bottles. The main issue here though is that during exam season, it is near impossible to find a space – you either need to get there really early, or really late!

Rating: 2/5

Amory Café

Amory has a really nice social environment for group study sessions, yet it is still quiet enough that you can remain focused. You can usually find a space in either the main area or the additional quiet study room. The addition of the café, and campus-famous salted caramel brownies, really push this study space up the top of my list.

Rating: 5/5

Also – BONUS POINT – you don’t have to walk up forum hill.

South Street Café

South Street Café, near the Cathedral yard, is a cool, quirky environment for a working lunch. It can be a little pricey but their ‘quick-lunch menu’ is a nice mid-week treat. There is a mix of social gatherings and people working, so it gives the feel of a relaxed yet productive environment.

Rating: 3/5

Pink Moon

This REALLY nice new restaurant just opened up on Queen Street, near Exeter Central station. It has an interesting and original menu for your study treats; it also has a quick ‘grab and go’ selection. There is a young and positive atmosphere for working and has a beautiful aesthetic. However, you may get distracted since it is a very social place, and their tacos will be calling your name.

Rating: 4/5

The Sanctuary

The Sanctuary is a standard on-campus, quiet study space. There is lots of room so you are likely to find a space. However, there is a severe lack of plug sockets which can be a major issue if you prefer working with your laptop. You can also hear noise from outside pretty easily. However, since it is a space dedicated purely to studying, it is very focused and motivating, so you know you will get work done.

Rating: 3/5

Single Review: Taylor Swift – ME!

Two years after the release of her hit album Reputation, which shocked the world with her dramatic snake motif after the suspenseful anticipation, Taylor Swift is back again and entering a new era.

Her brand-new song ‘ME!’, featuring Panic! At the Disco’s Brendan Urie, is about “embracing your individuality and owning it”.

The ingenious lyrics promote self-confidence, with the repeated lyric in the chorus: “I’m the only one of me”, “I promise that you’ll never find another like me”, and “you can’t spell awesome without me”. Taylor Swift provides all generations with the reassurances that being confident and comfortable with yourself isn’t selfish – it’s healthy.

The hit of the chorus with the cymbals provide an uplifting and motivating feel which instantly categorises it as a summer, feel-good jam

The prominent drums allow the upbeat rhythm to be consistently linked to the melody and beat of the lyrics throughout. The hit of the chorus with the cymbals provides an uplifting and motivating feel which instantly categorises it as a summer, feel-good jam.

The feature of world-famous Brendan Urie brings a smooth, light-hearted and slightly-edgy element to the song, which only promotes it further as what is sure to be a hit single.

After her previous album suggesting emotions of aggression and annoyance about society’s assumptions about who she is, this new track announces her new state of contentment and pride with being individual and entirely herself, despite what people may think.

it is clear that Swift has consistently maintained her personal sound stamp throughout her career – an emotional, empowering, and enlightening experience in every song

Notably, at the beginning of the creatively clever ‘ME!’ music video, the teasing of the snake which suddenly jumps towards the camera and transforms into peaceful butterflies is illustrative of this transition between eras, which has received a lot of praise across social media.

Browsing through Taylor Swift’s discography, there is a clear distinction between each of her albums which can each be defined themselves as eras of her career. However, it is clear that Swift has consistently maintained her personal sound stamp throughout her career – an emotional, empowering, and enlightening experience in every song.