WGXC-90.7 FM
Algorithm as Ritual: 20260113
90.7-FM in NY's Upper Hudson Valley and wgxc.org/listen everywhere
http://www.wgxc.org/
Produced by Patrick Quinn.
al·go·rithm
noun
a process or set of rules to be followed in calculations or other problem-solving operations, especially by a computer.
rit·u·al
noun
a religious or solemn ceremony consisting of a series of actions performed according to a prescribed order.
“Get yourself out of whatever cage you find yourself in.”
―John Cage
“In the wake of digital colonisation, increasingly intricate algorithms scout for patterns in the data we generate. The ever-expanding archive not only reflects our values and society—it shapes new cultures, behaviours, and beliefs. We posit that future rituals and algorithms can be rehearsed through performing arts, and propose an intervention that is part discussion, part social experiment, and strives to explore the combined functionalities.”
—Diana Alina Serbanescu and Régis Lemberthe
What are the conditions that make an event possible? "Algorithm as Ritual" is a project that not only explores this question, but also seeks to challenge the discourse surrounding human-machine collaboration. The playlists for the show are created using a variety of chance operations; primarily, I rely on the prescriptions of a computer program (written in Python) that randomly outputs links to music files/excerpts from an eclectic and continuously growing archive that I maintain. I search far and wide for music, from dusty crates in record stores to the immense flea market that is the Internet. My searching for music and use of chance operations are both components of a generative system—what some might also call a psychogeographic ritual.
–Patrick Quinn
Genesis Breyer P-Orridge – Ritual Music
Shane Parish – Avril 14th
Om – Unitive Knowledge of the Godhead
Alemu Aga – Cry of Praise and Adoration to God
Savvas Metaxas – pt. 3
Bjork – All Is Full of Love
Buppah Saichol – Roob Lor Thom Pai (There Are Many Handsome Men Out There)
West Virginia Snake Handler Revival “They Shall Take Up Serpents” – Jesus has to be #1
West Virginia Snake Handler Revival “They Shall Take Up Serpents” – Rock and Roll was Stolen from God by Satan
Earth – A Bureaucratic Desire for Revenge (Part 1)
Roedelius – Gewi
Gigi D’Agostino – Bla Bla Bla
Gavin Bryars (with Philip Jeck & Alter Ego) – The Sinking of the Titanic (1969-)
Genesis Breyer P-Orridge – Ritual Music
Playlist:
- Ritual Music / Genesis Breyer P-Orridge
- Avril 14th / Shane Parish
- Unitive Knowledge of the Godhead / OM
- Hossana (Cry Of Praise And Adoration To God) / Alemu Aga
- pt.3 / Savvas Metaxas
- All Is Full of Love / Bjork
- Roob Lor Thom Pai / Various Artists
- Jesus Has To Be #1 / Pastor Chris Congregation
- Rock and Roll Was Stolen From God By Satan / Pastor Chris Congregation
- A Bureaucratic Desire for Revenge, part 1 / Earth
- Gewiß / Roedelius
- Bla Bla Bla (Radio Cut) / Gigi D'Agostino
- Bryars: The Sinking of the Titanic - 9. Woodblocks / Gavin Bryars Ensemble
- Ritual Music / Genesis Breyer P-Orridge

