Kramer Shares His Groundbreaking Album, “Something Different=Algorithmic Bias"
By: Chris Buxton IG: @chrisbuxtonllg
Unless you live under a rock, you have probably heard of Grammy-winning spoken word jazz composer Kramer. Kramer is a versatile artist, and is music transcends all modern music. He is raw, captivating, and I would consider a master curator of vibes. Now, he enters our pages with his latest album “Something Different=Algorithmic Bias”.
Kramer’s “Something Different=Algorithmic Bias" is a thought-provoking album that delves into the complexities of human behavior, technology, and societal biases. Each track on the album offers a unique perspective on the intersection between these themes, inviting listeners to contemplate the ethical implications of algorithmic decision-making in our digital age.
Over the 12 well-crafted songs, Kramer pushes to inspire the public to be more aware of the adverse effects of technology. He begs for more transparency, and he shares his hopes of creating a world where change can happen. His ability to share personal stories allows the listener to connect with him in a more authentic way. This is what he had to say about the album:
“Over the years, I have noticed that a lot of us, especially youth, can never seem to put our phones down. I felt from my personal experiences that too much is a problem, and so I started to look into the whys...Why can't we put it down? Why should we be more mindful of technology consumption? What is an echo chamber? And so on. I found that introducing something “new” [arguably nothing is totally new], or rather “Different” than what the system wants to see, that it gets affected by automated algorithmic bias. In essence, it's bad to be different than what society assumes you should be…The goal is to inspire the general public to be more aware of the adverse effects of the technology we use daily, and to demand more transparency on the systems that are being developed that ultimately could change humanity entirely. We can’t just give the keys yet.”
The album opens with "Tranquil Skies," a hauntingly beautiful composition that sets the tone for the exploration of the album. Through intricate melodies and evocative lyrics, the song highlights the power and limitations of data-driven systems.
As the album progresses, tracks like "Alignment" and "I Knew" confront the listener with the harsh realities of algorithmic discrimination. These songs shed light on how biases embedded within algorithms can perpetuate societal inequalities, challenging listeners to critically examine the impact of technology on marginalized communities.
Yet, amidst the darkness, “Free” offers a glimmer of hope. With its melodic tempo and optimistic lyrics, the song reminds listeners of the potential for technology to create positive change when wielded responsibly. It discusses breaking free while also setting a boundary. This is something I can get behind.
Overall, "Something Different=Algorithmic Bias" is a captivating journey that stimulates both the mind and the soul. With its blend of thought-provoking lyrics, innovative soundscapes, and social commentary, the album leaves a lasting impression, urging listeners to reflect on their own role in shaping a more equitable future.
