The Antibody Club is a Virtual Rave That Offers "Digital Drug" Experiences
Niko Pajkovic — July 20, 2022 — Tech
References: theumbrella.nyc & dazeddigital
The Antibody Club is a one-of-a-kind party venue and public space that is hosted on a digital gaming server designed by the experimental art collective The Umbrella and made in collaboration with Rinsed. The unique space invites disconnected party-seekers to "check [their] bodies at the door" and join an immersive digital rave.
Once a participant enters the Antibody Club, their computer screen will go black, and they will be transported to the middle of a digitally-rendered version of Times Square. However, in this space, the Square's massive billboards have been replaced by live webcam feeds of every user's face. From here, participants are taken on a digital journey in which they navigate their 3D environment, exploring a variety of featured artworks and live music acts.
Throughout the experience, guests are able to interact with one another thanks to The Umbrella's application of proximity-based audio. Of course, the entire experience is also laden with trippy rave-inspired imagery and psychedelic filters, or what Max Lauter, a member of The Umbrella, calls "digital drugs."
"Rinsed, a collective of experimental ravers, sought to support the art and dance community they served in NYC for over a decade. We felt committed to helping them find a way to connect online that was true to the vibe," explains The Umbrella on its dedicated Antibody Club website.
Image Credit: The Umbrella
Once a participant enters the Antibody Club, their computer screen will go black, and they will be transported to the middle of a digitally-rendered version of Times Square. However, in this space, the Square's massive billboards have been replaced by live webcam feeds of every user's face. From here, participants are taken on a digital journey in which they navigate their 3D environment, exploring a variety of featured artworks and live music acts.
Throughout the experience, guests are able to interact with one another thanks to The Umbrella's application of proximity-based audio. Of course, the entire experience is also laden with trippy rave-inspired imagery and psychedelic filters, or what Max Lauter, a member of The Umbrella, calls "digital drugs."
"Rinsed, a collective of experimental ravers, sought to support the art and dance community they served in NYC for over a decade. We felt committed to helping them find a way to connect online that was true to the vibe," explains The Umbrella on its dedicated Antibody Club website.
Image Credit: The Umbrella
Trend Themes
1. Immersive Digital Parties - The creation of immersive digital environments like The Antibody Club can inspire other groups to create new experiences that break down physical barriers.
2. Virtual Socialization - The application of proximity-based audio technology in virtual social events, like The Antibody Club, can promote socialization and connection even in remote settings.
3. Digital Experience Integration - The use of live feeds in virtual events is a trend that offers unique opportunities for even more immersion and interactivity.
Industry Implications
1. Entertainment - The entertainment industry can use virtual environments to reach broader audiences and offer new types of immersive experiences at a reduced cost.
2. Art and Culture - Museums, art galleries, and cultural institutions can leverage virtual experiences to create exhibits that are accessible to a wider audience globally.
3. Marketing and Advertising - Marketers can find innovative ways to engage with users in virtual environments and gather user data that can be used to inform product development and advertising.
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