We recently connected with Senaida Ng and have shared our conversation below.

Senaida, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

In 2023, I founded a Brooklyn-based artist collective and techno art party called WE ARE THE FUTURE!, which brings together underground interdisciplinary artists and DJs for a co-creative art-sharing experience. The project was born out of a need for spaces where members of our community could come together and share projects they’ve been working on. I hosted the first few parties at my studio loft in South Seaport, and eventually, we grew bigger and moved our events to The Sultan Room in Bushwick. It’s always an incredible sight to see when we host these events, because there are so many diverse artists in NYC who come together to create an incredible experience that highlights inclusivity, free expression and creativity.

Senaida, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m SENAIDA, a Toronto-born, NYC-based artist, DJ, and entrepreneur weaving a narrative that transcends classical roots and dives headfirst into the avant-garde realms of electronic music and digital art. My art draws from a vibrant artistic tapestry of global cultures, marked by a fervent passion for pushing the boundaries of creativity and co-creation.

My foray into the electronic music and digital art scene sprang to life during a transformative study abroad semester in Berlin. From classical pianist to DJ performing at prestigious events like NYFW, the Shorty Awards, and PopCon 2023, my transition was swift and resonant. In 2022, I achieved a milestone with THE NOTHING IN BETWEEN, my NFT/sonic collection, selling out within a mere 48 hours on Voice HQ—an achievement that underscored my commitment to the digital frontier.

As a student at New York University’s Clive Davis Institute, I am immersed in an educational journey that fuels my interdisciplinary pursuits at the nexus of art, technology, and culture. My focus in the digital art space centers on NFTs, and my upcoming debut audio-visual album, KUNST KAPUTT, is set to challenge conventional norms, featuring a series of NFTs portraying my cyborg clone, SENAIDA 2.0, and an immersive VR music video crafted in Unreal Engine.

In the realm of innovation, I steer the ship of MiSynth, a music-neurotechnology research startup. Here, we explore the potential of brain-computer interfaces to translate neural signals into musical expressions, pushing the boundaries of creativity. Our recognition by NYC Media Lab, ASCAP, Abbey Road Studios, and The NAMM Foundation attests to our dedication to pioneering new forms of artistic expression.

What sets me apart is the fusion of classical training and electronic exploration, creating a unique sonic landscape. KUNST KAPUTT, my upcoming project, encapsulates my ethos—an immersive experience that challenges norms and explores the uncharted territories of cyberfeminist transhumanism and sexual body autonomy.

I take pride in fostering artistic communities, evident in my role as the founder of the Youth Showcase Concert Series, promoting local artists and bands under 25. My commitment to gender equality in music is mirrored in my role as the founder and president of the Gender Equality in Music (GEM) Club at NYU.

As you explore my brand and work, I invite you to witness the convergence of art and technology, the synthesis of classical and electronic realms. Whether through my DJ performances, immersive installations, or the groundbreaking KUNST KAPUTT project, I aim to redefine artistic expression in the digital age. Join me on this journey, where the virtual and tangible unite, and where the future of art is being shaped with every beat and pixel.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

SHOW UP for your local artists and communities! Many people forget that artists are working hard to survive, just like any other professions. In a hypercapitalist society, artists are often taken advantage of, not compensated fairly and the real innovators usually never get the recognition or support they deserve because the people who control the industry favor those who are easier to ‘sell’ or conform to the mainstream. The real underground artists are the ones who are driving and creating culture, only to then be overshadowed by people who have more money. That’s why it’s so important for people, especially outside of the arts industries, to support local artists by buying their art, going to their live shows and sharing cool art/events with their friends. That way, artists can continue to make a living off of their work without having to compromise their vision to the mainstream.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Like many artists, I have a complicated relationship with social media. On the one hand, it is an amazing tool for connecting with other talented artists and creating a compelling portfolio of your work to share to the public. However, social media is a time-consuming game that must be played every day, and finding the right audience doesn’t necessarily happen right away. The key is to post consistently and stay true to yourself and your brand, because people will see what you’re putting out into the world and those who gravitate towards it will follow you. There are many strategies for building a social media presence if you’re just starting out, such as providing useful tips and advice, posting inspirational content, or supporting other artists and communities through your own platform. The key is to provide some kind of value for the people who are following you, and treat your followers like your friends.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://senaida.ca/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/senaidaxoxo/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/senaidaxoxo
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/senaida-ng/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/SENAIDA
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@senaidaxoxo

Image Credits
Kade Van Meeteran Carson Packer Cicchetti Multi-Media Inc.