Galen Buckwalter, a 69-year-old research psychologist, readily underwent a craniotomy in 2024. His motivation was to contribute to pioneering science, as this procedure was part of a cerebral implant investigation at Caltech, with the goal of aiding individuals affected by paralysis.
A diving mishap at age 16 rendered Buckwalter quadriplegic, immobilizing him from the chest downwards. Six neural microchips, developed by Blackrock Neurotech, have been implanted in his brain. These devices detect activity from his neurons and interpret intended movements, empowering him to control a computer mentally, regain lost sensation in his fingers, and, more lately, compose music with his intellect.
This innovation, termed a brain-computer interface (BCI), is being advanced by entities such as Paradromics, Synchron, and Elon Musk’s Neuralink. Its primary aim is to re-establish communication and mobility for individuals with profound motor impairments. Yet, Buckwalter’s experience illustrates that this technology can serve purposes beyond mere utility—for example, as an avenue for creative expression. Other users of BCIs are leveraging their implants to generate digital art through mental commands. A 2023 gallery exhibition at the American Association for the Advancement of Science in Washington, DC, featured pieces by BCI users Nathan Copeland, James Johnson, and Jan Scheuermann.
Buckwalter has been collaborating with Caltech postgraduate researcher Sean Darcy, who devised an algorithm enabling him to generate musical tones on a computer using only his thoughts. A veteran musician with the Los Angeles-based punk rock band Siggy, Buckwalter has incorporated some of the pitches he formulated in the laboratory into a song titled “Wirehead.” This track also lends its name to the band’s most recent album, which debuted on March 15.
WIRED conversed with Buckwalter concerning the experience of mentally composing music. This discussion has been refined for conciseness and comprehensibility.
WIRED: You lately commenced employing your neural device to generate melodic sounds. What was the genesis of this?
Galen Buckwalter: Prior to my implant, I observed a video circulating on YouTube featuring fungi. When electrodes were attached to these mushrooms, it resulted in biosonification, augmenting their internal electrical activity to produce truly captivating sounds. Witnessing this, I pondered, “If a fungus can emit such chirps, what might my brain sound like?” This became a priority I wished to pursue with the Caltech team. From the outset, I discussed it with all the investigators, and a remarkable postgraduate student, Sean Darcy, learned of my interest. He dedicated his weekends and nights to developing software that converts my thoughts into the capacity to manipulate auditory pitches.
So you’re capable of generating melodic notes solely through mental effort. What is the mechanism behind this?
Every nerve cell possesses an inherent discharge frequency; all these neurons exhibit a degree of activity. Our task involves pinpointing those neurons over which I have conscious command. Each of my six implants features 64 distinct channels for signal acquisition, and we utilize an expansive monitor displaying all 384 pathways. Should I mentally consider wiggling my toe vertically, numerous channels will illuminate. Apparently, a specific cluster of neurons registers activity from the mere straightening and bending of my toe.
Sean’s approach involves allocating a pitch to the inherent discharge frequency. Should I stimulate a particular nerve cell, the frequency will ascend; conversely, if I inhibit it, the note will descend. I can mentally focus on articulating my index finger, then my little finger, and apply this to as many pathways as I can consciously govern. Presently, I can manage two pitches concurrently, but exceeding this limit begins to resemble the sensation of simultaneously performing disparate motor tasks.
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