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AARON
AARON
from Wikipedia

AARON is the collective name for a series of computer programs written by artist Harold Cohen that create original artistic images[1] autonomously, which set it apart from previous programs.[2]

Proceeding from Cohen's initial question "What are the minimum conditions under which a set of marks functions as an image?", AARON was in development between 1972 and the 2010s. As the software is not open source, its development effectively ended with Cohen's death in 2016. The name "AARON" does not seem to be an acronym; rather, it was a name chosen to start with the letter "A" so that the names of successive programs could follow it alphabetically. However, Cohen did not create any other major programs.[3]

Initial versions of AARON created abstract drawings that grew more complex through the 1970s. More representational imagery was added in the 1980s; first rocks, then plants, then people. In the 1990s more representational figures set in interior scenes were added, along with color. AARON returned to more abstract imagery, this time in color, in the early 2000s.

Cohen used machines that allowed AARON to produce physical artwork. The first machines drew in black and white using a succession of custom-built "turtle" and flatbed plotter devices. Cohen would sometimes color these images by hand in fabric dye (Procion), or scale them up to make larger paintings and murals. In the 1990s Cohen built a series of digital painting machines to output AARON's images in ink and fabric dye. His later work used a large-scale inkjet printer on canvas.[3]

Development of AARON began in the C programming language then switched to Lisp in the early 1990s. Cohen credits Lisp with helping him solve the challenges he faced in adding color capabilities to AARON.[4]

An article about Cohen appeared in Computer Answers that describes AARON and shows two line drawings that were exhibited at the Tate gallery. The article goes on to describe the workings of AARON, then running on a DEC VAX 750 minicomputer.[5]

Raymond Kurzweil's company has produced a downloadable screensaver of AARON for Microsoft Windows PCs. This version of AARON can also produce printable images. AARON's source code is not publicly available, but Cohen has described AARON's operations in various essays and it is discussed in abstract in Pamela McCorduck's book.[6]

AARON cannot learn new styles or imagery on its own; each new capability must be hand-coded by Cohen. It is capable of producing a practically infinite supply of distinct images in its own style. Examples of these images have been exhibited in galleries worldwide. AARON's artwork has been used as an artistic equivalent of the Turing test.[7] It does seem however that AARON's output follows a noticeable formula (figures standing next to a potted plant, framed within a colored square is a common theme).[citation needed]

Cohen is very careful not to claim that AARON is creative. But he does ask "If what AARON is making is not art, what is it exactly, and in what ways, other than its origin, does it differ from the 'real thing?' If it is not thinking, what exactly is it doing?" — The further exploits of AARON, Painter.

The Whitney Museum featured AARON in 2024, showcasing the evolution of AARON[8] as the earliest artificial intelligence (AI) program for artmaking.

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from Grokipedia
AaRON, stylized as an acronym for Artificial Animals Riding On , is a French pop duo renowned for their emotive, cinematic sound blending piano-driven melodies with introspective lyrics. Formed in 2004 by English-language lyricist and vocalist Simon Buret and composer Olivier Coursier, who met through a mutual friend and quickly co-wrote over 20 songs together. Their music often explores themes of romance, vulnerability, and , drawing comparisons to acts like and for its atmospheric depth. The duo rose to prominence in 2007 with their debut album Artificial Animals Riding on , released on January 29, which achieved commercial success, certified double gold (150,000 copies) in . The album's breakout single, "U-Turn (Lili)", served as the theme for the French film Je vais bien, ne t'en fais pas (2006), propelling AaRON to national and European fame. Following this breakthrough, they embarked on an extensive European tour from March to November 2007, performing in countries including , , , , and . AaRON's discography includes subsequent studio albums Birds in the Storm (2010), We Cut the Night (2015), and Anatomy of Light (2020), alongside the live recording Waves on the Road (2011), showcasing their evolution from roots to more mature, experimental arrangements. Notable performances have featured at major venues and festivals such as ' Zenith Arena, the Paleo Festival alongside and , the Dour Festival, and ' Arena, solidifying their status in the European music scene.

History

Formation and early years

AaRON was formed in 2004 in , , by vocalist and Simon Buret and Olivier Coursier, driven by their mutual passion for electronic and alternative music genres. The duo met that year through a mutual friend, Vanessa Filho, who would later contribute to their visual projects. Their collaboration marked a shift for Coursier, who had served as for the heavy metal band Mass Hysteria from 2000 until 2005, after which he redirected his energies toward music production, arrangement, and electronic programming—skills honed from his earlier training on , bass, and guitar. Buret, meanwhile, brought his experiences as a singer and , including minor roles in projects like (2005) that influenced his introspective and narrative-driven lyrical style, often drawing from personal disillusionment. The pair's early creative process centered on self-produced experimentation, beginning with their first composition, "Endless Song," which combined melodies with electronic effects to craft a dark, dreamy atmosphere. Over the following year, they wrote approximately 20 songs, focusing on bilingual lyrics that blended English—Buret's preferred language due to his American heritage—and French elements to explore themes of and fantasy. Without a , they developed demos independently, incorporating Coursier's production expertise and Buret's and harmonica contributions to build a distinctive sound. Prior to 2006, Buret continued acting, appearing in films such as , while Coursier focused on recording; together, they shared their demos online via platforms like and , conducting informal performances and refining their material. This period culminated in a conceptual demo collection titled Artificial Animals Riding on , which encapsulated their imaginative origins and laid the groundwork for future releases. These efforts paved the way for their debut single in 2006.

Debut album and breakthrough

AaRON's entry into the music industry began with their debut single "U-Turn (Lili)", released in 2006 as part of the soundtrack for the French film Je vais bien, ne t'en fais pas. The track, composed by Olivier Coursier with lyrics by Simon Buret, was integrated into the film's narrative as a written by one character for another, contributing to its emotional and helping propel to initial recognition. Following the buzz from the single, which peaked at number 17 on the French singles and remained in the top 100 for over a year, signed with the label Cinq 7, a division distributed by Universal Music , in 2007. Their debut studio , Artificial Animals Riding on , was released on January 29, 2007, featuring the single alongside tracks like "Endless Song" and "Mister K.". The showcased the duo's blend of piano-driven and electronic elements, achieving commercial success by entering the French s at number 8 and earning double gold certification in . To promote the album, embarked on their first European tour from March 14 to November 28, 2007, performing across countries including , , , , and . The tour culminated in high-profile shows, such as at L'Olympia Bruno Coquatrix in on November 24, 2007, solidifying their breakthrough presence on the continental stage.

Birds in the Storm era

Following the success of their debut , AaRON entered a new phase with their second studio , Birds in the Storm, released on October 4, 2010, by the label Cinq 7. The debuted and peaked at number 6 on the French albums chart. The , "Rise", was released on March 26, 2010, and received significant radio play alongside a that highlighted the duo's atmospheric pop style. The track helped build anticipation for the , contributing to its strong initial chart performance. To promote Birds in the Storm, AaRON embarked on an extensive tour spanning 2010 to 2012, performing over 100 dates across and internationally, including stops in , the , the (such as New York), and . Key French venues included the Casino de Paris, where they performed in December 2010, and the Zénith arenas. The tour featured intimate and energetic sets that showcased the 's introspective tracks. During this period, AaRON recorded material for their first live , Waves from the Road, captured during the tour's unplugged and symphonic performances. Released on December 5, 2011, the offered reinterpreted versions of songs from Birds in the Storm and their debut, emphasizing acoustic arrangements and orchestral elements to capture the live energy.

We Cut the Night and mid-career developments

AaRON's third studio album, We Cut the Night, was released on September 18, 2015, by Cinq 7, marking a significant evolution in their sound with layered synths and atmospheric textures. The album debuted and peaked at number 5 on the French Albums Chart, and number 6 in (Wallonia) and number 15 in , reflecting strong domestic and international reception; it was later certified gold in . The lead single, "Blouson Noir," was released on May 9, 2015, blending introspective lyrics with pulsating electronic beats that evoked a sense of nocturnal melancholy. Its accompanying , directed by Olivier Coursier, featured acclaimed actor delivering a poetic amid stark, noir-inspired visuals in , enhancing the track's cinematic allure. Follow-up single "Shades of Blue," issued in September 2015, delved deeper into themes of emotional ambiguity through haunting melodies and subtle electronic undertones, aligning with the album's overall exploration of darker pop sensibilities. Supporting the album, embarked on an extensive tour from 2015 to 2017 across , performing over 100 shows that showcased their matured stage presence with immersive lighting and multimedia elements reminiscent of prior tours but amplified for larger audiences. Key headline performances included a sold-out date at L'Olympia in on November 25, 2015, where they blended tracks from We Cut the Night with fan favorites, and a triumphant show at on January 18, 2017, capping the tour's European leg with intricate arrangements and guest appearances. This era represented a pivotal mid-career shift toward more cinematic production techniques, drawing from AaRON's increasing involvement in soundtracks and visual projects, which infused their music with broader depth and experimental electronic elements. The duo's collaboration with filmmakers during this time, including contributions to scores and visuals, influenced the album's moody, quality, allowing them to expand beyond traditional pop structures into immersive, story-driven compositions.

Anatomy of Light and recent activities

AaRON's fourth studio , Anatomy of Light, was released on September 18, 2020, via Universal Music France's Cinq 7 imprint. The record marked a return after a five-year hiatus, featuring 12 tracks that blend with introspective , exploring themes of emotional vulnerability, renewal, and embracing uncertainty amid personal and global turmoil. Lead single "The Flame" preceded the in early 2020, setting a tone of luminous resilience, while "Minuit" followed as a poignant 2021 release with its accompanying video emphasizing midnight reflections on memory and connection. The album's launch coincided with the onset of the , severely disrupting promotional plans. A planned tour, including a headline show at on November 21, 2020, was postponed to March 2021 before being fully canceled due to health restrictions. This period forced the duo to adapt, focusing on digital outreach and acoustic reinterpretations, such as the piano version of "The Flame," to maintain fan engagement amid widespread industry shutdowns. Post-pandemic, resumed activity with selective releases under independent distribution via Wagram Music. In 2022, they issued the remix single "Blouson Noir (Camp Claude Remix)," reimagining a track from their earlier work with electronic flourishes. The following year brought "Rayon Vert," a collaboration with that fused their signature pop with her dramatic style, alongside a remix EP featuring interpretations by artists like . By 2024, singles "Dreamin Off" and "Legendary" highlighted a continued evolution toward dreamy, atmospheric electropop, with the latter showcasing introspective narratives of perseverance. In November 2024, AaRON performed on the French television show , duetting "U-Turn (Lili)" with contestant Julie and debuting "" live, marking a high-profile return to the stage. The duo has sustained momentum through updates and sporadic releases; a fifth studio album has been announced but not released as of November 2025.

Members

Simon Buret

Simon Buret was born on June 9, 1980, in Paris, France. He pursued studies in fine arts at the Brussels workshops and theatre directing under Belgian director Robert Cordier before embarking on a career in acting and music. In 2004, Buret co-founded the French pop rock duo AaRON alongside Olivier Coursier during a tribute event to artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, taking on the primary roles of lead vocalist, lyricist, and co-composer. His acting background, which includes film roles such as Antoine in Don't Worry, I'm Fine (2006) and Pierre in Les yeux fermés (2013), as well as voice work voicing Jean Cocteau in the TV series Genius (2018), has informed the duo's introspective and poetic lyrical style, often exploring themes of loss, longing, and dreams. Buret's solo endeavors include his acting contribution to Les yeux fermés, for which AaRON composed the original soundtrack, blending his performance with the duo's musical elements. Within AaRON, he has been instrumental in crafting bilingual songwriting, delivering lyrics in both English and French across albums like Artificial Animals Riding on Neverland (2007) and Anatomy of Light (2020), while leading live performances that emphasize emotional delivery and atmospheric staging. In recent years, Buret has expanded into visual arts, with a solo exhibition titled "Les prières" at Nil Gallery in Paris from November 14, 2024, to January 12, 2025.

Olivier Coursier

Olivier Coursier was born on February 11, 1974, in Brétigny-sur-Orge, France. Prior to forming AaRON, Coursier served as the guitarist and sampler for the French metal band Mass Hysteria from 2000 to 2007. In 2004, while still a member of Mass Hysteria, Coursier shifted toward pop-electronic music and co-founded the duo AaRON with Simon Buret after they shared early demos. In , Coursier has been the primary , arranger, , and since its inception, blending electronic and rock elements through such as synthesizers and guitars across their albums. He holds production credits on all of AaRON's , including mixing responsibilities for select tracks on Anatomy of Light (2020). Additionally, Coursier has contributed to visuals and video concepts for AaRON's projects, drawing from his background in graphic design studies. As of 2025, he continues his work in and art direction alongside AaRON's ongoing European tours.

Musical style and influences

Core elements

AaRON's music is characterized by a distinctive blend of , , and , featuring prominent synthesizers, guitars, and atmospheric production that creates immersive, layered soundscapes. This fusion draws from the French electro scene, incorporating dreamy electronic textures and rhythmic pulses, while integrating rock edges through guitar riffs and piano foundations for a retro-futuristic edge. Their influences include Portishead, , , , and . The duo's lyrics are predominantly bilingual, alternating between English and French to explore themes of , intimate relationships, and emotional , often delving into disillusionment, obsessions, and personal uncertainties. Simon Buret's vocals serve as a central instrument, shifting from melancholic to urgent intensity, enhancing the raw emotional depth of these narratives. Melodically, AaRON combines accessible pop hooks with experimental electronic layers, resulting in structures that feel cinematic and evocative, suitable for evoking vast emotional journeys. Recurring motifs include contrasts between artificial, fantastical worlds—symbolized in their name, Artificial Animals Riding On —and natural elements like birds and storms, underscoring themes of inner turmoil and fleeting beauty.

Evolution over time

AaRON's early albums, from Artificial Animals Riding on Neverland (2007) to Birds in the Storm (2010), featured a brighter, pop-oriented electronic rock sound characterized by indie pop hooks blended with measured electronic elements and brooding atmospheres. This period emphasized emotional, spherical piano pop with accessible melodies, often enhanced by orchestral arrangements during live tours that added dramatic flair to their guitar-based setups. In the mid-period, particularly with We Cut the Night (2015), the duo shifted toward a darker, more introspective aesthetic influenced by cinematic moods, incorporating synth-driven dance elements that balanced discomfort and . This evolution marked a departure from their initial rock leanings, embracing a moody electrorock style that deepened thematic while maintaining their core electronic base. Entering the 2020s, returned to luminous, remix-heavy sounds in Anatomy of Light (2020), blending electro-pop with dancefloor rhythms, poetic melancholy, and acoustic roots, alternating between energetic tracks and calmer reflections. This album built on prior electro experiments but reintroduced brighter acoustic melodies, with half the tracks in French for added emotional resonance. Subsequent singles like "Rayon vert" (2023), a collaboration with featuring electro-chanson elements, incorporated house and ambient remixes to expand their sonic palette. Post-2020, adapted to digital platforms by releasing shorter singles paired with integrated visual media, such as emphasizing atmospheric , to engage streaming audiences amid evolving consumption trends. Overall, AaRON's trajectory reflects a progression from experimental duo explorations in indie to a polished, genre-blending maturity that fuses pop accessibility with introspective depth and multimedia synergy.

Collaborations and other projects

Soundtrack contributions

AaRON's entry into the music industry was marked by their contributions to the of the 2006 French film Je vais bien, ne t'en fais pas (), directed by Philippe Lioret. The duo provided two original tracks: the debut single "U-Turn (Lili)," which served as a pivotal song within the narrative as a composition by one of the film's characters, and "Mister K." These songs not only propelled the film's emotional storyline about family separation and longing but also became AaRON's breakthrough, with "U-Turn (Lili)" achieving widespread radio play and commercial success in . Simon Buret, AaRON's vocalist, also made his acting debut in the film as Loïc's friend, who introduces the song "U-Turn (Lili)" to the protagonist Lili, intertwining the duo's musical and performative roles. In 2013, composed and performed the original score for the film Les yeux fermés (Eyes Closed), directed by Jessica Palud. The soundtrack album, released the same year, features nine instrumental and thematic pieces, including "L'éveil," "Premier jour," and "Last Night Thoughts," which underscore the film's themes of , loss, and . Buret reprised his acting involvement, portraying the character . This project highlighted AaRON's ability to craft atmospheric, cinematic soundscapes blending electronic and acoustic elements. Beyond films, AaRON's music has appeared in television, notably with the track "We Cut the Night" featured in season 2, episode 7 of the Netflix series Elite (2019), enhancing scenes of youthful tension and nightlife. While early demos occasionally surfaced in French television series during their formative years, no major original scores for TV followed by 2025. These soundtrack works influenced AaRON's debut album Artificial Animals Riding on Neverland (2007), where "U-Turn (Lili)" and "Mister K." were integrated, infusing the record with the films' emotional narratives of vulnerability and connection.

Notable partnerships

One of AaRON's early notable partnerships was their collaboration with French singer on the duet "La Place du Vide," featured on her 2009 album Zest Of. The track, co-written by AaRON members Simon Buret and Olivier Coursier, blended their sensibilities with Zazie's pop style and achieved a peak position of #31 on the singles chart in 2010. In 2015, AaRON partnered with American actor for the music video of "Blouson Noir," the lead single from their album We Cut the Night. Malkovich's introductory monologue added a cinematic and artistic dimension to the visual narrative, directed by Coursier, enhancing the song's thematic exploration of memory and loss. The duo has also engaged in remix collaborations, notably with French electronic act Camp Claude, who reinterpreted "Blouson Noir" in 2022. This remix infused the original track with deeper electronic textures and pulsating rhythms, released as a single that extended the song's reach within the alternative electronic community. A significant recent partnership came in 2022 with iconic French artist on the single "Rayon Vert," from her album . Co-written by Buret and Coursier, the track marked AaRON's integration into Farmer's pop oeuvre, with live performances during her Nevermore tour (2023–2024) showcasing their vocal and production synergy on stage. AaRON has further strengthened their presence in the French alternative scene through shared festival appearances, such as at the Paleo Festival alongside international acts, which helped build connections within the electro and indie networks.

Discography

Studio albums

AaRON's studio discography consists of four albums released over more than a decade, showcasing their evolution in electronic pop and . The duo's debut marked their breakthrough in , with subsequent releases maintaining strong domestic chart performance while incorporating more experimental elements. All albums were primarily released through French labels, transitioning from major independents to self-production on their later work. Combined sales of the first two albums exceeded 200,000 units in , driven by certifications and prolonged chart runs. Their debut album, Artificial Animals Riding on Neverland, was released on January 29, 2007, by Discograph. It features 13 tracks and peaked at number 8 on the French Albums Chart (SNEP), spending 119 weeks on the chart after entering on February 3, 2007. The album achieved double gold certification in France for sales over 100,000 units. The follow-up, Birds in the Storm, arrived on October 4, 2010, under Cinq 7 (a Wagram Music imprint). Comprising 12 tracks, it reached number 6 on the French Albums Chart upon entry on October 9, 2010, and charted for 25 weeks. Like its predecessor, it earned double gold certification in . We Cut the Night, released September 18, 2015, also via Cinq 7 / Wagram, contains 10 tracks and debuted at number 8 on the French Albums Chart on September 26, 2015, with a 17-week run. This release continued the duo's collaboration with the label established since their second album. The most recent studio album, Anatomy of Light, came out on September 18, 2020, through the duo's own Birds In The Storm imprint in partnership with Caroline International. It includes 10 tracks and peaked at number 43 on the French Albums Chart after entering on September 19, 2020, charting for 3 weeks; self-produced elements highlight their increased creative control.

Live and compilation albums

AaRON released their sole live album, Waves from the Road, on December 5, 2011, through the Cinq 7 label. Recorded during their 2010 Unplugged & Waves tour, it captures acoustic performances of key tracks from earlier works, including unplugged versions of hits like "Rise" and "Angel Dust," emphasizing the duo's stripped-down arrangements and direct audience connection. The recording process focused on preserving the tour's intimate atmosphere, with microphones positioned to highlight crowd responses and the natural reverb of venues, resulting in a 17-track collection that runs over 76 minutes. This approach contrasted their studio productions by foregrounding live and emotional delivery, particularly in extended renditions of songs from the 2010 album Birds in the Storm. While has explored symphonic elements in live settings—such as their orchestral performance of "Le Tunnel d'Or" for the Bonnie and Clyde musical, which integrated full ensemble arrangements and heightened audience immersion—no dedicated live release from these symphonic tours has been produced. By 2025, AaRON had not released any major compilation albums, according to comprehensive discography records.

Singles

AaRON has released over ten singles since their formation, with the majority issued in the digital era following their 2010 album Birds in the Storm, often as promotional tracks for studio albums or standalone digital releases. Their debut single, "U-Turn (Lili)", marked their breakthrough in 2006, peaking at number 17 on the French Singles Chart and spending 102 weeks on the chart. Subsequent singles achieved varying levels of commercial success, primarily through radio airplay and streaming. "Rise", released in 2010 as the from Birds in the Storm, garnered moderate radio play in without entering the official charts. "Blouson noir", issued in 2015 from the album We Cut the Night, reached number 63 on the French Singles Chart over six weeks and received acclaim for its , which has amassed millions of views online. "Shades of Blue", also from We Cut the Night and released in 2015, served as a promotional track emphasizing the duo's atmospheric pop sound. Later releases shifted toward independent . "The Flame", the 2019 for Anatomy of Light, was promoted through acoustic sessions but did not chart prominently. "Minuit", a 2021 single tied to the same album, featured a cinematic highlighting introspective themes. In 2023, "Rayon vert", a collaboration with , peaked at number 45 on the French Singles Chart in its debut week and was accompanied by a remixes EP. Their most recent single, "Legendary", arrived in 2024 and gained visibility through a live television performance on on TF1.
TitleRelease YearAlbum AssociationPeak (France)Notes
U-Turn (Lili)2006Artificial Animals Riding on 17102 weeks on chart
Rise2010Birds in the Storm-Moderate radio success
Blouson noir2015We Cut the Night63Video acclaim; 6 weeks on chart
2015We Cut the Night-Promotional track
The Flame2019Anatomy of Light-
Minuit2021Anatomy of Light-Music video release
Rayon vert (feat. )2023Standalone45Remixes EP; 1 week on chart
Legendary2024Standalone-TV performance on

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