Inducing Psychedelic Visual and Auditory Phenomena Through Retinal and Neural Stimulation

Audyssey AV explores sonic composition and sensory stimulation to recreate psychedelic-like experiences using complex geometric visuals and synchronised generative music. This project aims to elicit visual experiences similar to altered states of perception without the use of psychotropic substances.
The phenomenon is grounded in recent findings suggesting that visual hallucinations under psychedelics originate partly in the retina, specifically through the modulation of amacrine cells and their serotonergic pathways. These cells, located in the inner plexiform layer of the retina, filter visual data and transmit modulated information to retinal ganglion cells, which then propagate it to the lateral geniculate nucleus and visual cortex.
The paper (link below) suggests that psychedelics modulate visual perception through mechanisms involving serotonin receptors in amacrine cells and other neural circuits. Similarly, stroboscopic light under 20 Hz can entrain neural activity in specific frequency bands (Alpha, Theta, Delta), which may disrupt or enhance hierarchical sensory processing, leading to visual distortions or hallucinations. While stroboscopic light and digital stimulation influences brain activity through external rhythmic stimulation, psychedelics chemically modulate neural circuits. However, both methods ultimately converge on altering the way the brain processes and interprets visual information.
Designing visual stimuli in Ableton Live with Ebosuite, ISF shaders & Perlin LFO modulation (Perlin Noise, which, unlike pure random noise, offers controlled, organic patterns. Perlin Noise produces smooth, gradual wave fluctuations and fields like landscape modelling).
Synchronised auditory stimuli further enhance the experience, exploiting the heightened functional connectivity between auditory and visual cortices observed in altered states. Music, especially generative ambient composition, interacts with the visual stimuli to amplify the perceptual effects and evoke immersive, multi-sensory experiences.
Sonic landscapes created in Ableton Live 12.1 using Fors Tela, Ableton Drift, Arturia Pigments, M4L Arpeggio, Airwindows Galactic 3, Mario Nieto Chord & Harmony Bloom.
Audyssey AV explorers a novel approach to creating non-chemical psychedelic states. The application spans wellness modalities, entrainment, and research, offering a safe, controlled, and reproducible method for studying altered states of consciousness and therapeutic potential. This project bridges the gap between art and science, providing an accessible and ethically responsible alternative to traditional psychotropic methods in a research setting using digital technologies.
Stare at the red dot in the centre of the screen for more than 30 seconds (full screen) and when looking away notice the profound visual effects similar to Psilocybin and LSD. The visual phenomena activates the receptive fields of retinal neurons, inducing visual distortions similar to psychedelic hallucinations. This methodology could be used to support practitioners who intended on using stroboscopic light experiences or psychedelic therapy with clients.
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