Reel-to-reel audio recorders were the standard for sound recording and playback in the 1960s. These devices stored analogue audio signals on magnetic tape reels. The tape was mechanically wound onto a second reel, passing through the playback head. The head converted the magnetic variations produced by the tape into electrical signals, which were then amplified and sent to the speakers. The recorders were equipped with mechanical controls for playback, fast forward, rewind and stop. 

Embodied in this device, Alessia is an imaginary prototype of the more famous voice assistant Alexa. It produces a dull background hum of mechanical components in action and emits the typical smell of old electrical components heated by electricity. A microphone is connected to the system and allows the user to speak their command. Alessia responds one word at a time and fast-forwards the tape to a specific point. It then activates the playback command and finally pronounces the word. Alessia therefore communicates by leaving long pauses between words. 

Alessia metaphorically represents language generation technologies, physically exposing a deliberately limited dataset. Alessia thus disobeys the logic of growth, speed and quantity, offering, through her limited and slow responses, a reflection on the value of limits.

Alessia is part of the Disobedient Discursive Machines artistic concept, and can be exhibited alongside the other machines.