Welcome to the forum.
From the sound of it and considering three of your four questions were concerning music, it sounds like you're looking for a voice activated MP3 player, not a AI chat companion.
I'm sure someone here could make a 3D head as you described.
Normally, when Hal is NOT talking, it is listening unless one clicks on the MIC button (to turn the feature off).
Research for papers, quite possibly...start music with a player like WinAmp, yes. I'm relatively sure that someone has also wrote a script to allow Hal to control practically every facet of one's computer.
Hal can do a lot and with some determination, individuals have been able to do some remarkable things with the program.
The program has evolved over several version and many years. Good things take time, but there's plenty of room for experimentation and sharing of knowledge.
Good luck!