Hi all, Well, this is a really timely topic, as tonight I am doing my VERY FIRST Ableton laptop performance here in Chicago. However, I've already given my friends a disclaimer not to expect it to be as visually interesting as my DJing. That said, I've got an Evolution USB controller and I'm always tweaking a knob or a slider and dancing around like a madman, and I've been performing as a live musician in front of people for 17 years now (started playing music at 12, and started getting paid gigs at age 15). So maybe I'll still make a decent impression behind my laptop. Also, it is more of a lounge than a club, and it is free cover, so it isn't like I'm the center of everyone's attention per se while I'm playing.
Any suggestions on keeping it fun that you all have though, I'd be happy to hear! ~David ---------- Original Message ------------- Subject: Re: (313) Laptop performances Date: Thu, 24 Jun 2004 09:58:02 +0100 From: robin <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Simon Hindle" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> it's interesting but a lot of laptop performers just don't have that flair that the best dj's (and live performers for that matter) have. an example of what i'm talking about is BMG's performance on the +31/313 stage at Movement. his music was amazing but you can tell he isn't a dj (which he freely admits in interviews). he doesn't have that presence on the stage/behind the 'decks'. i've seen loads of djs using turntables that don't have that flair either so i think tarring all laptop performers with the same brush is a little unfair. robin... On 24 Jun 2004, at 07:27, Simon Hindle wrote: > So I've been having a bit of a discussion on a local messageboard about > laptop performances. > > By and large, they're really BORING. It looks like people are checking > their email. Or, if they're bopping along, it looks like they're > checking important email but really need to go to the toilet. > > What's the solution? Name some laptop performances you've seen that > were really good SHOWS. And say why they were. Is it really simply a > case of having stellar visuals as well, or is there a whole new > paradigm > out there for this type of performance? > > I liked Kraftwerk's minimal-movement-black-suits-and-plinths affair, > but that sorta ties in with their aesthetic, and I heard Aphex Twin did > a show where he just lay on the floor and twiddled with the laptop - no > effort at all. That appeals to me in a twisted way but is somewhat > gimmicky. > > I personally wonder if laptop performances are more suited to more > artistic interpretations - ie having a gig in an office, with extras > sat > at desks with PCs as well, and only one of them is the musician. Stuff > like that. >
