Call for participation
The Xth Sense (XS) is a free and open source based technology; as such,
its free distribution is an integral aspect of the research.
In this workshop participants build their own XS biosensor and learn how
to generate interactive music from the muscle sounds of their bodies.
Matadac Festival (http://www.facebook.com/MADATAC)
12-15 December at Caixaforum Madrid, ES.
Write for subscriptionprocedure to: i...@madatac.es
Xth Sense: biophysical live media performance
Hands-on training in augmentation of the body for audiovisual performance.
Creating your own low cost biosensing wearable device for muscle sounds.
*What*
The workshop offers an hands-on experience and both theoretical and
practical training in gestural control of
music and bodily audiovisual performance, deploying the brand-new
biosensing technology Xth Sense.
Developed by the workshop teacher Marco Donnarumma within a research
project at The University of Edinburgh,
Xth Sense is a framework for the application of muscle sounds to the
biophysical generation and control of music
and video.
It consists of a low cost, DIY biosensing wearable device and an Open
Source based software for capture, analysis
and audio processing of biological sounds of the body (Pure Data-based).
Muscle sounds are captured in real time and used both as sonic source
material and control values for sound and
video effects, enabling the performer to control audiovisual media
simply with his body and kinetic energy.
Forget your mice, MIDI controllers, you will not even need to look at
your laptop anymore.
The Xth Sense biosensor was designed to be easily implemented by anyone,
no previous experience in electronics
is required. The applications of the Xth Sense technology are manifold:
from complex gestural control of audio
and video sampling and synthesis, through biophysical generation of
music and sounds, to kinetic control of real
time digital processing of traditional musical instruments, control of
external vjing software and more.
*How*
Firstly, participants will be introduced to the Xth Sense Technology by
its author and led through the assembling
of their own biosensing wearable hardware using the materials provided.
Next, they will become proficient with the Xth Sense software framework:
all the features of the framework will be
unleashed through practical exercises.
Theoretical background on the state of art of gestural control of music
and new performative instruments will be
developed by means of an audiovisual review and participatory critical
analysis of relevant projects selected by the
instructor.
Eventually, participants will combine hardware and software to implement
a solo or group project to be performed
during the final open jam session.
At the end of the workshop, participants will be free to keep the Xth
Sense biosensors they built and the related
software for their own use.
*Perspective participants*
The workshop is open to anyone passionate about sound and video art.
Musical background and education does
not matter as long as you are ready to challenge your usual perspective
on audiovisual performance.
Composers, producers, sound designers, musicians, field recordists are
all welcome to join our team for an
innovative and highly creative experience.
No previous experience in electronics or programming is required,
however participants should be familiar with
digital music creation and live visuals.
Participation is limited to 8 candidates.
If the number of participants is not enough the workshop will not take
place.
*Requirements and further info*
Participants need to provide their own headphones, external soundcards
and laptops with Pd-extended already
installed. Free download is available at
http://puredata.info/community/projects/software/pd-extended.
All the necessary material for the sensors will be provided, but
participant must bring a solder and tin/lead.
We will work either on Linux or Mac OSX (system have to be 10.6 or
newer. If you don't have access to none of
them, please download a live distribution of Pure:Dyne at:
http://puredyne.org/index.html
Musicians interested in augmenting their favourite musical instrument by
means of body gestures are encouraged
to bring their instrument along.
More information about the Xth Sense and a video of a live performance
can be viewed on-line at
http://marcodonnarumma.com/works/xth-sense/
http://marcodonnarumma.com/works/music-for-flesh-ii/
MADATAC Staff
www.madatac.es
www.transfera.es
www.vimeo.com/madatac
www.vimeo.com/transfera
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