Abstract for Sao Paulo Conference
Title: Asynchronous Improvisation: towards a generative approach to music and interaction
Keywords: music, music composition, emergence, interactivity, generative arts, new media
Abstract: Given the emergent nature of computer-mediated interactivity it can be advantageous to approach the composition of music for new media in a way that leverages the "becoming" of emergence as a "becoming" of sound. The non-linear experience of interactivity is incongruous with the linear, "narrative" music that is often heard in new media works. This music does little to recognize the emergence/becoming experienced in the course of an interactive exchange and neglects the potential for a becoming of music. This presentation considers a generative compositional approach to music that recognizes this potential and enables it to manifest as sound in the context of interaction with telematic media and digital art works. Generative music is characterized by its ability to sound unique in each moment. Similarly, telematic media and digital art can situate individuals in environments where their interactions lead to unique experiences. When coupled, the music produced through processes of interaction and generation becomes inimitably specific to a time, a place, and an interaction.
Distributed communication enabled by telematic networks enables an enormous variety of open-ended interaction. Viewed in a musical perspective there is great promise for the investigation and exploration of music within this technological territory. This presentation seeks to reveal an opportunity for music that exists not only within the field of new media, but because-of and enabled-by new media; involving distributed composition, networked communication, wiki aesthetics, musical group improvisation, and the complexity and emergence of interaction.
Keywords: music, music composition, emergence, interactivity, generative arts, new media
Abstract: Given the emergent nature of computer-mediated interactivity it can be advantageous to approach the composition of music for new media in a way that leverages the "becoming" of emergence as a "becoming" of sound. The non-linear experience of interactivity is incongruous with the linear, "narrative" music that is often heard in new media works. This music does little to recognize the emergence/becoming experienced in the course of an interactive exchange and neglects the potential for a becoming of music. This presentation considers a generative compositional approach to music that recognizes this potential and enables it to manifest as sound in the context of interaction with telematic media and digital art works. Generative music is characterized by its ability to sound unique in each moment. Similarly, telematic media and digital art can situate individuals in environments where their interactions lead to unique experiences. When coupled, the music produced through processes of interaction and generation becomes inimitably specific to a time, a place, and an interaction.
Distributed communication enabled by telematic networks enables an enormous variety of open-ended interaction. Viewed in a musical perspective there is great promise for the investigation and exploration of music within this technological territory. This presentation seeks to reveal an opportunity for music that exists not only within the field of new media, but because-of and enabled-by new media; involving distributed composition, networked communication, wiki aesthetics, musical group improvisation, and the complexity and emergence of interaction.
