Collecting some of the experiments in the field of interpersonal touch based musical interfaces.
Musical Instruments
Playtronica - Touch interfaces and performance /
The Russian / French company Playtronica is definitely the most prolific creators of touch-based musical installations. They currently have two devices that they sell that allow anyone to create the kind of work that they put into public spaces (or perform in concert settings).
This blog post will grow over time as I develop a greater understanding of their work and look at examples of their performances and novel uses of their devices (Touch Me and Playtron).
Playtronica at the Pompidou
Playtronica created this performance piece in collaboration with Arte Radio at the Centre Pompidou. It is a re-imagining of György Ligeti’s music and inspired by the Endless Column sculpture b y Constantin Brâncuși in the background.
The passers-by had to, step onto Playtronica-wired floor, and touch the skin of the “columns”. Thus, by spontaneous interaction of strangers, a new interpretation of a famous masterpiece was born.
‘Inclusive’ testing of their installation at the Pompidou
The Social Lamellaphone /
🌿 Making music with Plants!! /
Here I will attempt to collect some of the amazing experiments happening that turn plants into musical interfaces.
Playable Streets have developed a public installation called The Plants over several years of experiments in public space.
THE PLANTS IS A SITE-SPECIFIC MUSICAL INSTALLATION THAT INVITES PARTICIPANTS TO CREATE THEIR OWN MUSICAL COMPOSITIONS USING UNIQUE DIGITAL INSTRUMENTS... PLANTS!
The installation has evolved a lot since our first experiments, new sounds, new shapes and new plants! Before the COVID lockdowns hit we were working on a new expressive version of ‘The Plants’ installation with Electronics engineer and Playable Streets intern Tony.
The world of plant music:
Human Plant Interactions | Symposium & One Week Project
Collaborative Instruments /
Check out this article from Red Bull Music Academy on the history of collaborative instruments!
Collaborative Instruments: An illustrated history of remarkable instruments devised for two or more players https://daily.redbullmusicacademy.com/2018/07/collaborative-instruments
How Music Could Revolutionise Dementia Care /
Check out this great new study led by Melbourne University into the effects of music on people with dementia.
Playable Streets are currently working with Maroondah City Council’s Arts and Cultural Development and Aged and Disability teams to create an 'instrument' that allows participants with dementia and their carers to make music together. More soon! Stay tuned!