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Kafka-esque

WAITE, Si (2014) Kafka-esque. [Composition]

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Abstract or description

I was interested in creating a system that put the lyrics of the song at the heart of both the compositional process and the performance. This led to the central idea that typing the lyrics could generate the music and visuals, and that the laptop keyboard would become the musical instrument. My daily use of a keyboard means that I am a reasonably proficient typist – so why not exploit the musicality of this virtuosity?
A lot of my practice has been about putting the computer to one side during performance, as it can be a physical barrier between audience and performer. Using a laptop in live performance is not generally associated with liveness, as performer gestures are subtle and often bear no relation to the sonic output. However, using typing gestures (and deliberately exaggerating them) contributes to system transparency.
The Kafka quote chosen also relates to this mode of performance: the computer keyboard allows us to simultaneously withdraw from and connect with the world.
“You do not need to leave your room. Remain sitting at your table and listen. Do not even listen. Be still, silent and solitary. The world will offer itself to you to be unmasked. It will roll in ecstasy at your feet”.
The central guiding structural principle is opening up: an increasing connection to the world starting from a solitary, indoor scenario. The emotional journey is uneasy solitude, through excitement to peace.

Item Type: Composition
Uncontrolled Keywords: electronic music, live performance, typing, computer keyboard, text, interactive music, interactive system
Faculty: Previous Faculty of Arts and Creative Technologies > Film, Sound and Vision
Depositing User: Si WAITE
Date Deposited: 03 Nov 2016 15:51
Last Modified: 24 Feb 2023 03:48
Related URLs:
URI: https://eprints.staffs.ac.uk/id/eprint/2872

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