'We are but dust and shadows' - Live techno with air quality data and modular synths
Live techno set at Institut für Elektronische Musik und Akustik, Kunstuniversität Graz 24.11.2023. The set is built around air quality data (thanks to data artist Lisa Knolle). Data translated to MIDI, played back from Ableton through Intelljel 1U MIDI-CV module and used for modulations across the system. Vocal samples from World Health Organization documentary videos on air pollution in the EU and local air quality forecasts from the day of performance.
Thanks to IEM for supporting the development of this set through my Artistic Researcher Residency. You can find out more in my opening lecture/artist talk on the @sustainfm channel here: • Sound, music, and sustainability lecture a...
Instruments used:
Error Instruments Solar Theremin
Bastl Instruments Softpop2
Eowave Swarm
Mutable Instruments Plaits
Elektron Octatrack, Analog Rytm Mk1
Borderlands granular iPad app
Dust granular VST
Modular submix: Mystic Circuits 3DVCA for quad panning & Worng Electronics - SoundStage II for stereo field placement by frequency using bandpass filters.
FX: Makenoise Mimeophon & Morphagene, Hologram Electronics Microcosm, and Strymon Blue Sky Reverb
Mixed into 24 speaker array through Mackie 1604-VLZ4 mixer. Three busses for front, rear, and ceiling speakers. Kick direct out for centre front/rear.
Air quality data sources
World Air Quality Index - Graz Air Pollution: Real-time Air Quality Index
(AQI), https://aqicn.org/city/graz/ | Das Serviceportal des Landes Steiermark,
https://app.luis.steiermark.at/luft2/...