Research Background
Live coding is an emerging performance practice in which software programs generating sound and visuals are written and manipulated in real time as part of the performance. Since its inception in 2003, the practice has gained international recognition, including an annual academic conference and frequent global performances. The researcher has actively developed his live coding practice since 2005. Tactical MO is a semi-improvised Algorave performance—a live coding event within a nightclub setting. In this performance, the researcher generates music, while an academic collaborator from New York University live codes visuals.
Research Contribution
This work employs novel algorithms developed through research into musically salient computational processes and informed by studies in music perception. The researcher has published these principles in academic journals. In performance, these algorithms are implemented interactively using live coding and a MIDI controller, facilitating a dynamic exchange of agency between the human musician and a semi-autonomous computational system. The resulting output is metrically regular, harmonically diatonic, and incorporates electronic and sampled sound sources. The performance uniquely features cut-up samples from public speeches relevant to the local community, particularly evident toward the performance’s conclusion, demonstrating the algorithms' capability within an electronic dance music context.
Research Significance
Tactical MO premiered at a documented Algorave in New York City in October 2016, organized by LiveCodeNYC. The researcher was invited to perform due to his international reputation within the live coding community. The venue, Babycastles, is a prominent experimental digital arts space renowned for hosting innovative creative practices.