Networked Improvised Music
Tristan Jehan
Help from Roberto Aimi, Adam Smith (Max/MSP,) and Michael Lew (experiments)


The system is designed for collaborative improvised music over distance using the network. Physical distances and natural latency are used as feature for the generation of new music rather than being a limitation and drawback of the technology. The loop-based music relies on the one-beat-synchronization idea. Each player can synchronize any of the other players to an arbitrary beat of the measure, allowing for many possible different mixes (i.e. each player hears a different mix). The system adapts to the bandwidth available and can either send CD-quality audio, MIDI data, or synthesis parameters. The system was successfully experimented between the MIT Media Lab and the Media Lab Europe in Dublin.