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.