Different strokes: a prototype software system for laptop performance and improvisation
Mark Zadel, Gary P. Scavone · New Interfaces for Musical Expression · 2006
This paper presents progress in the design of a new software interface for laptop performance and improvisation. These performances can lack a sense of active creation, as well as a visual connection between the performer's actions and the audio output. This stems partly from certain patterns in laptop performance in which musicians resort to heavy automation to cope with performing complex compositions. The software presented here attempts to address this by requiring that the user create all of the control sequences on-stage. The user defines graphical control patterns that are mapped to sample playback. The current prototype resembles a freehand drawing interface where the strokes create looping and cascading animations that generate corresponding audio, ultimately creating music. This style of interface minimizes the use of prepared material and takes advantage of the computer's unique capabilities.