Musique Concrete
Project Description
Musique Concrete is an interactive performance piece which explores sound and the urban landscape
through the movements on a skateboard. The result is a musical composition which transforms the
skateboarder into a composer. It aims to provide an audience of all ages with a stimulating experience
of new media,skateboarding, the city and sound.
How does it work?Mounted underneath the skateboard is an interface which transmits data wirelessly to a laptop
computer. Physical actions are detected using three sensors connected to the interface.
Acceleration, turns and vibration are monitored by a photoresistor, a flex sensor and piezo sensor
respectively. Using the MIDI protocol, a software program enables the skateboarder to control and
modify real-time sounds directly from the skateboard.
An acoustical map of urban environment
Tricks and movements generate real-time sounds allowing the skateboarder to compose his/her
soundtrack of the city. Furthermore, combining tricks and movements result in unique and often
unexpected musical compositions. Used in conjunction with ramps, obstacles, ledges and other
architectural elements, Musique Concrete provides the listener with a sonic imprint of the urban
environment.
