In this workshop, we'll learn to use a JavaScript library called Konduktiva to do live coding of audio and algorithmic composition. To do so, we'll review the basics of interacting with the JavaScript programming language in the interactive mode of Nodejs as well as the basics of using Konduktiva to produce algorithmic music.
What is live coding?
Live coding is interactive programming carried out as a performance, usually audio and or visuals. It involves modifying a program while it is running to change the output of that program.
What is algorithmic composition?
Algorithmic composition is the use of algorithms to produce music. It can be done either live or pre-planned and then executed by a computer. Its origins stretch back at least to the musical dice games of the 18th century, and it has flourished since the late 20th century with the advent of affordable computers. Algorithms can be used to control or synthesize any aspect of music, from rhythm and note patterns to the timbre of the sounds in the music and beyond.
What will we learn?
We will learn how to use a JavaScript library called Konduktiva to produce algorithmic music, even live coding it. That requires some basic knowledge of the JavaScript language; we will review those concepts while learning to use them with the Konduktiva library. We will especially focus on algorithmically creating rhythm patterns and changing them improvisationally. Once this basic skill of live coding music has been learned, the same techniques can be applied to live coding any aspect of musical control data (or even other timed control data).
What is Konduktiva?
Konduktiva is a new JavaScript version of a software library called Conductive for the Haskell programming language that was programmed by Bell more than a decade ago and used by Bell to carry out hundreds of live coding performances. We will use it to control the SuperDirt sampler, which runs in the SuperCollider software synth environment.
What do I need to know to attend?
Knowledge of the JavaScript programming language will be useful, but it is not required. It will be very helpful to have some experience in programming. Experience in algorithmic music is not required, but that would also be helpful, as well as basic knowledge of rhythm, either traditional or from use of a DAW or drum machine.
What do I need to bring to attend? (tech requirements)
You'll need a computer on which you have installed the following tools:
- SuperCollider
- SuperDirt
- nodejs
- npm
You'll probably want to have a fast processor and at least 8 GB of RAM.
Ideally, you'll also have:
- vim
- tmux
Linux is recommended; Mac OS also works. Windows may also work if the required tools are installed and working. Some live Linux operating systems which can run from a memory stick without installation will also be available for Windows users who are unable to successfully install all of the necessary tools.
Date | 6/25 (Sat.) 14:00–18:00
Venue | CREATORS’ Space R303 Multi-Function Room
Speaker | Renick Bell
How to participate | Free Admission but Deposits Required
Registration | https://forms.gle/gPreHimLLWaFT9zA6
Renick Bell | Renick Bell is a researcher of algorithmic art who specializes in live coding (real-time interactive programming), particularly for the performance of electronic music. He has developed two multi-agent live coding systems: one in JavaScript called Konduktiva, which is based on his previous system Conductive in the Haskell programming language. For over 25 years he has been conducting research on areas such as artificial intelligence for algorithmic composition (symbolic AI, L-systems, multi agent systems), electronic music, aesthetics, interfaces, and algorithmic visual art. He improvises contemporary percussive electronic music with his systems, performing internationally at critically acclaimed festivals such as Berlin Atonal, Unsound, and Mutek. He has published his compositions to critical success, including his 2018 album “Turning Points” being ranked 19 of the 50 best albums of the year by Fact Magazine.
▶ This workshop is mainly conducted in English, supplemented by Chinese.
▶ Free Admission via Online Registration.
▶ Participants must be over 18 years old.
▶ This workshop is free of charge and accepts only a limited number of participants.
To ensure participants’ rights, a deposit of NT$500 will be collected at registration and returned on the day of the workshop. Those who are absent will not be refunded.
▶ Participants are required to bring their own laptops and earphones.
▶ This event will be recorded.
▶ The organizer reserves the right to adjust and change the activities according to the epidemic situation.
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Supervisor | Ministry of Culture
Organizer | Taiwan Contemporary Culture Lab (C-LAB)
Collaborator | Formosa Sound System, Eulerroom, Atomic Swap Electronic Music, Baby Don't Go
Key Visual | Renick Bell
▰ The schedule may be subject to change