Proceedings of the International Conference on New Interfaces for Musical Expression Body as Instrument – Performing with Gestural Interfaces Mary Mainsbridge Dr. Kirsty Beilharz University of Technology Sydney HammondCare PO Box 123 Pallister House, 97-115 River Road Broadway NSW 2007 Greenwich Hospital NSW 2065
[email protected] [email protected] ABSTRACT maintaining sole responsibility over vocal signal processing, a role This paper explores the challenge of achieving nuanced control and usually relegated to a sound engineer, attracts vocalists who prefer physical engagement with gestural interfaces in performance. independent control over their overall sound. The ever-shifting Performances with a prototype gestural performance system, Gestate, dynamics of body movement provide a rich source of control provide the basis for insights into the application of gestural systems in information, fuelling exploration by bypassing conscious approaches live contexts. These reflections stem from a performer's perspective, to creative decision-making and any form of artificiality. This added summarising the experience of prototyping and performing with physical engagement could deliver potentially varied and augmented instruments that extend vocal or instrumental technique unpredictable sonic outcomes, transcending the influence of the mind through gestural control. and ego on live music-making. The innate movement styles of Successful implementation of rapidly evolving gestural technologies individual performers can also colour sound in unexpected ways. in real-time performance calls for new approaches to performing and The creative potential of gestural control will be explored through musicianship, centred on a growing understanding of the body's reflections on prototyping and performance experiences that stem physical and creative potential.