JAM
Brief │ The Content is the Object
Project leader │ Jozeph Forakis
Project Assistant │ Maria José Fabregat
Group Members │ Jihee Chun, Sung Hyun Kyung, Kerri Moskow
Idea | Problem Setting | Context
The world of technology is moving at a rapid rate, changing so quickly it is difficult for most users to stay current. Open source and beta platforms are now essential to the emerging technological architecture. But because this world is changing so rapidly, it is increasingly important to utilize basic human instincts and actions that will never become outdated, creating technologies that are extremely flexible and robust while remaining intuitive. The technological world is evolving and with it social and creative networks. Just as tech platforms are becoming increasingly open source, social and creative communities are also embracing this idea. The rules and realms of socialization are emerging. But to create new devices and platforms for the future, it is also important to look to the past.
What is it?
Throughout cultures and time, music has been a means of socialization. Impromptu musical collaboration or ‘jamming’ is one of the most fundamental ways both music and socialization are created. This project uses the fusion of sounds as a mechanism for encouraging social interaction and dynamically changes the emerging sound-scape. Ongoing interaction is expressed through both acoustic and visual cues. Harmonies can be created collecting and playing together different sounds, modulated by people’s presence in space.
How it works?
Humans have a natural instinct to clap, snap and drum to rhythms. More precise gestures are required to play instruments, however, with much practice, these gestures become equally intuitive. In the past, these movements have been used to create sounds through the use of traditional instruments. However, the world is entering a new paradigm of music creation as it becomes ever more digitized. No longer are instruments relied on to create music. DJ-ing and synthesized sounds are the new frontier. Exploiting rhythmic gestures and drawing from the daily sound-scape creates a new kind of musical device that combines the world of traditional instruments with that of sound sampling.
The architecture of ‘Jam’ consists of 3 basic components: a clip, a ring and a finger tap. The clip acts as a hub and recorder. Using this device, sounds can be recorded then stored in a personal sound library. Sound clips can also be transferred to and from this device by connecting to a computer. Audio output devices plug in directly. The clip also acts as a hub for the other two components by connecting them wirelessly together, and also as a wireless connection between other users.
The ring functions to select, control, and store. Up to 5 sound clips of 10 second loops may be stored on each ring. By swiping the underside of the ring, sound clips can be selected. The finger tap is used to control and manipulate the sounds. In order to play a clip, the finger tap must be pressed against a firm surface. Volume is controlled by finger pressure. To change pitch, the finger is moved vertically, up and down. Repeated tapping of the finger can create rhythms. You can also download clips from other uses by touching finger tap to finger tap.
Value & Potential
This project observes gestures, both intuitive and learned, associated with creating music. It recognizes the emerging sound-scape and the digitalization of sounds. Using these ancient and symbolic gestures, one can remix everyday sounds; literally creating the soundtrack of their life. It also opens the formerly closed world of music listening by inviting others to manipulate and hear what another may hear in his headphones. It connects worlds of sound, creating another dimension. Imagine, live jamming between a person in London and another in Tokyo. This is not only is creative collaboration, but social networking at a fundamental level. This kind of communication transverses spoken language and connects people on an emotion and human level.
-
Related Projects
