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SANDY HSIEH


 

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04          

MUSIC / LIVE PERFORMANCE


READ 12:12PM


CLIENT
PERIOD

ROLES 
TOOLS



NIME (NEW INTERFACES FOR MUSICAL EXPRESSION)
SEP - DEC 2018

DESIGN & SOUND DIRECTION, PHYSICAL COMPUTING, FABRICATION

ARDUINO IDE, ABLETON LIVE, WOODWORKING, PVC, HAND TOOLS



Overview

Read 12:12PM is a string instrument that embodies the transmission network and explores human desire for connection.

The instrument generates a large electromagnetic field with capacitive sensors I individually programmed to respond to human contact. The composition and choreography examines the establishment of a connection, longing for communication, anticipation in the lack thereof, latency and balance of power dynamics, and ultimately, of loss and disconnection.

 

Read 12:12PM was selected to open for the NIME Show at The Paper Box in Brooklyn, NY.


I want to sincerely thank my talented collaborators for helping me realize this project.

Dancer and Live Composer — Gwen Rakotovao
Music Composition — Nick Gregg & Matt Ross
Systems Consulting — Daniel Castaño & Brandon Newberg


Inspiration

I was largely inspired by a book I was reading at the time called The Grid: The Fraying Wires Between Americans and Our Energy Future by Gretchen Bakke. While learning about the fragility of America's energy infrastructure, I noticed parallels in facets of my personal life. Within the complicated transmission network, I saw the ebb and flow of an engaging conversation ultimately go unanswered.
 

Build

Without prior experience at working in this scale, planning the build was very intimidating. There were many unpredictable challenges that arose and compromises made along the way to ensure the success of the live performance.


Live Composition

I had the pleasure of collaborating with talented musicians Nick Gregg and Matt Ross. They understood the direction I wanted to convey and arranged a dynamic composition for live performance by award-winning dancer and choreographer Gwen Rakotovao.