MA dissertation: interactive Digital Media

This paper will analyze the role new interfaces and musical instruments play in contemporary electronic experimental music. When referring to "role" , this embraces different implications such as the limitations, possibilities and effects the interface might have over the artist and his/her performance. It is as well for this paper to determine the different connotations applied to live performances, gesture and standardization of the musical instrument and/or the interface, the technological implications and the relationship with the sounds and level of expression with the artist. Since interactive musical instruments and interfaces are still at an early stage relates to experimental music, it is part of this paper to analyze the origins and evolution of experimental electronic instruments as a new form of expression in order to understand how and where experimental music and new interfaces are directing to, as well as their relevance during the evolution process. Special emphasis will be taken on the relationship between the technology available, and how it is affecting novel interfaces and their development in electronic and experimental music. Deeper analysis will be based on real performers and instrument creator's ideas, concepts and opinions, since at this stage of evolution on the matter, no information can be more valuable than that coming from those who are still defining musical composition and performance in experimental electronic music with their inventions.