Matthew Webb and Steven Ricks, School of Music

Introduction

Under the direction of my faculty mentor Steven Ricks, I created a music installation entitled Internet Protocol. As a creative impetus, I sought to create an installation that would consider the emotional and psychological consequences of living in an increasingly digital and interconnected world. I wished to create an installation that would challenge the audience aesthetically and allow them to think about music in new ways. The installation was completed and exhibited multiple times to various audiences.

Methodology

I created a new music installation that synthesized music using networked computers. I used eight Raspberry Pi computers that were networked together across a physical computer network using Ethernet cables and a network switch. The physical components of the network became part of the physical presentation of the installation, and were an integral aesthetic element. Each computer had a small, portable speaker that it controlled. I wrote a software framework that allowed the computers to synthesize various sinusoidal sound elements. As well, the framework implemented a communication protocol whereby each computer could send and receive messages from all the other computers. These messages allowed the computers to influence the sound that the other computers were making. In this way, the computer network functioned as a fundamental compositional element in the music that was created. In order the present the installation, the physical components were spread throughout a space and connected together via the network. Audience members visited the installation as they would a museum exhibit, coming and going as they pleased.

Results

I presented the installation multiple times. The title of the work is Internet Protocol. The installation was premiered outside of the Student Composer Showcase in the foyer of the de Jong Concert Hall at Brigham Young University. Those who came to attend the concert could observe the installation as they entered and exited the concert hall. The installation was presented in the same venue during my senior composition recital. The installation was also presented in the foyer of the Libby Gardner Concert Hall at the University of Utah during the semiannual Crosstalk electronic music concert series. I was able to discuss various aspects of the installation with my peers from this university’s electronic music studio. I also presented a small version of the installation as part of a lecture about the work to the composition studio at Brigham Young University. This presentation allowed me to discuss the technical aspects of the composition with my colleagues, and allowed me to receive constructive criticisms about the work. Finally, the installation was presented for four days in Gallery 303, a large gallery space adjoining the Harris Fine Arts Center at Brigham Young University.

Discussion

This installation allowed me the opportunity to think about music composition in new and exciting ways. It was a heavily creative project, as it required staging physical electronics, developing new music synthesis software, and composing music for the new medium. The project was able to affect many people. I was able to share in the creative process with my mentor Steven Ricks, who was integral in developing the aesthetic concepts that drove the work. As well, I was able to have many productive and enlightening conversations with my colleagues as I was creating the installation. As I talked to other students about the work, I was able to both give them new insights and receive valuable new thoughts and ideas. Once completed, the installation created a sonic atmosphere that was unfamiliar and engaging. Many audience members would ask me questions about the work, and this lead to many interesting conversations. The installation inspired and challenged the many people who visited it. It is my hope that this work assists in creating a creative environment in which students and community members can explore their creative potential. As well, I hope that musicians and composers continue to explore the exciting possibilities afforded by the continuing development of new technologies. Though the technologies make the music possible, the music plays an essential role in helping us understand the subtle consequences of living with the technology.

Conclusion

The networked computer music installation Internet Protocol successfully inspired many people. The process of creating the installation required collaboration and creative thinking. Those who visited the completed installation were challenged and uplifted by the work.