Transparency and Authenticity in the Live Arena: An Exploration of Electronic Music Performance Techniques

Fortune, David

Abstract

The following paper examines current practices and conventions of the live performance of electronic music, and creates innovative performance tools and methodologies that will augment the techniques currently being employed by practitioners within the field. The practical aspect of this project focuses on the creation of two new instruments created within the MaxMSP environment; these instruments can either be used in conjunction to create a live performance alone, and without the use of any other devices, or be incorporated into a wider setup of other instruments. The development of these instruments culminates in a video recorded performance of my own original studio compositions using the technology I have designed; this element of the research enabled me to assess the value and effectiveness of the instruments as live performance tools.

This paper was, in part, inspired by a previous study, entitled “Examining Authenticity in Live Performance of Electronic Music”, in which I examined many of the factors that contribute to an effective live electronic performance, as well as some of the challenges that are presented in convincingly replicating studio compositions in a live environment. In this paper, I explore these themes further with a focus on the interaction between the physical, visual, and audio elements of a performance. I first examine a range of performers within the field and identify areas where I believe there to be flaws in the methodologies they use to communicate musical intent to the audience, especially when compared to established conventions of what constitutes a ‘live’ performance.

In response to these observations, I re-purpose and extend the functionality of pre-existing hardware MIDI controllers to create new instruments using the software platform MaxMSP; these instruments are then employed to create multi-timbral performances of electronic music works. In an attempt to overcome some of the flaws I identify, I mainly eschew the traditional model of ‘live’ instrumental performance in favour of techniques which are more commonly used in the creation of electronic music, specifically sequencing, loop manipulation and signal processing. Crucially, by exploiting the capabilities of my chosen hardware devices, I achieve these aims in a way which is not only incredibly tactile for the performer, but also highly transparent to the audience in terms of which processes are actually taking place, and to what degree the performer is affecting them.

The findings of this research, as well as being of value for personal performance repertoire, are potentially beneficial to the wider electronic music community as a whole. The performance frameworks established herein will hopefully influence other practitioners to take elements of my methodology and develop them further within their own individual performance styles.

• Presentation Conference Type: Conference Paper (unpublished)
• Conference Name: Innovation in Music 2019
• Start Date: Dec 5, 2019
• End Date: Dec 8, 2019
• Deposit Date: Jul 10, 2025
• Peer Reviewed: Not Peer Reviewed
• Keywords: Music Performance, Electronic Music, Max, MaxMSP