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Understanding interaction in contemporary digital music: from instruments to behavioural objects

journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-08, 18:54 authored by Oliver Bown, Alice EldridgeAlice Eldridge, Jon McCormack
Throughout the short history of interactive digital music,there have been frequent calls for a new language of interaction that incorporates and acknowledges the unique capabilities of the computational medium. In this paper we suggest that a conceptualisation of possible modes of performance–time interaction can only be sensibly approached in light of the ways that computers alter the social–artistic interactions that are precursive to performance. This conceptualisation hinges upon a consideration of the changing roles of composition, performer and instrument in contemporary practice. We introduce the term behavioural object to refer to software that has the capacity to act as the musical and social focus of interaction in digital systems. Whilst formative, this term points to a new framework for understanding the role of software in musical culture. We discuss the potential for behavioural objects to contribute actively to musical culture through two types of agency: performative agency and memetic agency .

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Published version

Journal

Organised Sound

ISSN

1355-7718

Publisher

Cambridge University Press

Issue

12

Volume

14

Page range

188-196

Department affiliated with

  • Informatics Publications

Full text available

  • No

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2014-11-07

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2014-11-06

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