Arc

Idea

Arc is a Tesla-coil inspired AV piece that turns a pair of drumsticks into electric arc-forming electrodes.  Surges of energy are dynamically built up, manipulated, and released throughout the course of this 3-part song.

Overview

Arc Pt 1 -  Spark Gap

Playing with the dynamics of an electrical charge.

Each stick tip acts as an electrode and generates an electrical charge. As both sticks appear on the drum an arc forms.

The distance between the sticks controls the size of the electrical arc along with the sound it produces. As the sticks separate the arc becomes larger and the sound of it’s sparking intensifies. As the sticks come together, the arc dies down and only produces a low hum of energy. 

Hits on the drum release this energy and generate bass-filled pulses of electricity from my Moog Sirin.

Arc Pt 2 - State Change

Redirecting energy

With each drum hit an array of orbs randomly changes state to attract and repel the electricity formed from the electrode in the center of the drum. Erratic patterns are formed by the beams of energy as they pass quickly from one orb to the next. 

A driving bass pulse from my Moog Sirin is generated with every center hit while a surrounding faraday cage is triggered with rim hits to bring melody, color, and contrast to the black and white energy.

Arc Part 3 - Breaker

An intense build and release of charges

The intensity of the final section of Arc ramps up as pulses of energy are quickly created, manipulated, distorted, and destroyed with the movement of the sticks. 

Software / Hardware Used

Visuals: Notch

Music: Ableton and Moog Sirin

Tracking Controller: TouchDesigner with Azure Kinect

More info about the tech side of things will be coming soon