----------------------------------------------------- JUNE 24, 2002 ----------------------------------------------------- Source: Apple Computers http://www.apple.com/creative/musicaudio/jonanderson/sight.html Turning Sound into Sight  In addition to the music, work is progressing on the visual elements that are so important to this project. Jon has enlisted the services of Aspect Media Factory in San Luis Obispo, California. Their task is an immense one to say the least. They have to translate Jon’s new music into a visual form that goes far beyond the linear story telling of something like a music video. Indeed, they must create a variety of visual elements that are all tied directly to the music via a midi interface. Hence, when Jon performs this music live, the visuals are an organic component of the music itself. The plan is to provide Jon with full control over the visual components through his MIDI instruments; being able to display any visual item he chooses at anytime he wants. Moreover, he’ll have the ability to let the MIDI system control the visuals for him, displaying visuals it selects based on the piece of music being played. As Fred Dyste of Aspect Media Factory explains, “Jon is creating a musical experience that includes visual imagery, colors, hues, and Flash animation. We’re familiar with light shows and stage effects, but typically, the artist is not in control of the visual elements. These effects are prearranged and don’t allow for improvisation by the artist. With this new concept, the light show is a part of the performance. By enhancing the MIDI hardware and software interface to Jon’s guitar, he can create not only rhythm, but hue as well. A true convergence event.” And the same holds true for the surround sound technology around which this project is designed. When performed live, Jon wants the surround sound to be as organic to the music as the visuals. From the sound presentation point of view, Jon wants the surround sound to occur in a random fashion, where even he won’t know where the sound begins and to where it will travel. That means no two live performances would ever be the same; the visuals will be different with each outing, and the way the audience hears the sound will be different. Jon says he wants to be just as surprised by the presentation of the visuals and surround sound as the audience. Jon looked to Aspect Media Factory (AMF) for collaboration in developing his highly innovative visual music concept. With the help of AMF, Jon has some of the industry’s top talent in graphics, animation, and visual effects on board. AMF’s Fred Dyste goes on to say, “We are taking the idea of an artist controlled laser light show and adding current digital fx and visualization capabilities to it, broadening the depth and timbre of the performance while creating a new genre of art.” “The visual elements for this project are as simple as associating seven colors with the seven notes. A change in octave translates to a change in hue. With a MIDI interface to control a lighting grid, Jon can call upon colors based on notes or chords and use them to alter the tonality of the performance.” “Flash animation, video elements, and special effects are more complicated, requiring pre-processing, but can be incorporated by the artist in an improvisational manner. For instance, a five-second video clip can be played in time with the chorus. The video clip could mimic the theme of the chorus or it could enhance the song with further alliteration.” Close Window YesInThePress.com For site comments, problems, corrections, or additions, contact YesinthePress@aol.com