Created by Peter LeDeoux and myself.

Modern technology has evolved passed the point where we no longer solely influence computer space, but where computer space is now intruding into the physical world. With technologies such as the fitbit or 3D scanners and printers the physical and digital are blurred. In our piece 4 participants are hooked up to heartbeat sensors and deprived of their other senses. A complex system is created through the interplay of these sensors with a digital system. The effect of music on the human heartbeat is well known, but what will be the outcome of an interplay between the music and the heart?

Peter Ledeoux working on Max patch

Peter LeDeoux working on the Max program that would trigger our sounds.

Room with 8 speakers

Four participants sat in the middle of a sound proof room.  Eight speakers were placed around the group in order to create a surround-sound experience.

Pulse Sensor

Arduino and pulse sensors

Four pulse sensors were connected to an Arduino and placed on the floor.   After the four participants put the sensors on their fingers, the sensors would send information from the Arduino to the computer.  The Max program on the computer would begin to sonify the participants heartbeats creating a never ending composition.  As the heart beats reached a high number of beats new sounds would be implemented in order to broaden the experience.

Here’s an a sample of what you could experience: