The Shells

Alex Nowitz

Music Proceedings of the International Conference on New Interfaces for Musical Expression

• Year: 2011
• Location: Oslo, Norway
• PDF link

Abstract:

Program notes: Since 2008 I have been performing and composing music for voice and live-electronics using two Wii-remotes as gestural controllers. The live-electronics function in two ways: as an extension of my voice and as an instrument as well. The music creation is mainly based on live-sampling the voice. I also use pre-recorded sounds and my own compositions. In addition, since the beginning of 2010 we have been developing a new instrument, which goes beyond the technical possibilities of the Wii-controllers. I call this instrument the Shells. Besides motion sensors there are three more continuous controllers available: a pressure sensor, a joystick control and ultrasound for distance measurement. About the performers: Alex Nowitz: Composer of vocal, chamber and electronic music as well as music for dance, theatre and opera. Furthermore, he is a voice artist, whistling and singing virtuoso who is classically trained as tenor and countertenor and presents a wide array of diverse and extended techniques. He has been artist in residence at STEIM, Amsterdam, since 2010.

Citation:

BibTeX Entry:

  @inproceedings{nime2011-music-Nowitz2011,
 abstract = {Program notes:

Since 2008 I have been performing and composing music for voice and live-electronics using two Wii-remotes as gestural controllers. The live-electronics function in two ways: as an extension of my voice and as an instrument as well. The music creation is mainly based on live-sampling the voice. I also use pre-recorded sounds and my own compositions. In addition, since the beginning of 2010 we have been developing a new instrument, which goes beyond the technical possibilities of the Wii-controllers. I call this instrument the Shells. Besides motion sensors there are three more continuous controllers available: a pressure sensor, a joystick control and ultrasound for distance measurement.

About the performers:

Alex Nowitz: Composer of vocal, chamber and electronic music as well as music for dance, theatre and opera. Furthermore, he is a voice artist, whistling and singing virtuoso who is classically trained as tenor and countertenor and presents a wide array of diverse and extended techniques. He has been artist in residence at STEIM, Amsterdam, since 2010.},
 address = {Oslo, Norway},
 author = {Alex Nowitz},
 booktitle = {Music Proceedings of the International Conference on New Interfaces for Musical Expression},
 editor = {Kjell Tore Innervik and Ivar Frounberg},
 month = {June},
 publisher = {Norwegian Academy of Music},
 title = {The Shells},
 url = {https://vimeo.com/26661484},
 year = {2011}
}