I think we just have to accept also that live performances with computers involved have to be perceived completely differently, because of the way in which we interface with them, compared to live instruments. The latter make no sound without human interaction, whereas although we need to interface with computers at least once, we could leave them running for hours without touching them in theory. Kraftwerk manage this well because their "Mensch Maschine" ideology fits in so brilliantly with laptop technology, but for other live musicians using this medium, I think we have to approach things very differently, and that's why the visual aspect is so important. However, I have yet to see an artist do this in a way that is totally convincing, apart from KW.
I'd be v.interested to see Monolake live, as I know he uses projections and the like, and they are sort of related to the textural music that he makes. Any comments? -----Original Message----- From: Dennis DeSantis [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 25 June 2004 12:06 To: Toby Frith Cc: Gavin Daruvalla; 313@hyperreal.org Subject: Re: (313) Laptop performances Toby Frith wrote: > It seems there is a desperate requirement in this whole debate for > "authenticity". As if the performer actually has to show the audience "hey I > am playing live, honest!". How can you really do this when so much of the > equipment is automated? You're absolutely right, and what makes the situation even funnier is that most audiences seem to have no idea what's going on anyway. If I had a nickel for the number of times I've had people come up to me with REQUESTS during my Ableton shows....well, I'd have a buck or so. But you know what I mean. -- Dennis DeSantis www.dennisdesantis.com
