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Re: [microsound] laptop as a performance device.
On Thursday, March 17, 2005, at 12:42 PM, richard chartier / LINE wrote:
i am not sure why we keep coming back to the whether laptop is a
viable instrument for performance.
its a device that people use to create therefore why should it
neccesitate having to be translated into some grand dramatic gestural
dance?
I think the issue surrounds how a performance is framed. A "recital" is
different than a "presentation" than a "performance" than a "show".
People (audience) bring different expectations to each. i think the
problem arises when an artist is not aware or in control of how
"whatever it is they do" is represented to the potential audience, by
themselves by the promotional team or whoever is in control of the
public face of the event.
if a laptop performer agrees to play in a club, where typically rock
bands, or DJ's play, and ends up on the flyer as "Live PA" or
"Performance By", and then just stands behind the laptop and tweaks, I
think people (audience) feel dissapointed, or less engaged. This
obviously does not apply to all audience members. I guess speaking for
myself, I just am less interested these days in going to a"club-type"
laptop show, because the listening environment (and since the LISTENING
becomes the key factor most of the time) is less than optimal if it is
at a club type event. People drinking talking, smoking etc... thats
just not conducive to a great listen.
When it is at a Museum or a nice hall, then I am into it, because I can
sit and enjoy the music. If it's gonna be dance music, then I just
dance, does not matter if the person is playing laptop, vinyl or
whatever... I know I am generalizing a bit, but I think the base
critique is valid.
The framing of the event has a lot to do with it's percieved "success".
David Fodel
720-280-3179
805 East Chester St.
Lafayette, Colorado
80026
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