RE: [microsound] Laptop, etc as Performance device

[Noel Peters <npeters@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

It seems the limitations of laptop performance come from two directions.
One is that the laptop is an icon of labour. I work on a computer
interface most days. When I get home, I often find it difficult to
"re-see" my laptop as a a creative environment. I'm sure that audiences
less attached to the creative process of laptop work find it even more
difficult to "suspend the prosaic". The laptop becomes a barrier to
release and aesthetic engagement.

The second is the expectation of the performative. An expectation that
has been discussed previously by Cascone.

Oddly, people seem content with watching an electronic musician head
down working sliders on a fader, or turning knobs on a synth or
controller. The audience has learnt that particular language of
performance. (Pop or other I find that argument semantantic.)

In my view Kraftwerk has managed to overcome this grey box barrier
somewhat successfully by obscuring the interface from the audience. (Are
they delaying learning?)


Is this barrier simply a short term obstacle present until the audience
is able to understand the performative language of the laptop? Or will
the laptop as icon of labour permanently prevent it from being a
language or syntax of performance?

Noel








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