Page 37 - AC/E Digital Culture Annual Report

Like Björk, various groups are o ering immersive experiences viewed in HTC Vive. Its room-scale technology allows it to create a virtual space where users can explore a physical environment in order to enjoy a sensory experience.But there are truly interesting VR music applica- tions. For example, SoundStage transports you to a virtual studio where you can nd keyboards, drum machines, modular synthesisers and even a Theremin to start creating your productions virtually. This new app is available for HTCVive headsets and can be downloaded from the Steam videogame platform.Groups like Love of Lesbian have used VR technology in “Efímera” to take fans inside the band’s mind, to the origin of their songs and the mechanisms they use to seek inspiration. This unparalleled experience enabled the group’s followers to enjoy an unreleased track whose video clip was recorded in 360 degrees and was directed by Carlos Zorrilla.The world of technology and music is also very closely linked to that of fashion. Converse Chuck Taylor All Wah launched a wearable for serious rock fans: a special edition of their most famous trainers incorporating an electric system with a built-in guitar pedal.In his album Hiperasia, El Guincho provides a futuristic augmented reality universe in which to discover his new tracks. His “Internet of Things” motto inspired him to make sweatshirts and wristbands to distribute his work to the public, eschewing the traditional compact disc format.All these initiatives bring the digital world closer to the physical world as part of the constant, growing need for users to enjoy a complemen- tary physical-world experience of the music they consume in digital format.Musical novelties in the virtual reality industryOn 4 June at the FACYL Festival we were treated to an innovative session from Carlos Jean based on a virtual reality show in which a well-known artist, Antonyo Marest, interpreted songs with lines, colours, and forms, watched by morethan 20,000 people thanks to HTC VIVE and Mountain.There are prototypes and apps that are adapt- able to the immersive experience o ered byVR. Lyra explores the concept of synaesthesia and navigates the di erent perspectives musical creation o ers. Users can handle notes asthey would with a traditional production programme, with the signi cant di erence that it is a more hypnotic and dynamic action in a 3D environment.In Intone the adventure begins with a group of blocks in front of you. You can select the blocks and, depending on the noise, they move and change colour. In general, Intone seems to be a virtual reality experiment involving interactive audio-visualisers.There are prototypes and apps that are adaptable to the immersive experience o ered by VR. Lyra explores the concept of synaesthesia and navigates the di erent perspectives musical creation o ers.Imagine you are a child again and you get a xylophone for Christmas. But that’s not all; with Playthings VR you can immerse yourselfin a world very similar to Candy Crush, where your instruments are gummy bears, hotdogs or hamburgers... A space full of colour and fantasy where you can learn to handle drumsticks.The recording artist Squarepusher has composed a VR piece for one of his songs. It is designed to immerse the viewer in a fantastical and psycho- active journey. The story includes an allegorical voyage through realms of colour.AC/E DIGITAL CULTURE ANNUAL REPORT 201737Smart culture. Analysis of digital trends