Taking sides: dynamic text and hip-hop performance

In this paper we describe Taking Sides, a performance using a real-time speech visualization software system called TextEngine. Taking Sides is a collaboration between our research studio and Montreal hip-hop artist Dwayne Hanley. Our primary goal was to create a strong conceptual link between the text visualization, the content of the artist’s lyrics, and his performance style. Additionally we wanted to test the flexibility of TextEngine in developing customized performance applications. Pursuing these goals led us through a three month development effort that cycled tightly between design, performance and programmatic iterations. Categories and Subject Descriptors J.5 [Computer Applications]: Arts and Humanities – Performing arts. General Terms Performance, Design, Human Factors Keywords Real-Time Media, Speech Visualisation, Hip-Hop, Rap

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2006
• Where: MM
• Authors: Jason Lewis, Yannick Assogba
• Keywords: Hip-hop Artist Dwayne, MM 2006, Performance, Real-time Speech Visualization