netcat (Live at Racer Sessions, Apr 15, 2012) by /usr/bin/nc

Full text available at: http://racersessions.com/post/20811589424/david-balatero-brandon-lucia-april-15th-2012

Performance description

Throughout the piece, we will be hyper-focused on listening to what is happening, and reacting to it accordingly. We have combined computer-generated communications with the human ability to feel, plan, and react. Our primary goal in performing this piece is to highlight the difficulty and importance of communication between performers.

To do so, we are using 8 computer “performers” in our set. Each computer generates network traffic. Custom software we’ve written translates the generated network traffic into musical sounds that the audience can hear. Some of the network traffic in our piece is carefully prepared, and some some will be completely spontaneous and out of control – much like any piece of music that involves improvisation.

On the human side of things, we will control the 8 computers we set up, and will generate network traffic improvisationally by manipulating computer hardware and software. We will also play drums and guitar, reacting to the communications generated in real-time.