A collaborative networked performance between Knurl, a hybrid reprogrammable cello played by Rafaele Maria Andrade, and Mercury, a minimal human-readable language for live coding algorithmic electronic music played by Timo Hoogland. During this experimental electronic set both performers will play their own instrument/environment, but have also “infected” each other with a small “computer-virus” that allows them to interfere in each other’s environment by manipulating code and parameters over the network. This interaction will take place through the use of OSC messages over a network.
The title is a reference to the famous “Hello, World!” message used when writing or learning a new program and have it become “alive” in your console by printing this message. The “off” refers to the world being turned off in many ways since the coronavirus outbreak, but also refers to another world, a different world online, that has grown rapidly.
In Mercury all elements of the language are designed around making code more accessible and less obfuscating for the audience. This motivation stretches down to the coding style itself which uses clear descriptive names for functions and a clear syntax. Furthermore the editor is restricted to 30 lines of code, keeping all code always visible. Knurl, a ‘cello’ with 16 strings, is a shift into exploring the potential of hybrid instruments (acoustic-electronic) to be enhanced through built-in electronic components, as well as the potential for music to be a shared endeavour between performers, global audiences and its networks.
Rafaele Andrade is a composer and performer in the field of modern/experimental music with a background in conducting, composition, cello and sonology. She designed her own instrument, which is charged by solar panels, to compose music and perform with. Rafaele has a passion for innovative initiatives, founding, producing and conducting an orchestra of Brazilian music at the age of 17, and, at the age of 22, curating a UNESCO project to promote a group of Latin American women composers (Rádio Delas).
Timo Hoogland is an artist, coder, music technologist and educator based in the Netherlands. He livecodes experimental electronic music and develops generative audiovisual compositions. He has an active role in organizing livecoding meet-ups and Algoraves with Creative Coding Utrecht, is part of the Netherlands Coding Live community and performed at various events and festivals such as ICLC and ADE. He teaches creative system and sound design at the HKU Bachelor of Music Technology.