Slugfest from James Boock on Vimeo.



Can an entire music genre be recognisable by one object?

Slugfest was completed in collaboration with Riah Naief and Carrolynne Hsieh from the IED (Information Experience Design) department at the Royal College of Art.

'Slugfest' is a music mixing/layering platform using the association that objects have to genres as the medium. By placing an object onto the designated position on the record it triggers the particular genre to play. The more objects you add - the more songs that are triggered, creating chaotic or melodious sound depending on the user.

Slugfest was born from the concept that an entire music genre can be easily recognisable by a single object. For example 'Blues' is a genre that embodies all sorts of complexities and types of cultures but it can also be recognised by one object - the iconic Ray-Ban Sunglasses.

An important part of the development of 'Slugfest' was playing the word association game where one person says a word and the other person replies with the first word that comes to mind. This playful method used in the development transcends through into the outcome, creating a playful and easy to use product.

It is made using Arduino and MaxMSP music software. Light sensors connected to the Arduino are placed in the record and are used to trigger the different music tracks. Wood is the material used for the structure.

© 2018 

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