Eavesdropping: Network Mediated Performance in Social Space

Abstract

The author describes an Internet-based audio composition and diffusion system, Eavesdropping (2007–2008), designed for public spaces where several computer users are gathered, such as cafés. Compositions are created from abstract mood objects rather than musical structures. A composer uploads a set of audio files to represent the different moods in the composition. During a performance, a server-based Conductor selects audio files from this set to be played at each participant's laptop based on the composition, the number of participants in the room and the time they joined the performance. This project aims to enhance awareness of and connectedness among individual members of an audience at a generative musical performance by encouraging shared experiences.

Introducing Experimental Stereoscopic into Networked Live Performance with Very Limited System Resources

“…They proposed the network delays of 30msec can be a generally usable boundary in networked music performance. Stockholm (2008) suggested an application system which supports networked performance of end-users in social settings. Likewise, Sarkar and Vercoe (2007) developed a systematic tool for networked performance which has prediction and learning capabilities of musical notes.…”

Reinforcement Learning of Listener Response for Mood Classification of Audio

“…This method is currently implemented in a net art installation, titled Eavesdropping, which mixes audio representations of the moods of several participants in a room to increase connectedness and to elicit empathy among participants. Each participant indicates his mood on one of several laptop computers in the room and the system selects an audio sample from a pre-loaded set of audio files to match his mood [2,3]. The audio is then played back to the participant from his laptop, at which point the participant can indicate whether the audio matches the mood indicated or not.…”