SoundRunner: Out of the Starting Blocks

Abstract

This paper presents a project in the art–science nexus. SoundRunner is a platform that exploits the potential of electroacoustic music to create an interactive sound and music-making experience. The project investigates how running performance data can be harnessed in real time to drive musical creation. A range of psychological indices (and associated analyses) are used to assess the effects of the SoundRunner platform on runners. Driven by health and wellbeing imperatives, the project served to augment running experience with unique sound and music. Implications regarding the development of SoundRunner and its application to runners’ coproduction of music are discussed.