Environmentally reactive sound design

Abstract

A prototype for an interactive music player was developed as a proof of concept for a startup, (furniture music). Using the Raspberry Pi microcomputer and a collection of hardware extensions developed by the author, a system was created to play music that changes in reaction to the environment. In this case, light sensors controlled the volume levels of two different tracks playing simultaneously, while a motion sensor triggered a random, short piano recording from a list of many. The device was used as a visual/audio aid in pitching the startup idea during a startup accelerator program. As a result of the pitches, (furniture music) was asked to install the device at the Shift Business Festival in Turku in the summer of 2021. In addition to detailing the technical and artistic work required for the system, a summary of the public reaction to the device and areas for further development is included.