Session #1

Prototype #1:

Introduction of main interests:

interested in the meaning of using obsolete tech today: revisiting and explore it's potential instead of discarding it
'Zombie media'
main interest in low-tech: reveal inner workings (transparency)
implement it in today's workflow (audio/visual, programming, etc)

Side interest: lo-fi music production and post-digital publishing
Interested in working with limitations.
creating workflows that reflect on what we use today

What I did:

came across an DIY open-source project
creates old calculators into a 1-bit music composing tool (instrument)
uses the binairy output of TI-calculator to produce 1-bit sound
1-bit sound: on/off (real basics of electronics)
Program ([Houston Tracker)] is still not being used so much.
Bought the nessesary stuff to get it running. (very flimsy, hard to install but it worked)
uses an audio input to load software (written in BASIC, same as C64)

Demo: Wanna hear a 1-bit chord?

So, that worked. Let's speculate about the publishing / sharing possibilities:

To spread this project and both music, I thought about making a publication/release/demo in one.

Not only for the music as an artist but also to spread the word about this project:

I would write a 4 track album for it and release it on a TI-83.

People that buy it would receive a TI with the tracks on it (collected from thrift store / Marktplaats)

mail it to people

If interest arises:

hands-on hardware to get started.

See how tracks were produced might get people started

enlarge interest, spread the word & expand community?

This way, the public can not only listen but also directly engage and get their hands dirty if prefered. What I also think is interesting in that in contrary to making music with the sound chip of obsolete gaming consoles is that it's much further detached from retro aesthetics. So it focusses much more on the tech part and thinking how to use this device otherwise.

Project proposal excercise

https://pad.xpub.nl/p/mark_draft_proposal