Chi Po-Hao: Elevator Music Generator#2- Muzak Radio

Musical transitions

With the development of creative technology, the approach of music making, or so-called compositional technique, can be implemented through computer-assisted randomness and algorithm, instead of writing down the melodies out of the brain. “Composing” is no longer just about designing music itself, but also includes designing a system that makes music. Online radio’s storable and “on-demand” playback features changed the unrepeatable moment that listener encounters with a sound, a thought, a discussion in a radio program. Muzak often used as a term for most forms of background music, regardless of the source of the music, and may also be known as “elevator music.” This project combines two concepts above, creating musical pieces in the form of “software.” It consists of timbre and rhythm generative system and will adjust its parameters automatically with the time. Once started, the system has to be able to run independently, creating similar but not identical transitions.

Chi Po-Hao

From Taipei, Taiwan, Chi Po-Hao(b.1989), currently the head of Zone Sound Creative, is an interdisciplinary practitioner working across music, technology and arts. He holds a Master of Music Degree from Goldsmiths, University of London and Bachelor Degree in Economics from National Taiwan University. His practice stems from the fascination of boundaries and guidelines, usually implemented by designing methods to associate relevance from observing the diversities. Inspired by music pioneers like Brian Eno, Alvin Lucier, and David Tudor, he is particularly attracted by rule-based and technology-oriented practice because it allows more innovative thinking and discussion while trembling the existing system. His undergoing works focus on the rhythms in everyday lives while extending the interactions among perception, individuals and environment.