I haven't blogged much in the past year, partly because I've been working intensely on a project called "The Organism". What is the Organism? In short, it's customized software I'm designing to run my live performances. Of course, that short description begs the question, "Well then why use some fancy/weird/ominous name like 'The Organism' for something so straightforward?"

The reason is not because of what the Organism is, but what it can be, or what it can become. Right now, the software plays back my tracks, controls my live synths and vocal processing, and synchronizes lighting and video for my live show. All of this is controlled and operated by a single MacBook Pro. However, that's simply the brains of the operation. Of course, it takes a midi interface, an audio interface, a lighting board, a projector, microphones, cameras, keyboards, and other input and stimuli to implement the concept (oh yeah, and a fog machine). This results in a writhing mass of MIDI, USB, Audio, Firewire, DVI cables communicating MIDI, video, audio, OSC protocols.

So the end result is something like a brain (computer) connected to various organs (hardware modules) via nerves and veins (cables). Hence the name "Organism".

Because it's built around custom software, it's fully extensible and always growing and evolving. New features can be added over time, and I have a lot planned, including algorithmic composition, a mock AI, a myriad of alternate controllers (Rock Band Drums and Guitar, Wii Remote, iPhone, Dance Pad, etc.). And this means my live performances are never the same twice.

So, I hope to update everyone on the progress I'm making with this project via this blog, and hopefully videos either on YouTube, uStream, or both.