LIVE AND KICKING - Part 1: Design and Theory of Electronic Performances with BEAN / Enpal

LIVE AND KICKING

Part 1: Design and Theory of Electronic Performances
with BEAN / Enpal

In this Lux Cache article/tutorial series, we delve into the intricate world of electronic music performance from the ground up. For our inaugural chapter, Berlin-based producer and artist Benjamin Lederer (BEAN, Enpal) aims to unravel the complex tapestry of design principles, theoretical underpinnings, and innovative strategies that define today's cutting-edge electronic performances. Through a blend of comprehensive analysis and practical guidance, we explore the nuances of crafting live experimental electronic performances that resonate with contemporary audiences. Covering everything from the integration of advanced audiovisual technologies to the application of sociological insights and the leveraging of internet-driven decentralisation, this tutorial provides a foundational yet forward-thinking exploration of what it means to design, execute, and evolve in the dynamic sphere of electronic music performances.

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CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

1. REDEFINING LIVE PERFORMANCE

1.1 SCENE

1.2 DECENTRALISATION

1.3 PERCEPTION & GENRE

2: MOTIVATION

2.1 EVOLUTION

2.2 SCENE ENVIRONMENT

3.3 TECHNOLOGY & PERSONAL EXPRESSION

3: APPLICATION AND CREATION OF LIVE PERFORMANCE

3.1 EMBRACING DIGITAL PLATFORMS FOR INTERACTIVE LIVE PERFORMANCES

3.2 DECENTRALISATION AND ITS CREATIVE IMPLICATIONS

3.3 TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS IN LIVE SOUND AND VISUALS

3.4 INTEGRATING SOCIOLOGICAL INSIGHTS INTO PERFORMANCE

4: DESIGNING A TRANSFORMATIVE LIVE PERFORMANCE

4.1 CONCEPTUALISING THE PERFORMANCE

4.2 LEVERAGING TECHNOLOGY FOR IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES

4.3 EMBRACING DECENTRALISATION IN PERFORMANCE CREATION

4.4 INTEGRATING SOCIOLOGICAL THEMES

4.5 PLANNING AND EXECUTION

CONCLUSION

INTRODUCTION

To fully grasp and delineate the forthcoming mentioned shifts, embarking on an analytical journey from a scientific vantage becomes paramount. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the forthcoming shifts, it is essential to undertake an analytical exploration from a scientific perspective. Within the expansive realm of music performance, or music at large, the theme of perception emerges as inescapable and foundational. Perception, in its essence, stands as the cornerstone of music performance, shaping the very fabric of the experience. The inquiry into how profound the intentionality behind moulding the audience's perception to achieve the aimed outcome of performance becomes not just relevant, but essential. 

What are the elements at play in this intricate dance of influence and reception? Why do artists meticulously integrate specific components from varied music scenes and domains, such as technology and fashion, into their performances? The answer lies not just in the artists' conscious decisions but also in the subliminal messages they wish to convey.

This text aims to delve deeply into the live experimental electronic music scene, exploring its acts and performances through a dual lens: that of the audience's reception and interpretation and that of the artist's intention and expression. This bifocal perspective allows us to uncover the multi-layered dynamics at play in modern live performances. The experimental electronic music scene, known for its avant-garde approaches and boundary-pushing concepts, serves as an ideal backdrop for this exploration. By examining live performances within this scene, we aim to illuminate the nuanced ways in which artists strive to influence perception and how, in turn, audiences decode and internalise these artistic expressions.

The interplay between artist intention and audience perception in the context of experimental electronic music live performances offers a fertile ground for investigating the evolution of music performance as an art form. This exploration seeks to unravel the complex mosaic of factors contributing to the shaping of live performance experiences, highlighting the role of technological advancements, cultural shifts, and artistic innovations. Through this in-depth analysis, we aim to contribute to a broader understanding of the transformative power of music and performance art, underscoring the importance of perception in the creation and reception of these art forms.

1. REDEFINING LIVE PERFORMANCE

1.1 Scene

The concept of 'scene' assumes a critical role, particularly when set against the intricate mosaic of sociological shifts and the intermingling of various scenes. Sociologists Ronald Hitzler and Arne Niederbacher conceptualise a scene as 'an amorphous formation of a loosely connected community of indeterminately many participants.' This definition underscores the scene as a vibrant community woven from thematically rich threads, offering individuals a space marked both by communal belonging and by symbolic boundaries for self-expression and identity exploration.

In the discourse surrounding experimental electronic music, the distinction between the terms 'scene' and 'subculture' becomes paramount. The experimental electronic music scene, renowned for its embracing openness, stands in contrast to the more insular nature of subcultures. This scene is characterised by its fluid boundaries and undefined sub-scenes, offering a stark divergence from the exclusive and rigid frameworks often associated with subcultures. Here, the experimental electronic music scene emerges as a beacon of inclusivity, an open forum that does not predicate participation on possessing specific characteristics or skills.

This inclusiveness fosters an environment where creativity and innovation flourish unbounded by conventional genre limitations or societal expectations. It invites an eclectic mix of artists and enthusiasts to contribute to and partake in a collective, evolving artistic dialogue. The experimental electronic music scene thus transcends traditional definitions of community and culture, embodying a dynamic and ever-expanding universe of musical exploration and expression. By doing so, it challenges and redefines the very concepts of identity and belonging within the broader contemporary music landscapes, inviting all who wish to explore the depths of sound and expression in a collective pursuit of artistic transcendence.

1.2 Decentralisation

Decentralisation is an integral and important part of this research to understand how individual sub-scenes mix and influence other scenes, which then leads to the change to live performance. Through the internet and the use of social networks, individuals can be part of a scene regardless of location and time. Decentralisation is a concept that arises in a variety of fields, including economics, politics, and information technology. This text’s definition of decentralisation is best described by the notion of decentralisation in the field of computer science. The internet and social media are used to define decentralisation and its function in music scenes and, as a result - musical performances. 

The phrase "decentralised network" originated within the context of computer science and thus refers to computer networking. Individual connections are not grouped in any specific pattern here, but individual nodes are connected multiple times. The volume of data, the price of individual connections, and the protection of individual nodes are all variables in computing communication. With clever transmission settings and intricate load distributions, this form of link produces an array of complex networks that can guarantee exceptionally robust data transmissions. 

As a result, communication is guaranteed even if one or more connections fail at the same moment. The internet, for example, is built as a decentralised network that employs centralising strategies via predetermined connecting paths. These definitions are important and it should be pointed out here, that these two terms have had a great influence on music performance and the change in experimental electronic music in an indirect way, which will be consciously emphasised again throughout this text

 The term “live performance” was deliberately not defined and included in the aforementioned definitions. This is an intentional choice because this work examines the evolution and change of live performance, making it impossible to define this notion properly at the outset. The term “live” in the classic sense means directly from the location of the recording, as a direct broadcast without delay or editing and in real-time.7 What can be considered a live performance and what remains only loosely defined as such is particularly made obvious by the current state regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and the consequential mode of musical performance. Therefore the term is not clearly defined here but is further investigated.

1.3 Perception & Genre

The perception of music, in general, is the fundamental building block of an artistic

performance. In addition to the perception of the music, which generates emotions just by

listening to the piece of music, the perception of other performance factors is of immense

importance. When other factors are included in the auditory perception, the experience can

change. This explains why a piece of music is often perceived quite differently when it is part

of a live performance than when it is heard through, for example, headphones. If other stimuli

such as visual factors are included, the perception changes again. This means that more

stimuli influence the perception of music performance, among other things.

As per the experimental electronic music definition, artists in this ‘genre’ and ‘scene’ mix various genres to create an artwork and performance reflecting their idea cluster, drawing from numerous different influences. In experimental electronic music, genres are viewed as exploratory tools rather than rigid classifications. Artists employ these tools for innovation, often merging elements from different genres to forge unique, unpredictable musical experiences​​.

2: MOTIVATION

2.1 Evolution

Experimental electronic music represents a rapidly evolving scene. It's noteworthy that various sub-scenes converge within this spectrum, collectively termed electronic music. Beyond electronic music as an art form, how has performance evolved and expanded? Which music scenes have influenced and continue to influence current performances and artists? Is it increasingly common at experimental electronic music events to focus more on the artists' visual and extroverted presentations, with the music itself receding into the background? These inquiries are profoundly relevant from an artist's perspective, who concentrates on evolving their musical performance. This endeavour explores to what extent external sociological factors and technology, evolving outside musical performance, contribute to this evolution. Which scenes have transformed, and how? Which scenes and genres, more prevalent in the public eye, have been significantly shaped by societal shifts and the emergence of individual scenes?

2.2 Scene Environment

The influence of scene environments on live performance design extends beyond the realms of fashion and digital representation. The cultural and social ethos of a scene—its values, norms, and collective identity—can deeply inform the thematic underpinnings, aesthetic choices, and interactive dynamics of a live performance. For instance, the inclusivity and celebratory nature of the LGBTQ+ scene may inspire artists to create performances that not only challenge traditional gender norms but also foster a sense of community and belonging among diverse audiences.

Moreover, the technological infrastructure and communicative practices prevalent within a scene can significantly impact the modalities of live performance. The utilisation of digital platforms for streaming live performances, engaging with audiences in real-time, and even incorporating audience feedback into the performance itself are all examples of how scene environments can mould the technical and interactive aspects of live musical expressions.

In essence, the scene environment acts as both a canvas and a catalyst for the design of live performances. It provides artists with a rich nexus of cultural, social, and technological elements to draw from, while simultaneously pushing them to innovate and adapt their artistic visions to resonate with the evolving dynamics of their respective scenes. Through this lens, understanding the intricate relationship between scene environments and live performance design becomes crucial for artists seeking to create meaningful, impactful, and resonant musical experiences.

3.3 Technology & Personal Expression

Ongoing technical innovation parallels advances in event technology. Yet, the intentional misuse of technology presents a fascinating aspect of live performance. Which technologies, platforms, etc., are employed in experimental electronic music for live performance creation? The decentralisation brought about by the internet, allowing small scenes to interconnect via online platforms, significantly affects music performance. This enables artists to gather inspiration and influences unrestricted by time or location.

To thoroughly understand and categorise the aforementioned shifts, adopting a scientific approach is crucial. In discussing music performance, or music broadly, one cannot overlook perception. Perception is the fundamental element of music performance. To what extent is an effort made to shape the audience's perception to achieve a performance's intended effect? What factors are involved? Why do artists incorporate specific elements from various music scenes and domains, like technology and fashion, into their performances to be perceived—whether consciously or unconsciously?

3: APPLICATION

3.1 Embracing The Platform

Platforms, physical and digital, have revolutionised how live performances are conceptualised and executed. Artists now harness the power of these platforms to create interactive, immersive experiences that elevate the audience from passive observers to active participants. This shift has transformed physical and virtual spaces into fertile grounds for artistic experimentation, providing artists with the opportunity to push the boundaries of engagement and expression..

In our context, the emphasis on digital platforms is particularly pertinent. These platforms enable the crafting of experiences that are not only auditory but also visual and tactile, engaging the senses in a manner that traditional live performances might not. Through live streaming, social media, and other online mediums, artists can construct a multi-dimensional performance environment that invites the audience into a shared space of creation and interaction.

Furthermore, these digital arenas allow for real-time feedback and participation from the audience, blurring the lines between performer and spectator. Interactive elements such as live polling, chat functionalities, and even direct audiovisual contributions from the audience can be integrated into the performance, creating a dynamic and evolving piece of art that reflects the collective input of all participants.

3.2 Decentralization and Its Creative Implications

Decentralisation, facilitated by the advancements of the internet and social media, plays a crucial role in the creation of live electronic performances. This phenomenon democratises the music scene, empowering artists with the ability to connect with audiences worldwide, irrespective of physical boundaries. The essence of decentralisation extends beyond mere connectivity, significantly impacting the creative processes behind live performances. It encourages cross-cultural and multidisciplinary collaborations, bringing together artists from diverse backgrounds and specialities. This confluence of varied influences and ideas significantly enriches the experimental electronic music landscape, offering a broader palette for the design of compelling live performances.

In the context of designing effective live electronic performances, decentralisation offers unique opportunities for innovation. Artists can harness the power of digital platforms not just for distribution, but as integral components of the performance itself. Live streaming, interactive virtual environments, and social media can transform the audience's experience from passive observation to active participation. This digital integration allows for the creation of immersive experiences that can be tailored to engage global audiences, breaking the fourth wall that traditionally separates performers from their audience.

3.3 Technological Innovations

Technological advancements equip artists with novel tools to augment live-performance sensory experiences. From advanced sound systems offering immersive audio to cutting-edge visual effects transforming performance spaces, technology is essential to live experimental music. Artists are increasingly experimenting with these technologies to craft distinctive, memorable performances that challenge audience perceptions and expectations. 

High-quality sound is the foundation of any memorable live performance. Invest in advanced sound systems that enable clear, immersive audio that envelops your audience. Consider the acoustics of your venue and tailor your sound setup accordingly, ensuring every note and nuance of your music reaches the audience with pristine clarity. Exploring spatial audio technologies can add a three-dimensional aspect to your sound, creating an immersive soundscape that enhances the emotional impact of your performance.

Visual effects and lighting are not just accessories to your performance; they're integral to telling your story and amplifying the emotional resonance of your music. LED screens, projection mapping, and laser lighting can transform your stage into a dynamic visual canvas, synchronised with your musical narrative. Think creatively about how visuals can complement your music, using them to evoke emotions, highlight key moments, and draw your audience deeper into the experience.

3.4 Considering Sociological Insight 

Incorporating sociological insights into live performance creation leads to more inclusive, reflective artistic expressions. By acknowledging sociological changes, artists craft performances that resonate broadly, tackling themes like identity, community, and social transformation. This opens new dialogue and connection channels through music, positioning live performances as potent mediums for social commentary and activism.

This approach not only challenges artists to think deeply about the messages they wish to convey but also invites audiences to engage with music on a more intellectual and emotional level. Live performances can become powerful reflections of and responses to the world in which we live, highlighting the role of artists as commentators, critics, and catalysts for social change.

4: DESIGN 

4.1 Conceptualising the Performance

The journey of conceptualising a live electronic performance is a meticulous process of crafting a coherent artistic vision, intricately weaving together thematic intentions with the nuanced layers of desired communicative impact. This vision is not born in isolation; it is deeply rooted in personal motivation and a profound understanding of the essence of experimental electronic music. It is the music's inherent dynamism, its relentless drive for innovation, and its fearless quest to transcend the confines of traditional musical classifications that inform and inspire this artistic direction. These elements are embraced not just as mere aesthetic choices but as fundamental philosophical stances, guiding the creation and experiential journey of the music. They act as a clarion call to challenge the normative structures within the musical domain, encouraging a dialogue that seeks to engage the audience on a level that transcends mere entertainment, delving into realms of intellectual and emotional resonance.

In embarking on this odyssey, the artist becomes a philosopher, contemplating the role of sound in shaping human experience and the societal norms that govern artistic expression. This process involves a critical examination of the symbiotic relationship between technology and creativity, probing how the former can amplify, extend, and sometimes challenge the latter. The conceptualization phase thus becomes a fertile ground for innovation, where new technologies — from synthesisers and drum machines to software plugins and digital audio workstations — are not merely tools but partners in the creative process, offering new languages and landscapes for musical exploration.

Moreover, the act of conceptualising a live electronic performance necessitates a deep engagement with the audience's anticipations and the cultural context within which the performance is situated. It requires an astute awareness of the audience's sensory and emotional capacities and a thoughtful consideration of how the performance can catalyse a collective experience that is both inclusive and transformative. This involves curating not just the sound but the entire atmosphere of the performance, including visual elements, spatial design, and interactive components, to create a cohesive and immersive experience.

What does it mean to perform "live" in an age where digital technology blurs the lines between the pre-recorded and the spontaneously generated, the physical and the virtual? How does live electronic performance serve as a medium for expressing the fluidity of contemporary identities, the complexities of modern life, and the incessant push and pull between the individual and the collective?

4.2 Leveraging Technology

The landscape of live electronic performances and DJing is increasingly shaped by the infusion of technological advancements, fundamentally altering the dynamics between the artist and the audience. This shift not only extends the reach of performances into the digital realm but also significantly enhances the quality and depth of the sensory experience provided. The core of this transformation lies in the strategic incorporation of immersive audiovisual and interactive technologies, which not only augment the traditional performance setup but also introduce novel pathways for audience engagement and participation.

On the visual front, advancements in LED display technology, projection mapping, and laser lighting have opened up new vistas for visual storytelling. Artists can now synchronise complex visual narratives with their music, creating an integrated audiovisual spectacle that captivates the audience. The use of VR and AR technologies further pushes the envelope, allowing attendees to immerse themselves in completely virtual environments or augmenting the physical space with digital overlays, transforming the performance space into a canvas for digital artistry.

The selection of technology should align with the artistic vision and thematic elements of the performance, ensuring a cohesive and immersive experience. It's crucial to consider the logistical aspects, such as the scalability of the technology to different venues, the reliability of the equipment, and the technical expertise required to operate it. Performance accessibility is another important factor, especially when incorporating digital platforms and virtual environments. Artists must ensure that the technology used does not alienate or exclude segments of their audience but rather enhances accessibility and inclusivity.

4.3 Embracing Decentralisation in Performance Creation 

The phenomenon of internet-driven decentralisation has significantly transformed the landscape of music scenes, ushering in an era of unparalleled collaboration and innovation. This shift encourages artists to look beyond their immediate environments and consider the vast array of cultural and musical influences that the global community has to offer. In the process of creating a live performance, the opportunity to integrate elements from diverse cultures and music scenes is not just a possibility but a necessity for those looking to push the boundaries of their artistic expression. By actively engaging with artists and technologists from around the world, performers can infuse their work with a rich tapestry of perspectives and expertise, thereby enhancing the depth and breadth of their live performance design.

The role of social media and online platforms in this decentralised model cannot be overstated. Far from being mere tools for promotion, these digital spaces serve as critical conduits for interaction, collaboration, and performance. They offer a dynamic environment where artists can share their creative processes, engage with audiences in real-time, and even integrate audience feedback directly into the performance. This interactive loop not only enriches the performance itself but also democratises the creative process, blurring the traditional lines between artist and audience. Through this approach, the performance becomes a shared experience, co-created by the performer and the audience, and continuously evolving in response to the collective input.

Furthermore, the decentralisation of music scenes facilitated by the internet challenges performers to reconceptualize the very notion of a live performance. No longer confined to physical stages, live performances can now occur in virtual spaces, reaching audiences across the globe without the limitations of geography. This global stage demands a reconsideration of how performances are crafted and presented, urging artists to leverage technology not just as a tool but as an essential element of the artistic narrative.

In embracing decentralisation, artists are afforded the freedom to experiment with and incorporate a diverse range of musical styles, technological innovations, and cultural expressions. This openness to global influences and collaboration fosters a creative environment where innovation thrives, ultimately leading to live performances that are more engaging, inclusive, and reflective of the multifaceted world in which we live.

4.5 Planning and Execution

With a robust concept in place, turn your attention to the logistical aspects of your performance. This includes selecting the appropriate venue or platform, addressing the technical requisites for sound and visuals, and ensuring all performance elements are synchronised and cohesive. Consider the performance's flow, from start to finish, ensuring a seamless transition between segments to keep the audience engaged throughout.

CONCLUSION

This exploration into the evolving domain of experimental electronic music sheds light on the significant transformations live performances have undergone, driven by the dynamic interplay of sociological, technological, and cultural forces. The journey reveals how the essence and perception of live performance are continually reimagined, crossing traditional boundaries to embrace a broader, more inclusive form of artistic expression.

To achieve this understanding, the investigation initially delved into the fundamental aspects of music and performance, examining and interpreting human perception. Without a grasp of how perception works, without the deliberate reflection on emotions and responses to what is perceived, comprehending the evolution of music performance, particularly from the audience's perspective, becomes challenging. Thus, in this work, the concept of live performance is scrutinised: what constitutes a live performance, and what qualifies as live.

This makes clear that the notion of live performance has expanded significantly, influenced by internet-facilitated decentralisation and the complex sociological shifts within society. The intricate interplay between an artist's digital self-representation and the narrative of live performance highlights a fusion of digital and live realms, underscoring the critical role of technological advancements in redefining artistic practices.

Reflecting on the profound influence of personalities, technologies and movements within the experimental electronic music scene, it's evident that their innovative approaches to art and performance have not only propelled the evolution of live performance but also exerted a significant sociological influence. 

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Benjamin Lederer (BEAN, Enpal) is an artist and music producer based in Berlin. You can listen to their music on their Bandcamp page.

You can follow them on Instagram: @chotenius

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