Heard of Codebending?

Music Technology
Heard of Codebending?

Have you ever heard of codebending? I hadn’t. Apparently it’s the physical patching together of little bits of computer code, using jacks and patch cables, and then bending the resulting code-cum-sound. Nifty. And you’ve got to love this modular codebending console, called the illucia. It’s a gorgeous piece of geeky tech-art. And any code can be bent.

Video games can play other video games. Music synthesizers can control word processors. Feedback loops turn everyday software tropes into generative art. Simple AI is patchable. Anything controls (and can be controlled by) anything; in codebending, every system becomes an instrument with a unique voice, ready to control, and to be controlled.

Did I mention how gorgeous the console is?

Illucia: A modular codebending instrument

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Gareth Branwyn is a freelance writer and the former Editorial Director of Maker Media. He is the author or editor of over a dozen books on technology, DIY, and geek culture. He is currently a contributor to Boing Boing, Wink Books, and Wink Fun. His free weekly-ish maker tips newsletter can be found at garstipsandtools.com.

View more articles by Gareth Branwyn

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