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Cutting edge technology turns Sage Gateshead into a virtual musical instrument
A pioneering new arts project embracing new technology has turned Sage Gateshead into a gigantic musical instrument. Play Sage Gateshead, a 3D model of the iconic music venue allows players to enter a virtual reality where they can beat floors, bang balustrades and bash walls to create their own percussive music tracks.
Commissioned by Sage Gateshead and The Space, Play Sage Gateshead, has been developed in partnership with creative technology studio Mbryonic and Attonhawk Design. The digital experience uses extracts and samples from ‘Ten Pulse’, which took place during Sage Gateshead’s 10th birthday celebrations in December 2014, and where musicians struck and drummed the iconic Tyneside venue as part of a immersive percussive performance.
By going online or downloading the Play Sage Gateshead app onto tablet, phone or even Oculus Rift, now everyone has the chance to explore a 3D replica of the venue and create their own unique compositions.
The partners behind the creation have been working on exciting new developments which will be available from 13 February. These include a new online listen mode at: www.sagegateshead.com with an app link for iphone and ipad available from HERE
And for the global network of developers who have the technology there will also be an Oculus Rift version available for download at the same time.
Tom Szirtes of Mbryonic said: "At Mbryonic we are always exploring how advances in digital media can be used to engage and inspire audiences, so we were very excited to work with Sage Gateshead, The Space and our friends at Atomhawk on this project. The release of the VR version for Oculus Rift headset allows a new level of immersion, placing the user in an alternative reality and enabling them to experience this amazing building in a completely new way."
Having turned ten in December 2014, Sage Gateshead is embracing its second decade with cutting edge technology to create music in a fun and exciting way.
