Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Gamers tinker with power chords

Bands and DJs hack into video-game gear to create instruments.
By Dan Fritz | Contributor to The Christian Science Monitor
from the May 15, 2008 edition
http://www.csmonitor.com/2008/0516/p14s01-stct.html

Next time you see someone on stage gripping a PlayStation controller, don't assume a video-game competition is about to start. It could be geek rocker Owen Grace, whose instrument of choice is the guitar-shaped control pad from the popular game series, Guitar Hero.

By hooking up the controller to his laptop and writing some code, Mr. Grace has turned the plastic toy into a full-on synthesizer. Now, with each button he mashes, the guitar howls like the real thing.

Grace, who rocks out beside a real drummer and singer, is in tune with a new wave of experimental music. Scores of amateur hackers have cracked open, reprogrammed, and commandeered video-game technology to create real-time original music.


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Introduction

Motto: If Gods wills, failure's no option and mediocrity not acceptable.

Mission: To be the best man I can possibly be, while realizing any good thing I do is of Christ and any bad thing is a result of my inherently sinful nature.

Guiding Scripture: Haven't I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.
~Joshua 1:9