Cubop by Rechord

Open the Artwork

rechord
rechord is a network of creative professionals who use technology to enable people to participate in creative play and to access information. Rachel Collinson , Stefan Cartwright.and Louise Carrier are core members. rechord's work ranges from multi-sensory installations to online resources and generative screen identities. They are interested in the process and experiences borne out of play. rechord are also experienced in making information both accessible and enjoyable to interact with. They use their skills to benefit cultural, social and ethical organisations who they feel make a positive contribution to the world. Organisations rechord have worked with include Greenpeace, NESTA, the University of Westminster, Edinburgh Council, Chance UK, the National Consumer Council and City Neighbours.

Cubop

Development Date: 2002
Tips: Draw diagonal lines with your mouse to create boxes. Each box will have a sound associated with it that plays as the square moves through the centre of the screen. Try to work out the association with the shape, how you have drawn it, and its resultant properties. If you don't like a shape, click on it to delete. Try out the different moods.

Open the Artwork

In Cubop we encounter a work which challenges the traditional Western conception of a score. Cubop is both instrument and composition environment, allowing users to construct music from sounds recorded from rare instruments, including the world's only electric kora, a delicate-sounding African lute.

Cubop confronts users with a blank 'canvas' onto which they can craft visual geometries which have associated sounds. These audiovisual shapes loop around a pseudo-3D space according to the position of the mouse, and their associated sound is triggered when passing the centre of the screen,like an impossible barrel organ. While there is no one correct way to play Cubop, like any instrument, there are certain rules, which, when applied, create a more pleasing effect.

Cubop does not rely on the fixed, linear western system of musical notation and composition. Instead it works with African notions of non-linearity, loops and phasing. Music created this way is not fixed. It emerges, persists momentarily and then passes. It cannot be captured using traditional systems of notation.
Cubop was originally created as an installation piece, and has been exhibited at Creative Futures, Digital Solutions and Digital Women Exhibitions in London. Additionally, it has been successfully trialled in schools as a creative tool for children with special needs. The concept, programming and interface are by Rachel Collinson and Stefan Cartwright; the sound: is by Stefan Cartwright, and the graphics are by Louise Carrier.