Can electronic music software be sexy?
Most electronic musicians would agree that the best hardware synths have a certain sex appeal. How else can you explain the concept of “synth porn“?
Sometimes, it’s the way a synth manufacturer makes use of classic materials, like metal and wood. Sometimes its an iconic paint scheme. Sometimes, it’s the familiarity of the knobs and keys of a vintage keyboard.
And sometimes it’s just a matter of sheer design.
Can software match that?
Many musicians would probably say no – but these photos make a case for the opposing view.
The images, via ReacTj (Roberto Giuliano), capture a performance with the Reactable. While you might argue that the Reactable is sexy because of it’s unique hardware/software interface – the software is just as attractive in its iPad incarnation, Reactable Mobile.
As computers get more powerful and more flexible, synth designers are taking advantage of these capabilities to create new musical interfaces that go beyond useful and usable – to create something new and beautiful.
What do you think? Is some of the new music software as gorgeous and inspiring as a great hardware synth?
You have to be a real whizkid these days to become a musician… I just can't make up from the pictures how his setup is supposed to work. It would make an awesome performance to watch though.
Not sexy but pretty cool.
Any idiot can make music these days.
There are heaps of reactable vids on youtube that explain how it works, here's the first, official vid: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0h-RhyopUmc
Yes, it's software, but it's still a tangible interface. I think any tangible interface can still be sexy. It's hard for software to be, without it being more visual bs than actual usability.
I am not sexually attracted to software or hardware. Certain sex dolls MAYBE.