Call for Collaborative Music Projects
Entries have now closed for this call. Successful applicants will be notified by 31 May.
We’re inviting established and newly-formed partnerships to make a new musical work using innovative digital technologies as part of the Cyborg Soloists project.
Cyborg Soloists
Cyborg Soloists is a 4-year UKRI-funded research project based at Royal Holloway, University of London that explores interdisciplinary interactions between music, the other arts, and new digital technologies. The project focuses on commissioning new works, fostering collaborative partnerships and analysing the creative processes undertaken.
The Brief
We invite creative duos to propose new musical or sonic works. Duos might consist of composers, performers, sound artists, songwriters and/or software programmers. The new work must in some way incorporate either the Soundbrenner Core wearable metronome or Vochlea’s Dubler 2 real-time voice-to-MIDI software. Additional technical set-ups are to be encouraged but specific requirements should be discussed with us before applying.
The proposed project should demonstrate the artistic, conceptual or aesthetic impact the chosen device has on your creative practice. We also want to know what initial ideas you might explore and how the creative partnership will work.
The new work should be no longer than 10-20 minutes. The duo, or a member of the duo, will give the premiere performance of it in a concert in Winter 2022/23 as part of the Cyborg Soloists project. We encourage further performance plans by the duo.
Two proposals will be selected and commissioned to create their new work. Each duo will be lent their chosen device or license for the duration of the project and will agree to work with a researcher from the Cyborg Soloists project in order to document creative workshops for the purpose of research and marketing.
Vochlea Dubler 2
Dubler 2 - a standalone piece of software - transforms your voice, or any audio input, into a real-time MIDI controller. Dubler 2 can generate beats and melodies as well as advanced chords. You can lock your notes to any scale you want, and our IntelliBend can pitch bend smarter to match your melodies. Dubler 2 works seamlessly with Ableton, MaxMSP and Qlab.
Find out more about Vochlea’s Dubler 2 →
Soundbrenner Core
The Core is a smart, wearable device. It can be used as a vibrating metronome, a contact tuner and dB meter. These devices allow for intuitive engagement with a metronome through distinct vibrations. Their function can be adjusted via the device, the app and Ableton Link.
Find out more about the Soundbrenner Core →
Timeline
Deadline for applications: 30 April 2022
Selected applicants notified: 31 May 2022
Deadline for finished works: 15 December 2022
Premiere of new works: Winter 2022/23
Eligibility
Applicants should apply as duos of any creative musical roles e.g. composers, performers, sound artists, songwriters and/or software programmers.
Duos must be based in the United Kingdom.
At least one duo member should self-identify as an early-career musician.
We particularly want to hear from those traditionally underrepresented within the fields of contemporary concert music and music technology.
Fee
Each duo will receive £3,000 for the creation and performance of the new work, plus travel expenses for workshops and the premiere concert. Support is also available to cover access requirements.
Output
A new music work no longer than 10-20 minutes, to be performed by the duo and documented at a Cyborg Soloists concert in Winter 2022/23. Each duo will receive a video and audio recording of their work.
Apply Now
To apply, please complete the online application form here:
The deadline for applications is 30 April 2022. We accept written as well as audio/video applications.
In addition to the application questions, each duo is asked to provide a link to one video/audio trailer (5 mins max) demonstrating your best work. This might include excerpts from one work as an existing duo, or a medley of work by individual duo members.
For any queries or to informally discuss a project proposal, please contact Mark Dyer at mark.dyer@rhul.ac.uk
