Emstrument
Emstrument [emulator + instrument] is an experimental open-source Lua module
which can be used to be convert retro games into new musical instruments or
interactive musical compositions. Using an emulator that supports Lua scripting, in-game
events can be used as triggers for notes and controls to manipulate sounds.
It's basically a mod for your virtual game console that adds connectors for your audio gear.
Emstrument outputs standard MIDI for simple integration with existing digital music workflows
(or even MIDI-compatible DJ software).
Emstrument is currently only implemented for OS X, with ports for Windows and
Linux possible if there is enough interest from musicians/developers.
Contact info
Emstrument ≠ Chiptune
Emstrument is the inverse of the "chiptune" genre of music. Chiptune
music is produced by taking the sounds from a game and arranging them using
traditional musical interfaces (keyboard, sequencer, etc), which
means the game is taken out of the musical equation at an early stage. By
contrast, Emstrument uses the user
interaction, algorithms and design of the game as a musical interface to control
any
kind of sound, highlighting the game itself. However, they are not mutually exclusive;
Emstrument can be used to generate chiptune sounds, bringing the whole game-music
relationship full circle.
New Musical Instruments
Emstrument allows musicians to use games as a new kind of instrument, using interactions
and algorithms/data from the game to manipulate sound in new ways that cannot be
recreated with traditional musical interfaces. The visual component also adds a new
dimension to the music, which allows non-musicians to better understand the
musical concepts at play. These instruments create a new kind of gameplay where
you not only have to succeed at the game, but play "musically" (follow a rhythm, play in
key, etc).
Interactive Algorithmic Compositions
Emstrument is not limited to controlling one instrument at a time; it can be used to create
interactive full musical compositions that are
influenced by the player's in-game choices. These compositions can be standalone
audiovisual pieces, or can be a replacement for the primitive scores and sound effects
found in retro games, creating a new way to experience an existing game.
These compositions fit
into a new category of generative music called
inter-algorithmic composition (IAC), since the composer creates algorithms that
interface with the algorithms already present in the game.
Using Emstrument
Emstrument is a module for Lua, a simple scripting language that is easy
to learn for anyone with coding experience. It deals with MIDI hassles like
timing and avoiding redundant messages under the hood to let users concentrate
more on the music.
Scripts are not limited to what's in the game, since emulators with Lua support generally
have a Lua API for drawing on the screen, loading save states, etc. which can be used
for augmented visuals or for loop-based music, respectively.
Scripts that convert a game into a musical instrument can be written in well under 100
lines of code, and a generative score for a game can be done in a few
hundred lines. Emstrument has been tested with Logic Pro X, Ableton Live and GarageBand,
and should be compatible with any CoreMIDI-compatible software.