Files
Download Full Text (40 KB)
Abstract
Both as an exploration of the symbiosis between jazz and electronic music, as well as a way to renegotiate our relationship with technology, I put together a group of six musicians that controls the effects on eachother’s instruments. Seeing how technology has a tight grasp on us and our lives, I decided to use it as a tool to promote connection and collective exploration. Therefore, the musical aspects of this project combine the limitless sounds, textures, and possibilities of electronic music with the freedom, improvisation, and deep-listening that are essential to jazz. This is accomplished through the use of MIDI controllers that turn on and off multiple effects within Ableton, which are tied to each musician’s instrument. This unique system forces each musician to listen and connect deeper with one another. On one hand, controlling someone else’s effects pushes that person to act based on what best-serves the musician and music in every moment. On the other hand, having their effects controlled by someone else requires them to either adapt to or ignore whatever effects are triggered. Regardless of the choices made, each musician has to be in the moment and connecting with one another on a deeper level. Instead of technology using us while causing separation and isolation, this project utilizes technology as a tool that fosters creativity and human connection.
Publication Date
7-1-2025
Campus
Boston Campus
Award
With Distinction
Recommended Citation
Sturge, Connor. “Renegotiating Our Relationship With Technology.” Master's thesis, Berklee College of Music, 2025. https://remix.berklee.edu/graduate-studies-global-jazz/192.