The Space Between Us
Collaborative BCMI performance exploring shared neural states between two performers
The Space Between Us
A collaborative brain-computer music performance that explores the concept of shared neural states between a performer and the audience. Using dual EEG systems, the piece maps the similarities and differences in brain activity to musical parameters from a singer and an audience member.
Concept
When two people share an experience, their brain activity can synchronise in measurable ways. This project asks: what does that synchronisation sound like? What happens musically when two minds drift apart? And what if the audience could direct a performance based on how they’re feeling?
The Space Between us features the composer and pianist Weiwei Jin on piano and composition, and Fiona Miller on vocals.
Technical Implementation
Two people wear EEG headsets simultaneously. A custom Pure Data patch receives both data streams via OSC, computing real-time measures of inter-brain synchrony. These measures control harmonic, timbral, and rhythmic elements of the musical output by directing the score that the musicians play.
Impact
This work contributed to the growing field of multi-brain BCIs and demonstrated new possibilities for collaborative human-computer performance.
Performances
- CIM 14 - 9th Conference on Interdisciplinary Musicology at the Museum of Musical Instruments, Berlin, Germany.