2024

Here @ Outernet for Recess

For Recess, I developed a series of generative audio-reactive visuals and kinetic typography overlays. Using TouchDesigner, I created a fully interactive activation on the Outernet's high-resolution screens. The visuals responded directly to the DJ’s music selection in real-time.

Tools
Touchdesigner
Resolume
After effects

Team
Project lead - Olivia Ema
Visual design - Maria Pearl
Audio-reactive visuals + VJ - Tyreke, Olivia Ema
Lighting - Jed
Production manager - Michaela Stewart
BTS Photography - Maria Pearl
Videography - Lizzie Alli

Planning and testing

The brief for this project focused on embracing interactivity through audio-reactive visuals. We began by defining the overall visual direction, carefully considering the project’s timeline and complexity. Our primary goal was to ensure the audio-reactive setup functioned seamlessly on the night, with zero to minimal lag or crashes - a process rigorously tested on preparation days.

To maintain consistency throughout the event, we chose an abstract, vibrant, and metallic aesthetic that could adapt to every DJ and their unique music selection. This was paired with kinetic typography and archive video footage.

The plan / notes / structuring the night

The pros of a generative route:

- It allowed us to create something visually striking and constantly evolving, perfect on a large high-resolution LED screen.

- With music ranging from Euro-pop to Amapiano and no playlist from the DJ, it meant that flexibility was key. The abstract nature of the visuals meant that it would always be complimentary to the music selection with minor VJing input on the night and we could keep the focus on the colours and the form to match the vibe.

- Most importantly, the visuals remained unique throughout the night - there was always something new on the screen throughtout the 4hr event.

The controlled elements:

- We organised the visuals using Resolume, where we layered kinetic type over the top of the generative visuals. This allowed us to structure each set with elements like the DJ’s name or Recess’s slogan, “ENJOY YOUR LIFE.” This tied everything together.

- We carefully controlled which parts of the visuals were audio-reactive and which remained consistently animated. For example, the overall movement of the visuals stayed steady, while aspects like speed or direction shifted in response to the music, maintaining a balance between predictability and real-time adaptation. In future, I would ensure that there are more consistent parts, to allow the audio-reactive elements to stand out more cohesively.

Kinetic typography overlays for DJ sets

To compliment the generative visuals, we incorporated Recess’s archieve video content, this was edited in a heatwave gradient style by Maria Pearl. This would be used throughout the night, organised on Resolume and layered with kinetic type.

Generative visuals, enhanced by music

Videography of the night by Lizzie Alli.

Previous tests
Audio-reactive pre-programmed visuals.

This is audio-reactive but tailored to the music, the pros or creating pre-programmed audio-reactive visuals is that I can observe how the visuals are responding to the music and can refine the audio- reactivity.

Optimum screen utilisation tests

Olivia Ema

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