In conversation with Lunice : Exploring Hybrid and Connected Performances

ABOUT LUNICE

Lunice is a Canadian DJ and producer considered one of the most innovative and energetic artists on the electronic music and hip hop scene. Since 2010, he has been a member of music collective and label LuckyMe, as well as completing the critically acclaimed TNGHT duo alongside Hudson Mohawke. Lunice has also collaborated with numerous artists, including Lil Wayne, Rihanna, Beyoncé, Madonna, Skrillex, Diplo, The Alchemist and Azealia Banks, as well as organizations such as Cirque du Soleil, Moment Factory, Apple and Nike.

What drew you to the idea of collaborating on the theme of hybrid and connected performances?

I've always believed in the concept of being aware of the dynamic between two forces (opposing or not) interacting with each other to create an emerging phenomenon whether that'd be a relationship or teamwork. In this case we have the concept of technology interacting with its opposite being physicality. This is a field that is only now being explored which means it's still in its infancy. These kinds of new ways of thought are what inspires me and what I tend to gravitate towards the most in my life.

What was your initial understanding of this type of performance when you started working on the project? Has your perspective changed since then?

I have enough of a general and cohesive understanding of various technological mediums and stage performances that I can start to initially piece together in order to find what are the potential concepts and execution that can come of it. So when it comes to expressing my ideas to the team, I can do so with confidence knowing we'll understand each other clearly and build on it accordingly.

What have you found most inspiring and most challenging about working on this project?

The most inspiring aspect of this collaboration is to see everyone's expertise come together in an almost synchronistic way. Meaning that we just so happen to have the perfect person for the job, as if it was meant to be. The challenges we face are trying to conceptualize the connection between the physical world with the digital world. There are many factors that come into play which add to the complexity but through this process we gain insight in how technologies can impact or amplify things in the physical world.

What have you found most inspiring and most challenging about working on this project?

The most inspiring aspect of this collaboration is to see everyone's expertise come together in an almost synchronistic way. Meaning that we just so happen to have the perfect person for the job, as if it was meant to be. The challenges we face are trying to conceptualize the connection between the physical world with the digital world. There are many factors that come into play which add to the complexity but through this process we gain insight in how technologies can impact or amplify things in the physical world.

In the context of a multisite performance, where empathy and a sense of togetherness despite distance are central themes, what emotions and experiences would you like to convey to your audience, and what means do you use to transfer these sensations to a distant audience?

I'd like to convey a sense of connection through spirit and soul. As we all know, music is a central part of how people connect with their spiritual and soulful selves. Despite the technological evolution of music going from physical instruments, synthesizers outputting digital signals which then evolved into full fledged computing processes, we still experience the same conscious experience of our souls and emotions interacting with the frequencies that are emitted from these soundtracks.

I believe we can achieve these connections through the use of visuals, sound and digital interactions. It's essentially trying to design a performance around the 5 human senses of sight, sound, touch, taste and smell. Which in this case we are tackling the sense of sight, sound and touch.

As a live performer, how do you assess the impact of your performance on a remote audience and what indicators do you rely on to adapt your show to their vibe in real time?

I definitely rely on live feedback. It's really no different from real life feedback, the only difference is that interaction is being mediated by a digital platform which could be an audio feed or visual feed. But the main and most important aspect to me is to ensure that me and the public in the other space have a way to communicate with each other. Also adding the concept of interactivity within a live setting will add an extra force of connectivity between us.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with us as this research project draws to a close?

I truly believe in this project and the potentialities that come of it. There’s major opportunities using this infrastructure in concert venues, museums, outdoor settings and even brand activations. I can see this project changing the policies at which differing venues may operate where an artist can only perform in one venue exclusively. This would open up the discussions of two establishments coming together to arrange a deal between each other in order to showcase “Venue A” in one instance and “Venue B” in the other potentially helping two separate local venues benefit from this event revenue-wise.