Digital Rain
Spring 2015
About this project
Digital Rain is a data driven art installation created in collaboration with the
Los Angeles based creative technologist, BiTDEPH.
Examining the crossroads of algorithmic and generative music, emergence patterns, data sonification,
and technology driven systems of expression, 192 electromagnetic relay switches are arranged into a
grid and mounted onto a wall. The relays are connected and controlled by 6 Arduino Megas which are
networked together and controlled by a hidden host computer.
A Python script gathers real-time
details about weather conditions from a randomly selected meteorological station on the globe.
A text-to-speech program announces the location and selected aspects of the weather report through
a speaker that sits in front of the installation. Meta conditions (sunny, rain, etc.)
select the base composition algorithm while the performance specifics are a factor of the forecasts wind speed,
humidity, temperature and pressure. Digital Rain utilizes the mechanical ticking of the relays
switching as the sonic source material for the piece. The relays, because of their precision
and speed, are able to actuate fast enough to produce sustained pitch. This in addition to their
idiosyncratic rhythmic snaps allows for us to create a wide variety of soundscapes.
When the generative composition comes to a close, the system resets and a new station is polled.