Creative Electronica - Colorado Based Electronic Music

Electronic Music Petting Zoo Technical Specification

Last update: Jan 9, 2011

The Electronic Music petting Zoo is an interactive music installation featuring real musicians (electronic and otherwise) playing with the general public as part of a demonstrative exploration of modern music technology.

The Electronic Music Petting Zoo is based on a DJ Tech Tools MIDI Fighter circuit board. The native 16 buttons are extended to other user friendly control surfaces, such as light switches:

In this image : (LTR) Light switch controller, Gravity Box, digitized shakers

Other elements come and go with the Petting Zoo, a crowd favorite is the MIDIator from Curious Inventor:

The MIDIator translates Playstation 2 controller actions into data we use to control music.

The Electronic Music Petting Zoo is the brainchild of Marc Wei (DJNSM) who is the lead organizer for the Colorado Ableton User Group.

Electronic Music Petting Zoo Pre-Flight Check

The Electronic Music Petting Zoo is a small installation that operates best in conjunction with larger festivals or events during downtime between acts/events. Interacting with the audience is key and a reduced noise floor, a jovial atmosphere, and not needing to compete with performing acts is key.

The "core" is a few devices that all connect to a larger musical peformance.

The Petting Zoo is always received positively. Our staff (typically 3 people) share the duties of:

Getting music and sound control into the hands of the general public
Explaining how things work
Enlightening people on the topic of electronic music and the rapidly changing atmosphere of music and technology.
Keeping the “back beat” going (the live music) to create an environment where the general public is playing with traditional and electronic musicians.

Some participants interacting with the Electronic Music Petting Zoo

We use real musicians in conjunction with the crowd to create a unique experience for everyone in attendance.

Chris is one of many musicians used to staff the Electronic Music Petting Zoo

Technical Details and Specifications:

Requirements:

Minimum 10×10 floor space (footprint), 15×15 desirable
PA (public address) system, stereo 12″ minimum speaker + horn, nominal 100watt minimum. Comparable: Mackie SRM450v2
Power, 110-20 vac, 15 amp (not including PA)
Minimum 3 staff members (handlers)
Standard security concerns
Take good care of the staff

Includes:

2-4 hour prime time representation of this product by members of Creative Electronica
Live, original music in conjunction with the Electronic Music Petting Zoo
Safe, easy to use, reliable installation for all ages and types of people
Media (all format), sponsor integration, etc.
Applicable signage for the various controllers. (graphics example)
We mix our own sound, this includes our own mixers. No sound person generally required.
Documentation – images released under Creative Commons License.

Help for promoters and others who want to integrate the Electronic Music Petting Zoo in an event.

Minimum 2 months advance booking required.
This is not a musical performance for your main stage. This project is for downtime, demonstration, or peripheral placement in larger events.
We do make noise. The sound level is that of a live band playing at a casual volume. You can speak over the general volume level.
20-40 minute sessions are best with 20-60 minutes between these sessions (other music).
This event should not operate continuously and can alternate with many types of music.
We prefer to load out (clean up) before heavy drinking occurs. For many 21+ events this will see us wrapping up between 10:30 and 12 midnight. Each event is unique, contact us with questions.
We can help promote on all levels, but many of the supporting projects are non-profit or community outreach orientated and subscribe to a policy of NO SPAM. We can only promote this event through the Colorado Ableton User Group is the event is free and open to the public.
If you need supporting artist for you event we highly encourage you to contact us for a list of professional musicians from our community (over 200 local artists and growing).