Internode to demonstrate “brainwave-powered” music device today in Adelaide’s Rundle Mall as part of the Fringe festival

Internet and telecommunications company Internode will demonstrate “brainwave-powered” music technology in Rundle Mall today as part of the Adelaide Fringe festival.

In the exhibit, titled Internode Powered by Brains, users will wear a headset containing 14 channel ElectroEncephaloGram (EEG) sensors and a solid-state gyroscope.

The data is fed to a computer, which uses data generated by the inputs to create a rhythm and melody which reflect whether the user is feeling calm, excited, anxious or attentive.

Australian computer music scientist SKoT McDonald, who devised the Brainwave software and headset used in the display, explains:

“We can detect the user’s level of calm, frustration or excitement and thus vary the tempo, filter positions or even the chords generated in the music.

“So a calm user might hear a slow tempo, with pleasing chords and an uncomplicated ‘arpeggiation’, whereas a frustrated, agitated user will hear a fast-paced piece with clashing chords and garish sounds.”

In a statement, iiNet digital marketing manager Jane Orchard says the display will allow anyone to think up a song.

“We think it’ll really tap into the mindset of folk during Mad March when they’re out and about taking in all the festivities at our Node-sponsored events such as the Fringe and WOMADelaide.

“It came from the idea that Internode is powered by hundreds of brilliant people, so we wanted to celebrate the power of the human brain to make amazing thing happen – and in this case it’s music!”

The display will appear in Rundle Mall today between 12pm and 3pm and 4-7pm, as well as at WOMADelaide on Saturday, March 8, and Sunday, March 9.

It can also be followed on Twitter under the hashtag #poweredbybrains.