'Glover' software for expressive control of music launched
Music producers and performers can now use a desktop application called Glover that translates their movements into music.
Originating from research at the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol), the application is compatible with a range of motion tracking devices to allow expressive control of music.
The software was launched by music technology company MiMU, originally set up by Grammy award-winning musical artist Imogen Heap, alongside partners, including UWE Bristol’s Dr Tom Mitchell, who developed the prototype version of the Glover software.
The company is already known for the MiMU gloves, a wireless, wearable, gestural musical instrument and controller. Imogen and other artists including Ariana Grande have famously used the gloves within their music performances.
Glover was initially used to receive data from the MiMU gloves and it has since been expanded to support more devices including iPhone, Leap Motion, as well as a micro:bit, a device that musicians and makers can attach to any device to create their own instrument. Musical creators can also download MiMU’s free ‘Gliss’ app, enabling them to use their smart phone to create music in conjunction with Glover.
The software lets users connect their motion tracking devices to music software such as Ableton Live, Mainstage or Logic Pro. State-of-the-art gesture recognition algorithms then analyse incoming movement data and map the gestures to MIDI or OSC, which are both common data formats for communicating between music software and hardware.
Customising postures means musicians can design the gestures they use to make their music, for example setting a ‘fist’ to start recording a loop or move their hand upwards to add reverb to their voice. As the user creates these connections between movement and music, they develop their own unique musical language to interact physically with their sounds and effects.
Dr Tom Mitchell, who is an Associate Professor in creative technologies at the University, said: “Our main aim was always to allow artists like Imogen to map gestures to sound and express themselves without us having to get involved. We have now achieved this with Glover and are pleased to open this up to many other artists and performers, who can now benefit from this user-friendly and affordable way of enhancing their creativity. We are excited to see how people use Glover to express themselves musically.”
Related news
11 November 2024
UWE Bristol alum wins at TIGA UK Games Education Awards 2024
Kieran De Sousa, a UWE Bristol BSc (Hons) Games Technology graduate, has won a top video game industry award.
17 October 2024
Immersive Arts opens applications with grants up to £50,000 available
Immersive Arts, a UK programme to support artists to make and share extraordinary immersive work, has opened applications for its first round of funding.
17 October 2024
Creatives from across Bristol’s Global Majority cultural scene celebrated at upcoming event
The creative work of some of Bristol’s most inspiring Global Majority filmmakers, musicians, artists and writers will be celebrated at the next BDAS event.
14 October 2024
UWE Bristol photography student exhibits in Paris after prestigious award win
MA Photography student Alice Poyzer has won a prestigious award that will see her photographs exhibited at the Grand Palais in Paris next month.
10 October 2024
UWE Bristol graduates release song for Bristol-based Talk Club on World Mental Health Day
Through a university-led scheme, UWE Bristol graduates have created a music single aimed at raising awareness of national mental health charity Talk Club.
07 October 2024
Opinion: why UWE Bristol is championing immersive arts as a 21st Century artform
A new £3.6m programme will engage artists across the UK to help understand the role that technology can play in driving forward immersive arts.
03 September 2024
World-first rubies grown in situ from waste materials
A UWE Bristol researcher looks set to transform the jewellery industry after successfully growing the world’s first ruby in situ, in a platinum ring.
28 August 2024
Funding opportunities and information events announced for 'Immersive Arts'
Immersive Arts, a UK-wide programme to support artists to make and share extraordinary immersive work, has unveiled its first round of funding opportunities.
20 August 2024
UWE Bristol art and design students explore diverse global issues at MA Degree Show
UWE Bristol’s Showcase: MA Degree Show returns to Spike Island on 5 September, featuring the extraordinary artwork of around 50 graduating students.
17 July 2024
Chief executive of charity that runs Bristol Beacon receives honorary degree
The chief executive of the charity set up to manage Bristol Beacon, the renowned music venue in the city, has been awarded an honorary degree by UWE Bristol.
16 July 2024
Watershed chief executive recognised with honorary doctorate from UWE Bristol
The chief executive of one of Bristol’s leading cultural organisations has been awarded an honorary doctorate.
15 July 2024
Graduate filmmaker wins BAFTA Student Award for documentary
Nyal Mueenuddin, a UWE Bristol graduate, has won a prestigious 2024 Yugo BAFTA Student Award – a global competition which celebrates the next generation of talented and innovative storytellers.