|
INSTRUMENTAL INNOVATIONS
From virtual amps to real guitar heroes, the modern face of music is tech-centric
|
|
Though their vinyl collections may be bigger than their iTunes libraries, most TapeOp-subscribing, Abbey Road Studios-worshipping
musicians will likely agree that music technology has dramatically
streamlined the creative process from the days of reel-to-reel. Even in
the midst of an analog nostalgia movement, digital developments are continuing to evolve the face of music making (and music gaming).
|
AmpliTube iRig:
While not the first example of app creators leveraging mobile Apple technology with musicians in mind,
the AmpliTube iRig could be creating a new category of two-part app
systems. In order to use the free, highly sophisticated program,
consumers must purchase a $39 headphone jack adapter to use in
conjunction with it. The system allows any guitarist who wants to go
electric to do so without the mobility and space restrictions of an
amp. Although the iRig is not a replacement for a performance amp, it
does seem like a handy tool for guitarists who can't live without a
practice amp when away from home or their rehearsal space. And because
it works with headphones, users don't have to worry about their
downstairs neighbors yelling "Judas!" when they want to plug in.
|
Eigenharp:
Lured by the promise of instantly unearthing their "musical talent" with beat-programmed Casios,
tweens of our generation begged for keyboard lessons. But being part of
a generation of tech savants, might Gen Zs soon be asking their parents
for Eigenharp lessons? This new professional level digital instrument,
touted as "the most expressive electronic musical instrument ever
made," is a vertical stick...but don't confuse it with a keytar.
Far more elaborate than any synthesizer you may remember from your
youth, the Eigenharp boasts a mindblowingly expansive set of keys,
flexible keyboard layouts, and rapid instrument switching. Offering an
infinite range of tones, the instrument allows musicians to layer
multiple sounds, change key and scale, play loops, create arrangements,
and alter tempo, all while playing live. We'd certainly rather see
someone improv on stage with one of these than mime a few scales over a
backing track.
|
Power Gig: Rise of the SixString:
What if, instead of just pressing buttons, you could actually learn how to play the guitar while playing Guitar Hero? Aspiring to capitalize on the popularity of instrument simulation games, Power Gig,
which is set to launch this October, will be the first full band game
to use an actual six string guitar. Like its predecessors, Power Gig
requires players to stay in tune with colored dots that represent notes
streaming on a television screen. But rather than hit buttons that feel
like part of a Playskool toy, Power Gig gamers press strings on
corresponding parts of the guitar neck and strum at certain moments.
Though the guitar functions primarily as a game controller, it can also
be plugged in to an amp and played outside of the realm of the game.
(For those looking to actually perform and/or record, using a real
guitar probably remains your best bet.) Maybe next year will yield a
second generation version that incorporates motion sensor technology, with extra points for headbangs and windmills.
|
* References to products and services in trendcentral do not imply our endorsement, but rather are intended to provide objective insights into emerging trends and examples of those trends. trendcentral is published by The Intelligence Group, a trend research and consumer insights company focusing on youth culture. For more information on our services, or to subscribe to our syndicated Cassandra Report studies, please contact Alina Goncalves at 212-277-5299 or via email at agoncalves@intelg.com.
|