Formlessness: Live Looping on Handbuilt MIDI Instruments (LEDs + Pure Data)

video upload by

"This is a video recording of an improvisation without form, and maybe even without rhythm. Created with self-made instruments. More info on this project can be found at the following links:

https://smomid.com/
https://www.instagram.com/smomid/?hl=en
https://smomid.bandcamp.com/"

Soothing Ambient Synth Meditation | Isochronic Tones for Deep Calm

video upload by Smomid

"Soothing ambient synth meditation, performed live on glowing handmade synthesizers. Gentle isochronic tones, slow pulsing filters and soft bells to help you relax, unwind and find deep calm.

Use this music for meditation, relaxation, stress relief, yoga, studying, focus, or winding down before sleep. Isochronic tones work through regular speakers, so you don’t need headphones (though they sound lovely with them).

Everything you hear is played live, with no loops or pre-recorded tracks. The rhythmic filter movements are synced to the tones, and the LEDs respond as the music evolves. I synthesized the bell tones as well. All the audio was created using Pure Data open source programming software.

🎛️ About the instruments
All the instruments used in this video were designed and handmade by me. The blue boxes I call Pyramidi and the guitar shaped instrument I call a Smomid. There is some info available about these instruments at my website: Smomid.com"

SMOMID at Coaxial

Published on Oct 2, 2019 VJ FRANZ K

See the Smomid label below for more.

Smomid::Beats::Samples

Published on Jun 10, 2018 nicnut210

"Nick Demopoulos performing on his custom made midi controllers, called Smomid ( string modeling midi device) and Pyramidi. This piece plays audio samples and drum sounds triggered by the performer’s touch."

Smomid 2018 Demo

Published on Apr 15, 2018 nicnut210

"This is a demo video of the most recently completed Smomid instrument. The name is an acronym for string modeling midi device. The body and neck were 3D modeled and CNC cut. This instrument is powered by two Teensy 3.6 microcontrollers. The audio is created in Max. This video displays some of the possible ways to create music and sound with this instrument. For more information please visit www.smomid.com"

Sea Frequency, Live performance at CFRU radio, Guelph, Ontario

Published on Feb 7, 2017 nicnut210

"This is a video of a live performance, conducted on Feb 3, 2017, at CFRU radio station in Guelph, Ontario. DJ is Christopher Curry.

The composition is called "Sea Frequency," and the musician is Nick Demopoulos. Nick is playing his custom made electronic instruments the Smomid, and Pyramidi. These are arduino powered midi controllers with various sensors that work with most music software. In this video Nick is using them with Max.

The full audio from this show is archived, please visit the station's website for more info.

Also, more info about this music/art/technology project can be found at: www.smomid.com"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Nick Demopoulos - The story of SMOMID

Nick Demopoulos - The story of SMOMID from Al Covelli on Vimeo.

"'This instrument was created out of necessity' - Nick Demopoulos.

Nick Demopoulos is a guitarist, sound designer and performer. Smomid™ is a musical instrument that was created and designed by Nick – the name is an acronym for String Modeling MIdi Device. Smomid™ is also a solo performance project by Nick. This story follows Nick as he begins working on his new invention. You can find more information on his website: www.Smomid.com

Al Covelli - Filmmaker"

Be sure to see the SMOMID label below for previous posts.

Smomid table instrument

Published on Nov 14, 2015 nicnut210

Smomid Universe. A Network of Instruments

Published on Oct 14, 2015 nicnut210

"The Smomid Universe is a network of several midi devices that are primarily used as musical instruments. All instruments in this family utilize the same technology and mostly the same sensors, but are scaled for different applications, sizes and methods of interfacing.

The Smomid is a guitar-like interface, the Pyramidi is a triangular box-like interface and the Smoment is a table top guitar type interface.

More information about this project can be found at:

http://www.smomid.com/"

Smomid Table Controller

Published on Sep 20, 2015 nicnut210

Controlling Max/MSP.

Smomid: midi controller, work in progress...

Published on Jul 9, 2015 nicnut210

"A work in progress status update for a midi controller I'm making."

Smomid Educational Talk Updates

Two new videos added to this post.

Smomid educational talk: compositional and performance techniques

Published on Jun 29, 2015 nicnut210

"The footage in this video is from January of 2015. It is an excerpt from a talk Nick Demopoulos gave at UCLA in the Music Department. Most of the talk was dedicated to ways to exploit the unique nature of his instrument to create interesting compositional to performance techniques in real time. For more information visit www.smomid.com"

Update:

Smomid demonstration: microtonal tuning and algorithmic processes

Published on Jun 30, 2015

"This is video is was recorded at Santa Monica College in May 2015. In this clip Nick Demopoulos is demonstrating how he uses several different tunings, including a microtonal 36 notes to the octave one, in a musical context. He also creates backing voices using an algorithmic process. Smomid is an acronym for string modeling midi device and is the instrument employed in this video."

Smomid talk: explanation of various tunings

Published on Jun 30, 2015

Smomid Robotic Instrument/Computer Stand

Published on Jul 11, 2014 nicnut210

"To make my performances easier I decided to build a light weight instrument stand. In this first version I added a robotic arm with lights and beepers. This stand comes apart and easily fits in the backseat of my car, is much lighter in weight than a normal keyboard stand, and has more surface area. There are also four high torque servos for the robotic arm. I can place my computer and interface on the lower level and my Pyramid Interface on the upper level.

In future versions I will have a midi input so the lights will be synched with what my instruments are doing, and will also have servos so that the stand itself can fold up into a smaller unit without me manually folding it up. As it is right now, other than transporting this additional item, this stand has made performing with my Smomid so much easier.

The stand has an Arduino Mega in it as well as a Servocenter 4.1 Microcontroller from YEI Technology.
If you like this video please "like" the Smomid on facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/Smomid

Here is a web page dedicated to this project with more info, music and videos:

http://www.nickdemopoulos.com/smomid...."

Smomid groove

Published on Dec 23, 2013 nicnut210·36 videos

Smomid plus two pyramid interfaces

Published on Jun 29, 2013 nicnut210·31 videos

Update: additional video added below.

"This is a quick demonstration of what I have been doing with my Smomid project. In this video I am playing my latest Smomid (String Modeling Midi Device) which is about a year old and two of my pyramid interfaces which are in the background and mostly just used as light boxes that interact with what I'm playing. I am currently working on some other interfaces so hopefully I will make some videos of those soon.

If you like this video please "like" the Smomid on facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/Smomid

Here is a web page dedicated to this project with more info, music and videos:

http://www.nickdemopoulos.com/smomid...."

See the Smomid label for more.

Smomid, Pyramids, Lights, Computer Generated Melodies

Published on Jun 29, 2013

A quick demo of a piece I am working on that incorporates lights that reflect the rhythmic elements of what I am playing. I am also working with playing drums on the Smomid, an arpeggiator I am developing and having the computer analyze what I am playing and generate melodies that imitate what I do.

smomid related controller

Published on Feb 9, 2013 nicnut210·30 videos

"This is my most recently completed controller. In the video all you are seeing are the lights blinking, but all the controls work. I'm actually playing the beats you are hearing on my Smomid while this is being recorded.

Here is a project page with more info:

http://www.nickdemopoulos.com/smomid.html"

Smomid performance...

YouTube Published on Sep 14, 2012 by nicnut210

"Perfomance of the composition "S Scapes" on the Smomid.

For more info about this project please visit:

http://www.nickdemopoulos.com/smomid.html"

"Transformation" performed on the Smomid

YouTube Published on Aug 5, 2012 by nicnut210

"This is a performance of my composition "Transformation" as played on the Smomid. The original version was played on guitar and can be found on my record "Harmonic Convergence" by the Nick Demopoulos quartet.
The Smomid is a String Modeling Midi Device that acts as a controller and controls software in virtually realtime.

For more information about my music or the Smomid please visit www.nickdemopoulos.com"

Six String Smomid

YouTube Published on Jun 26, 2012 by nicnut210

"New instrument built in June 2012. Features 9 sensors that act as string modelers, 2 joysticks, 2 force sensitive resistors, many knobs, many buttons and some really bright blue and red LEDs. Designed and built by Nick Demopoulos, but credit goes to Ranjit Bhatnagar for programming the 2 arduinos that are inside of it, Malcolm Pepin for fabricating the wood body and Josh Dotson for consulting in many design issues. More info at www.nickdemopoulos.com"

See the Smomid label below for previous posts.

Nick Demopoulos

"Brooklyn-based musician, Nick Demopoulos, sits down with Rebecca Ambrose to talk about his self-made instrument, The Smomid. Demopoulos plays at bars and venues around the Brooklyn and New York area."

Follow-up to:
Smomid synth and drum controller
Smomid: Wives and Lovers
homemade guitar-like instrument and Handmade Music NY 8/29