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Celestial Waves: Fusing EEG Data, Music Production, and Synesthesia to Redefine Creative Expression

Celestial Waves: Fusing EEG Data, Music Production, and Synesthesia to Redefine Creative

1. What are you making?

I’m developing an interactive music production system that transforms brainwave data into real-time musical elements—essentially letting the brain be an instrument. By using EEG signals captured via OpenBCI’s Cyton + Daisy board and Ultracortex Mark IV headset, I aim to experiment with how certain frequencies and rhythms might induce or enhance synesthetic experiences. The end goal is a hands-free, brain-driven process for creating immersive, sensory-rich soundscapes.

2. How are OpenBCI tools being applied?

OpenBCI’s hardware is the foundation for capturing EEG data. The Cyton + Daisy board gathers detailed brainwave activity, while the Ultracortex Mark IV headset provides an accessible, comfortable way to monitor these signals. This data is then fed into Ableton Live via custom mappings, translating brainwave patterns into musical changes—like adjusting tempo, applying effects, or triggering audio clips.

3. Why is this important?

  • Neurodiverse Creativity: This project expands creative expression, especially for people who might benefit from hands-free or synesthesia-driven workflows.
  • Pushing Innovation: It demonstrates how neuroscience can converge with music production to unveil new forms of art and human-computer interaction.
  • Community Building: By open-sourcing the software and sharing the findings, we’re inviting musicians, developers, researchers, and hobbyists to experiment, collaborate, and refine these techniques.

4. Who is involved in this project?

  • Lead/Project Designer: Matthew Ardell (focused on synesthesia-driven design, AI workflows, and music production).
  • Collaborators: Potential partnerships with other OpenBCI community members, plus guidance from artists and musicians in NYC.
  • Advisors/Mentors: Neuroscience and music technology enthusiasts in the OpenBCI forum, plus anyone interested in EEG-based music generation.

5. Want to learn more about this project?

  • Email: [[email protected]]
  • Research & Tools: Stay tuned for releases and updates on EEG-to-MIDI mapping and real-time synesthesia exploration.

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