MIDI Sprout converts data from plants into MIDI
The MIDI Sprout lends us an ear to hear the extraordinary sounds of nature.
Artists Joe Patitucci and Jon Shapiro believe that we need to get intimate with our senses and the natural world if we are to survive the future.
In 2012, Patitucci, Alex Tyson and engineer Sam Cusumano used hacked lie detector electrodes hooked-up to four plants, translating their electrical impulses into MIIDI data in an exhibition called Quartet, held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Using the basic configuration of a lie detector, they are able to measure the micro-voltages on the leaf, as well as any changes in the electrical current.
Instead of making that nerve-wrecking beep-ensuing a shift, the output is relayed as a stream of MIDI information, which is then read by a synth.
The Sweet Melodies of Mary Jane
Naturally, fans of the device were highly curious about how weed plants would sound and it was one of their most frequently asked questions.
During a trip to South America, the founding Sprouts decided to attach their device to a marijuana plant.
Seeing as the MIDI Sprout plays the music in live time, as its hooked up to the plant, you can imagine how many variables are at play. Whether its day or night, the location, surroundings, whether it’s recently been watered, etc, etc etc, the variables are endless, resulting in a plethora of possible ‘mixes’ music wise.
“The pattern produced by this specific plant is slow and droning, with high-pitched melodies that move in graceful arcs and bass tones that hum monotonously,” perfectly describes Thump.
Check out the video for the MIDI Sprout literally on Marijuana, you won’t even need to smoke to get high.
