Modular Composition · Live Electronic Performance · OSC Control · 2025
Unbound
One musical idea. Multiple possible performances.
An interactive electronic music work in which prepared musical materials can be rearranged, layered and transformed during performance through a touchscreen interface.
- Year
- 2025
- Role
- Composer · Music Producer · System Designer · Performer
- Technologies
- Ableton Live · TouchAble OSC · OSC · Follow Actions
About the work
Unbound (2025) is a modular electronic music composition exploring how a musical work can take different forms through live performance. Developed from a single song into three contrasting sonic arrangements, the work breaks down prepared musical material into smaller modules that can be selected, combined, layered and reorganised in real time.
Built in Ableton Live, the performance system uses a touchscreen OSC interface to navigate musical clips, trigger scenes and move between three distinct sonic environments. Rather than following a fixed arrangement, performers shape the structure, duration and development of the music through their own decisions. Ableton Live’s Follow Actions introduce an additional element of unpredictability through predefined probabilistic transitions.
The system was designed to make musical participation accessible beyond conventional instrumental performance. Two documented realisations demonstrate its flexibility: Chen’s live performance at Visiones Sonoras 2025 in Mexico, and a studio performance by an invited participant without previous musical training. Using the same prepared musical system, the performers developed different arrangements, transitions and musical trajectories.
Performance interface
A composition designed for exploration.
The touchscreen interface provides direct access to individual musical clips, grouped scenes and three contrasting arrangements. Performers can trigger, combine, sustain or replace materials, allowing the composition to develop without a predetermined sequence.
- Modules
- Individual clips
- Scenes
- Grouped material
- Maps
- Three arrangements
Studio performance
An invited performer explores the modular composition through the touchscreen interface, demonstrating how the same musical materials can produce a different performance.