Creative Tech Week 2017

Smomid is a project by Nick Demopoulos, who is a performer, musician and instrument builder. In this performance he will be utilizing only instruments he has designed and built to perform interactive computer music. The name Smomid is an acronym for string modeling midi device. It is a purely digital instrument that allows a guitar player to interface with a computer. He will also be using Pyramidi™ interfaces that he created which allow additional controls. In addition to sound, these instruments emit light, either through high powered LEDs or LED displays that step through animations that are complimentary to the sounds emitted and provide a performer with another dimension of expression. Musically Smomid compositions make use of algorithmic and AI processes that bring in a computer as an additional creative participant. The creation of the instruments used in this performance incorporated 3d modeling, micro controllers, DIY electronics, embedded systems, LED displays and software creation. These instruments and the resulting music are very much a collaboration between music performance and several fields of technology. As a guitarist Nick Demopoulos has worked with NEA Jazz master Chico Hamilton from 2008 to 2013 and recorded on the albums The Inquiring Mind, Revelation and Euphoric. He also released several recordings with Exegesis, a group that mixes jazz and electronic music. In 2008 Exegesis traveled on behalf of the State Department to conduct cultural diplomacy and perform in Bahrain, Yemen, Oman, U.A.E and Kuwait. Other artists he has worked with include choreographer Camille Brown, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, George Bohannon, Jimmy Owens, Don Mckenzie and Intra Faction With his Smomid Nick has been featured on the Discovery Science Network, Guitar World, Create Digital Music, Metal Injection and Popular Noise Magazine among others.  For more information please visit: www.smomid.com