Editor’s Note: This is a guest post by John Stuart Reid.
The CymaScope team recently worked with Karmin, the pop duo team comprising Amy Heidemann and Nick Noonan who are enjoying growing success in many parts of the world with their unique brand of pop music:
Their Pulses video features a five note sequence and a seven word sequence, made visible on the CymaScope. We are delighted that Karmin decided to feature a surprise voice in its opening sequence. Opening on a black and white reel with that old-movie vibe, George Takei (Star Trek helmsman character, Sulu), explains the science behind the new music video.
The scientists in the laboratory are studying cymatics, watching the visible representation of sound as it moves through water. They, of course, throw Karmin’s newest album, Pluses, on the record player, and the real fun begins. George’s fun explanation provides the basis by which the viewer can fully appreciate the CymaScope imagery within the Karmin cymatics video.
Both sequences show that it is possible for complex, fast-moving sounds to be transcribed to a visual analog, paving the way for MusicMadeVisible full length cymatics videos in the future. In addition to entertainment applications the new technique holds promise for the science of phonology since all the major nuances in speech can now be captured and rendered visible for study. There may also be benefits for profoundly deaf people since complex music can now be transcribed to a visual analog.