Blending ideas from music, computing, art, and philosophy, with biographical and historical anecdotes and a thread of mysticism, Steven R. Holtzman gives us a new way to think about the integration of computers into the creative process. He shows how computers will change the way we create, and reveals the exciting potential for entirely new forms of expression.
The Digital Musician explores what it means to be a musician in the digital age. It examines musical skills, cultural awareness and artistic identity through the prism of recent technological innovations. New technologies, and especially the new digital technologies, mean that anyone can produce music without musical training. This book asks why make music? what music to make? and how do we know what is good?
Even in her very early work, Zaha Hadid made innovative use of graphic techniques such as penetration, distortion, curvature, strongly reduced perspectives, to portray her architectural designs from a refreshing new angle. In this way her unmistakeable concepts of architectural space originated, and it is no surprise that the London architect makes full use of the full range of possibilities afforded by today's electronic design tools to create her inimitable forms. This present publication documents the most important of her recent projects, revealing how Zaha Hadid has risen to the digital challenge. Patrik Schumacher teaches at the Architectural Association in London.
This book offers a comprehensive look at the transformative decade of Narendra Modi's leadership as India's 14th Prime Minister. It distills the essence of Modi's governance philosophy and vision for India into 100 key mantras that have shaped his tenure from 2014 to 2024. Drawing from Modi's journey from Chief Minister of Gujarat to Prime Minister, the book explores how his personality and policies have reshaped India's political landscape, economy and global standing. It highlights the significant growth of the Bharatiya Janata Party under his leadership and examines the sweeping changes that have occurred in India's economy, international relations and domestic policies. The book serves as both a chronicle of a pivotal era in Indian politics and a guide to understanding the principles that have driven one of India's most influential leaders. Whether you're a political enthusiast, a student of history or simply curious about India's rapid transformation, this book provides a unique perspective on the man often hailed as India's "Vishwa Guru" and the mantras that have defined his governance.
“Singing is as human as breathing, and this book tells us why.” —Mark Guarino, contributing music writer, The Guardian Celebrated yogi-musician Girish opens new possibilities for transforming your life through song, combining the ancient art of singing mantra with twenty-first century neuroscience research. For as long as he can remember, Girish has created rhythm to accompany life. His first experience of music as sacred art came in college, playing with jazz bands. “During improvisational sessions,” he recalls, “there were these unexplainable moments of synchronicity and intuition that felt like magic.” This led Girish to an unexpected journey—a seeming detour to live as a monk in an ashram for five years that inadvertently nourished his musical artistry. Here, he studied Sanskrit as a means to understand the deeper meanings of ancient chants, which sparked a life-changing event that led him back to music—and to combine music with Sanskrit chants. Now he shares what he’s learned to help people of all ages, backgrounds, and traditions to transform body, brain, and life through mantra and music. With Music and Mantras, Girish has created an interactive toolkit—including more than ninety minutes of companion audio material—for personal transformation through singing, sharing his own experience as a musician, yogi, and former Hindu monk. Weaving simple, elegant mantras from ancient traditions with neuroscience, Girish shows us how to achieve greater peace of mind, clarity, calm, focus, and even improved health and wealth through the yogic art of chanting—an ideal practice for singing our way to happiness, health, and prosperity.
Through the works of cutting-edge computer artists, composers, and designers, DIGITAL MOSAICS explores the possibilities of the digital medium and how it radically transforms the way art is produced and understood by the audience. Digital expert Steven Holtzman lays the groundwork for the digital and art worlds of our future. Index. 86 illustrations.
Record contracts have been the goal of aspiring musicians, but are they still important in the era of SoundCloud? Musicians in the United States still seem to think so, flocking to auditions for The Voice and Idol brands or paying to perform at record label showcases in the hopes of landing a deal. The belief that signing a record contract will almost infallibly lead to some measure of success— the “ideology of getting signed,” as Arditi defines it—is alive and well. Though streaming, social media, and viral content have turned the recording industry upside down in one sense, the record contract and its mythos still persist. Getting Signed provides a critical analysis of musicians’ contract aspirations as a cultural phenomenon that reproduces modes of power and economic exploitation, no matter how radical the route to contract. Working at the intersection of Marxist sociology, cultural sociology, critical theory, and media studies, Arditi unfolds how the ideology of getting signed penetrated an industry, created a mythos of guaranteed success, and persists in an era when power is being redefined in the light of digital technologies.
In this investigation of the possibility of craft in the digital realm, the author discusses the emergence of computation as a medium, rather than just a set of tools, suggesting a growing correspondence between digital work and traditional craft.
The Complete Guide to Virtual Reality in Architecture andDesign The first in-depth book on virtual reality (VR) aimed specificallyat architecture and design professionals, Designing Digital Spacesteers you skillfully through the learning curve of this excitingnew technology. Beginning with a historical overview of theevolution of architectural representations, this unique resourceexplains what VR is, how it is being applied today, and how itpromises to revolutionize not only the design process, but the formand function of the built environment itself. Vividly illustratinghow VR fits alongside traditional methods of architecturalrepresentation, this comprehensive guide prepares you to makeoptimum practical use of this powerful interactive tool, andembrace the new role of the architect in a virtually designedworld. Offers in-depth coverage of the virtual universe--datarepresentation and information management, static and dynamicworlds, tracking and visual display systems, control devices, andmore. Examines a wide range of current VR architectural applications,from walkthroughs, simulations, and evaluations to reconstructionsand networked environments Includes insightful essays by leading VR developers covering someof today's most innovative projects Integrates VR into the historical framework of architecturaldevelopment, with detailed sections on the past, present, andfuture Features a dazzling array of virtual world images and sequentialdisplays Explores the potential impact of digital architecture on the builtenvironment of the future
Introduction In a world filled with distractions, it is easy to lose sight of the serenity that lies within us. For centuries, ancient cultures have sought ways to quiet the mind, focus the spirit, and channel energy toward healing and personal growth. Two such powerful practices are the creation of mandalas and the chanting of mantras. These are not mere artistic or vocal exercises but deep, spiritual practices that transcend the boundaries of time and culture. When combined, the act of coloring mandalas while singing mantras becomes an incredible tool for personal transformation. Mandalas have long been revered in various cultures, especially within the spiritual traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism. These intricate, geometric designs symbolize the universe and the interconnectedness of life. Their repetitive patterns guide the mind into a meditative state, where thought dissolves, and the spirit can roam freely. To engage with a mandala is to embark on a journey into the self, a journey where creativity meets contemplation. On the other hand, mantras, sacred chants believed to carry vibrational power, have been used for millennia to quiet the mind and bring about spiritual awakening. The word “mantra” itself comes from two Sanskrit words: “man,” meaning mind, and “tra,” meaning tool. A mantra is a tool for guiding the mind, anchoring it amidst the chaos of everyday life, and helping individuals reconnect with their inner peace. But what happens when these two ancient practices are fused into one? Coloring mandalas while chanting mantras creates a powerful synergy, a complete experience that engages the mind, body, and spirit. While the hands move rhythmically across the page, choosing colors and filling spaces, the vocal cords vibrate with the resonant sound of the mantra, tuning the mind to a higher state of consciousness. This dual focus heightens the meditative experience, allowing individuals to reach deeper levels of mindfulness and self-awareness. The practice of mindful coloring has gained popularity in recent years as a means to reduce stress and promote relaxation. While many enjoy coloring as a form of creative expression, adding the intentional chanting of mantras deepens the experience. The vibration of the sound works harmoniously with the colors and patterns to guide energy and focus toward specific areas of emotional or physical healing. In this book, you will embark on a step-by-step journey to understand the intricate connection between mandalas and mantras, explore their individual and combined benefits, and learn how to incorporate these practices into your daily life. Each chapter will offer insight into the history, philosophy, and practical techniques of both practices. You will learn how to select mandalas that resonate with your current state of mind, how to find the mantra that speaks to your soul, and how to merge the two in a practice that is uniquely your own. By the time you finish this book, you will not only be more in tune with yourself but also equipped with the tools to bring balance and harmony into your everyday life. Whether you are new to coloring, mantras, or meditation, or a seasoned practitioner looking to deepen your spiritual practice, this book will guide you toward a more mindful, creative, and peaceful existence. Let the journey begin.