Music is powerful. I chose to explore sampling and mashup culture as a starting point to hopefully gain a more intimate understanding to music.
The Digital Worlds Institute has allowed me to explore a diverse range of digital media topics as well as digital production. Working on live productions has allowed me to interact with visual artists and musicians. Media literacy has become an interest of mine. I am also interested in science and technology education in children, particularly girls. During one class, I developed a game using sewn fully-functioning electronics that explains how circuits work. The game uses conductive thread sewn to fabric panels and real LEDs.
Immediate goals include continuing to increase my knowledge in the area of new media studies. I am going to continue blogging and submitting my work to peer-reviewed journals for publication. After graduating with my Master of Arts in Digital Arts And Science I plan on applying for Phd programs in new media studies. I would like to publish a book on music mashup culture. My ultimate goal is to become a professor. I also would like to help educators come up with new programming.
Why do you care about mashups?
Mashups are a signifier of where our culture is going. I care about mashups and the people that make them because I admire their creativity and sheer audacity. The act of subverting a song that is not yours is an incredibly brave one. The mashup artist dares to co-op commercial music to their own agenda. This is incredibly exciting and I want to capture the energy of this movement. From a kid from Brazil mashing up K-pop hits to rock bands performing live versions of mashed up pop songs, this book need to be written.
