Abstract
This presentation explores the intersections of movement, sound, and technology in the development of new performance instruments and immersive media. Drawing from my recent explorations in music, installation, and interactive design, I focus on my invention Round Sounds—a series of wireless spherical MIDI controllers that use gyroscopes and accelerometers to translate physical gestures into real-time sound, light, and video.
Bio
Nick Wishart is a Sydney-based interdisciplinary artist, composer, and instrument inventor whose work merges sound, light, and interactivity. His practice spans electronic music, multimedia installations, and custom-built performance tools that transform movement into sound and visual media. He is the creator of Round Sounds—wireless spherical MIDI controllers internationally recognised as a finalist in the 2022 Guthman Musical Instrument Competition (USA).
Alongside his solo practice (NikNaK), Wishart is a founding member of Toydeath, a legendary electronic performance band that has toured internationally since 1995, reimagining heavy metal and pop through hacked children’s toys. His installations include the solar-powered Beacon of Hope (Narrandera, NSW) and LightWorks, an audio-reactive light sculpture using re-purposed materials. His practice is rooted in sustainability, embodied performance, and the creation of inclusive, interactive experiences.