Music Machinery

Photo by Thomas Bonte

In a couple of weeks I’m heading out to Chicago to give a talk at the Chicago Music Summit about Music Hacking at Music Hack Days. I’ll have an hour to talk about hack days and show off lots of demos. Naturally, I’d like to highlight all the best hacks. However,  given that there have been over 30 music hack days, remembering the best of the 2000+ hacks is going to be a challenge.  I’m hoping you can help me remember the best hacks, either by adding a comment to this post or just tweeting with #bestmusichack. I prefer hacks that I can demo directly via the web or that have been captured on video. To get things started here are some of the most notable hacks that I can recall.

Whimsical Hacks

• Johnny Cash Has Been Everywhere
• Drinkify

Hardware Hacks

• Leap Orchestra
• Daft Hanger
• Heart Beats

Music Exploration and Discovery Hacks

• Remix of the Century
• Boil the Frog

Party playlisting

Of the many party playlisting hacks that have been created, which one is the best?

Hacks that have been turned into businesses

• The Arpeggionome
• Calvin Harris – 18 months – Dance to unlock the new album

Music Remixing Hacks

• The Bonhamizer
• The Swinger
• Infinite Jukebox

Performance art

• Darth Fader
• Midem Music Machine

No need to be shy about suggesting your own hacks. As you can see, I have no qualms about adding my own hacks (Bonhamizer, Infinite Jukebox and Boil The Frog) to the list.

I anticipate your recommendations. Thanks in advance for your help!