Dave is an interactive music video installation for the homonymous song by Siambok. The recipient, surrounded by displays, can alter the course of the video by interacting with three pillars. Interaction does not only change the video, but also the music. Nonetheless, the music preserves its character, because all possible variations are preproduced. There is no visible or audible break during the interaction. The switches are seamless.

Dave exists as rock, electronic rock and orchestral rock. The recipient can choose between these styles on seven predefined points in the video. Theoretically there are 288 possible variations. If there is no decision made, a random choice is made by the system. In no case, the music video is interrupted at any time.

The interaction and surrounding setting pulls the recipient out of the passiveness which usually is so typical for the consumption of music videos. One doesn't see and hear Dave on the way by, Dave engages the recipient, lets him immerse into the music.

3 hires front displays with a combined resolution of 5760x1080 pixels, 8 standard displays, 8 computers, 3 stovepipes, 50 packing cases and 11 pieces of furniture incorporate the installation. Almost 45 minutes high resolution video footage had to be produced for Dave.

We, Erik and Florian, created the installation as part of our postgraduate studies at the Hochschule der Medien in Stuttgart, Germany. The whole project including concept, video production, programming and construction was realized in only four months.

We used VVVV to play the video and synchronise it over network with audio files played by the server. We also used it to track movement over the pillars for the interaction.

For more information and videos please visit our websites:

• Dave at Kreativrauschen.com (English)
• Dave at Serik.de (German)