JUAN MANUEL ESCALANTE

Music for Control Panels


2025     AI     AMBIENT ELECTRONIC MUSIC    AUDIOVISUAL    MODULAR SYNTHESIS




“Music for Control Panels” is an audiovisual exploration inspired by the aesthetics of machines and industrial control rooms. In the tradition of electronic ambient music, sporadic acoustic events and drones guide the viewer through a contemplative journey. The visual component features a generative graphic score echoing projections of computer terminals, printers, and fax machines. Graphic notation expands the listening experience for both general and specific audiences.

Behind the score, a series of dashboards and computer room images complete the composition. Background images were initially created using Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) and later transformed heavily through multiple steps of ASCII conversion. While most commercial applications of modern image-generation techniques strive for photo realism, this electroacoustic work intentionally looks in the opposite direction. The overall composition pays homage to the early computer systems using contemporary techniques of image and sound-making.

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TRACKLIST


1.Dashboard (4’50”)
2.Landing Sequence (4’50”)    
3.Subway (5’40”)  



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2025
FILE Festival Internacional de Linguagem Eletrônica, São Paulo (BRA)
FIESP Cultural Center
American premiere (audiovisual format)
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2025
ADELA Festival of Generative Arts - Parameter Art Fair, Ljubljana (SVN)
Kino Šiška – Center urbane kulture / LJUDMILA + OSMO/ZA
European release (printed work) / Special thanks to: Maja Burja, Katja Pahor, and Luka Frelih.

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Special thanks to Kenneth Fields and the DigiScore project led by Craig Vear and Solomiya Moroz. Project funded by the European Research Council under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme, and the University of California Santa Barbara.


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ALL SOUNDS AND IMAGES:
Juan Manuel Escalante







ABOVE: Generative graphic score for Subway. Different symbols represent all sound components. Continuous and dotted lines represent fictional train passing by. The score is meant to be read as traditional sheet music (left to right). Each row has a duration of 85 seconds.




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Composed and coded in San Diego, CA (2024-2025).


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SOCIAL: IG / VM
© 2023