Starlight

Starlight is an interactive audiovisual installation that lets participants become the star of their own miniature rock show. Two guitars invite guests to play, transforming their performance into a synchronized environment of light, sound, and motion.

Strumming, fret combinations, and collaborative play trigger different effects across the installation’s infinity mirrors and surrounding stage lighting. Players can discover and unlock special effects as they perform, encouraging experimentation and interaction between players.

Starlight is controlled through two Guitar Hero guitars, giving each participant direct control over their side of the installation. Strumming and different fret combinations trigger distinct lighting and visual effects in real time.

Playing together unlocks additional effects that influence the installation as a whole, encouraging collaboration and experimentation. Audio feedback accompanies each strum, reinforcing the connection between the players’ actions and the environment.

The guitar controllers were customized with original graphics that extend Starlight’s visual identity while providing intuitive instructions for participants. Labels integrated into the fret design clearly communicate each control’s function.

Custom guitar stands were designed, CNC fabricated, and finished for the installation, creating a cohesive home for the controllers while reinforcing Starlight’s visual language.

Starlight is driven by a custom TouchDesigner system that translates wireless input from the guitar controllers into real-time visual and lighting controls. 

The system is designed around a flexible output architecture, allowing different combinations of generative visuals, LED installations, and stage lighting to be used for each configuration. In its initial configuration, TouchDesigner communicates with an ESP32-based LED controller and outputs DMX for synchronized control of the surrounding stage lighting.