Wiiii!!!, Ctd

by Chris Bodenner

A reader writes:

In response to your recent post on uses of the Wii, thought I'd mention that the Wii is now being used as a real-live electronic musical instrument, particularly in electronic-oriented indie rock. For example, you can play really subtle, expressive percussion with it. Check out this YouTube demo to see what I mean.

Some other bands that I know of that use the Wii are The Notwist from Germany (whose electronic programmer Console controls the samples and effects with them in the live show) and Vivian Darkbloom from Boston (who's guitar player Rob Morris uses the Wii attached to his guitar to manage real time effects by moving the guitar around mid-solo. The quality and reliability of the accelerometers in the Wii has really opened up a new window for musical expression.