We’re excited to share Crack XR – a new mixed-reality performance platform which we’ve been building for the past 12 months.
As a magazine, we’ve always been interested in the intersection of technology and music and have always believed in creating imaginative experiences which, most importantly, are free for audiences. When the pandemic first hit the UK, we started thinking about new ways to engage audiences and work with artists.
We were awarded funding by Innovate UK – a government-supported scheme “driving innovation and development during the COVID-19 pandemic.” We teamed up with multidisciplinary design technologist Oliver Ellmers for the project and our goal was to create a new app for hosting experimental performances powered by volumetric capturing technology and driven by the ideas of artists and creatives we love. Today, that app is finally available to download.
Download Crack XR now to experience three immersive digital performances by some of our favourite artists.
Lagos-born, Bermondsey-raised rapper Flohio brings the kinetic, shapeshifting Sweet Flaws to life in mesmerising augmented reality – a standout from last year’s breakthrough No Panic No Pain mixtape.
You can also acquaint yourself with the infectious sounds of rising London rapper Brian Nasty whose lo-fi lovesong Heart Emoji is extra-charming in AR.
Finally, PC Music innovator A.G. Cook reimagines his 2020 track The Darkness with guests Hannah Diamond and Sarah Bonito performing live in a hypnotic 3D-rendered video.
The performances on Crack XR have been built in partnership with newly established technology company Good Measure Studio, production company Ground Work and Oliver Ellmers creative technology company Pretty Lucky, with art direction from Udoma Janssen. 3D design on Flohio and A.G. Cook’s performances is by London artist George Jasper Stone.
For now, the app is only available on iOS and you’ll need a WiFi connection to download the performances.
Download Crack XR here. And we’d love to hear your thoughts and ideas as we continue to explore this technology, email us at xr@crackmagazine.net.