Modular Dream

A performance project by Anee Molly and Bart Bell.

Modular Dream is a transdisciplinary project exploring the relationship between sleep, brain waves and generative music.

The project originates from Anee Molly’s research on EEG and musical composition, developed in collaboration with sound designer and composer Bart Bell.

During the performance, a participant lies down wearing an EEG headset that measures brain activity in real time. The signals associated with different brain states are translated into parameters controlling a generative musical system connected to a modular synthesizer.

As the participant gradually enters a state close to sleep, fluctuations in neural activity shape evolving sonic textures and atmospheres. The resulting soundscape becomes a sensitive reflection of the invisible dynamics of the dreaming brain.

System

EEG headset
Real time brainwave analysis
Generative music system
Modular synthesizer

Research context
CNM x IRCAM Inside program

Artistic direction and concept

Anee Molly & Bart Bell

Dramaturgy

Anee Molly & Bart Bell

Music and live performance

Anee Molly (modular synthesizer)
Bart Bell (sound design and spatial sound)

EEG research and signal processing

Anee Molly

Sound system design and spatial sound

Bart Bell

Scenography

Amalia Jaulin

Light design and interactive electronics
Arthur Grignard

Interaction design and system development
Léo Mercier

Spatial sound
Dionysios Papanikolaou

Project supervision and system development
Guillaume Piccaretta