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The Human Cost is a data-driven composition that further explores the impact of Ireland’s economic crash.
The aim of the piece is to express economic data through the manipulation of musical tension and release patterns.

The Deprivation Rate, Unemployment Rate and Emigration Rate from 2007 to 2012 were used to drive three fof synthesis algorithms. As each of these economic indicators increased the perceived tension in the human vocal simulations would increase also. The outputs of each of these algorithms retain a harmonic relationship.
Algorithms 1 & 2 express the Deprivation and Unemployment rates respectively while algorithm 3 expresses the Emigration rate. The first two algorithms provide a harmonic backing for the third algorithm, which assumes the metaphor of a lead vocal instrument and so undergoes random pitch fluctuations.
An algorithm based on a heartbeat metaphor that is mapped to express the fall in GNP between 2007 and 2012. This adds a rhythmic element to the piece.

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from The Human Cost: A Sonification of Ireland's Economic Crash, released May 16, 2016

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Stephen Roddy Dublin, Ireland

Stephen Roddy makes "quirky, odd, heavy" electronic music that is "big and bold" and "not afraid of taking risks". Stephen creates immersive multimedia performance systems which he uses in collaboration with other musicians, dancers, and sound artists. Some of this work has been described as “raw, rhythmic, primal yet playful” and “searingly powerful and a sheer joy to behold” ... more

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