Virtual Reality (VR) and the Metaverse With Max Horwich (Live from the Void, Pt. 1)
Love Music More · hosted by Luke F. Walton (Scoobert Doobert)
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Topics discussed
Host note
Max Horwich is the director behind *Live from the Void*, a 3D-rendered concert world where you're watching a live performance inside an environment that doesn't physically exist. He's also been teaching kids to make video games in an after-school program, which turns out to be a useful frame for the conversation: the tools that build games and the tools that build immersive music experiences are increasingly the same tools.
We get into the concept and production of *Live from the Void*, what it actually takes to make something dynamic and engaging rather than just visually novel, and how Unity (the industry-standard 3D rendering engine) works as a filmmaking and music platform. Max has a clear-eyed critique of VR too, a lot of it still feels like a waste of the technology: and that honesty shapes what makes the project worth doing.
The broader thread is what these 3D spaces actually enable for music storytelling: not just better concert visuals, but different relationships between sound, space, and audience that haven't been figured out yet.
Selected moments
- Max discusses teaching video game development to students. 1:32 Max shares his current work educating kids on video game creation.
- Behind the scenes of *Live from the Void* concept. 4:21 The creation process and initial concept of the project is highlighted.
- VR production challenges and solutions. 6:59 Max describes the evolution of their VR project and the dynamic visual elements.
- Experiences with Unity game engine. 8:21 Discussion around using Unity for music and film projects.
- Thoughts on technological advancements in VR. 15:26 The convergence of music and new technology in creating immersive experiences.
- Historical perspective on media evolution. 17:01 Exploration of how past technologies influence current media formats.
Selected excerpts
I've been teaching a lot lately mostly with like sort of early education younger kids doing like an after-school program teaching kids how to make video games right now...
And to give the listeners like a little bit of insight into what this is, this is like a 3D rendered world where you're seeing a live concert.
What else can we do with this? And how can we turn this into something that's dynamic and engaging?
One of the things that I've been using a lot is this game engine called Unity... it's one of the industry standard default 2D or 3D rendering engines.
I think a lot about a VR technology... for the most part... it feels like a waste of technology.
FAQ
What is *Live from the Void*?
*Live from the Void* is a multimedia project that combines live concert elements with immersive 3D-rendered environments.
How does virtual reality impact live music performance?
Virtual reality offers a new dimension for live music, enabling artists to create dynamic experiences that transcend traditional concert settings.
Who is Max Horwich?
Max Horwich is a creative professional focusing on innovative projects that blend technology and art, particularly in virtual environments.
Curated notes only — no public transcript. Listen on the links above.