The folks at SciArt Magazine thought I had a story to share, so here it is: https://www.sciartmagazine.com/straight-talk-yago-de-quay.html We delve into what motivated me to transition from guitarist to multimedia artist, how I design interactivity, and musings on the future of immersive experiences. Here are some snippets from the article…

I start my story as a starving, dissatisfied guitarist looking to create a new instrument. One day I’m presented a chance to enroll in a engineering masters and begin my life as a mad music scientist. While publishing scientific articles and giving academic presentations, I perform music using my new gesture and brainwave instruments.

Working with bleeding-edge interactive systems opens the door to an exciting world of opportunities. In a spectrum ranging from technology as art to technology as a tool, my works would fall all over that spectrum. I think that is how art will use technology – sometimes in an exuberant, showy manner, sometimes in a hidden, magical way.

While working with the tesla coil rock band ArcAttack, I learn the importance of visual feedback in interactive works. It isn’t only about music anymore, it’s about connecting performers, visuals, and music on stage to create one big show, and companies love it.

Due to a foot injury in 2016, I have to stop performing and instead create installations. I’m excited about this field! According to a 2019 report by the Immersive Design Summit, the U.S. immersive entertainment industry is valued at $50 billion, behind video games but way ahead of the music industry. The immersive industry is growing and it includes theme parks, theater, escape rooms, haunted attractions, exhibitions, museums, VR, AR, experiential marketing… The main issues are high production costs, marketing, and scaling. In the future, ubiquitous displays, sensors, and AI will provide a scalable opportunity for personalized, intimate immersive experiences.

I hope you enjoy it!