960: Reacting to the Weird + Creative Corners of the Web

What It Covers

Scott and Wes explore seven creative coding platforms and tools that enable developers to create live music, visual art, projection mapping, and interactive installations using web-based code and JavaScript frameworks.

Key Questions Answered

• •Strudel live coding: JavaScript-based music creation platform uses readable syntax like c4 for notes, allows real-time code modification during performances, and includes inline sliders for parameter control—enabling DJs to create electronic music by commenting code in and out instead of turning knobs.
• •Hydra visual synthesis: WebGL-powered video visualization tool provides chainable syntax for creating real-time visual effects with layer, mask, scale, and mirror functions. Can connect to audio analysis for reactive visuals, making it accessible for creating projection mapping content and live performance visuals without deep shader knowledge.
• •p5.js creative framework: Offers more consumable API than raw WebGL for creating visual art, animations, physics simulations, and custom data visualizations. The beta site provides tutorials covering shaders and interactive content, making it approachable for artists while maintaining power for complex creative coding projects.
• •xLights home automation: Desktop software maps addressable LED Christmas lights in three-dimensional space, enabling synchronized light shows with music. Users can create custom animations, purchase pre-made shows, and control every individual LED for color, brightness, and timing—with enthusiast communities sharing techniques year-round.