What is Signals & Sorcery?
Signals & Sorcery is a modern generative music performance platform that combines AI-powered clip generation with a DJ-inspired dual-deck workflow. Describe the sounds you want in natural language, preview them privately in your headphones, and push approved material to your audience - all in real-time.
The platform features hardware-level audio routing inspired by professional DJ setups: separate headphone (cue) and main outputs let you audition AI-generated clips privately before your audience hears them.
Who is this for?
- Generative Music Performers who want to create and perform AI-generated music live
- Electronic Musicians looking for a new approach to live performance with AI assistance
- Live Coders & Experimental Artists who want intuitive AI-driven music generation
- Streamers & Content Creators who want to generate music in real-time while broadcasting
- Anyone who finds traditional live performance setups limiting and wants to explore generative approaches
How does it work?
Core Technology
- Native Audio Engine: Built on Tracktion Engine (C++) with JSON-RPC communication
- AI-Powered Generation: Uses AI providers (OpenAI, Groq, or Gemini) to interpret musical descriptions and generate MIDI
- Dual-Deck Architecture: Loop A (composition/preview) and Loop B (performance/audience) with independent routing
- DJ-Style Monitoring: Hardware-level support for headphone cue and main outputs
- Surge XT Integration: Automatically loads and configures synth patches based on sound descriptions
The Performance Workflow
- Generate - Describe a sound in natural language ("dark sub bass", "glitchy hi-hats")
- Preview - AI generates clips that play in your headphones (cue output)
- Refine - Iterate on the generation until you're satisfied
- Perform - Push approved clips to the audience (main output)
Key Features
- Text-to-Clip Generation: Describe sounds and get playable MIDI clips with configured synths
- Private Preview: Audition generated content in headphones before the audience hears it
- Seamless Transitions: Move material between decks for smooth live performances
- Multiple AI Providers: Choose between OpenAI, Groq, or Google Gemini
- Zero-Friction Setup: Automatic installation of synths and presets on first launch
Current Limitations
- macOS Only: Tested on M-series & Intel chips (Windows/Linux not supported)
- Surge XT Dependency: Currently only works with Surge XT synthesizer
- MIDI-Focused: Designed for MIDI/synth-based production and performance