Australian Music Week which opens tonight in Cronulla is about premiere of the world’s first eye-controlled music software.
Jess Irwin, a NSW musician with Cerebral Palsy will use the new eye-controlled technology called Atmosphere by Pyskinetic to launch her music career.
Jess will perform live in front of industry executives with her rock idol, multi-platinum artist, Steve Balbi of Mi-Sex and Noiseworks, tomorrow afternoon at Australian Music Week in Cronulla.
Until now, Jess's ability to control only her mind and eyes has stopped her from fulfilling a life-long ambition to be a musician.
The Atmosphere software was developed by biomedical engineer, Dr Jordan Nguyen.
He describes Atmosphere is a digital interface enabling pre-recorded and programmed notes, chords and sound sequences to be triggered and controlled by eye-movement and blinks.
Until now, Jess's ability to control only her mind and eyes has stopped her from fulfilling a life-long ambition to be a musician.
"I've always dreamed of making music," Jess, 31, said.
"But I could obviously never physically play an instrument. I knew these hands weren't going to cut it in the music industry.
"Yet every time I saw a live gig, my inner musician was shouting to escape. I wanted to be on stage performing.
"And now, thanks to Jordan, Psykinetic, Steve and the magic of eye-controlled technology, my dreams are coming true."
Using the software Jess and multi-platinum, award-winning musician, Steve Balbi recorded and released a reimagined version of Balbi's song, Winners, which they will perform live at Australian Music Week, as well as participate in an expert panel.
Australian Music Week director and programmer, Geoff Trio said, "We are very excited to showcase this world-first technology at Australian Music Week."
"For the millions of people like Jessica, who have the creativity, desire and mind to make incredible music but are inhibited by severe physical limitations, this kind of technology is an absolute game-changer.
The panel will see Jess, Steve and Atmosphere's cutting edge developers discuss how this new technology works, why it is truly groundbreaking and the future of eye-controlled technology and its applications in music.
Like any instrument, Jess said that using Atmosphere, "takes years to perfect and to find your unique voice."
"You can't just pick up a bass guitar and suddenly you're Don Martin from Mi Sex!" she said,
"I've had to learn to control muscle spasms, the basics of music and learn how to use eye control."
"I’ve always believed that if you can imagine it, and are prepared to work for it, you can achieve it."
Taking place at Cronulla, November 7 to 11, Jess Irwin and Steve Balbi will be performing live at Australian Music Week on Thursday, November 8 in conjunction with a music tech panel discussion.
Tickets on sale now at australianmusicweek.com