The Witchy Woo

The Witchy Woo is essentially a wireless, bluetooth based MIDI controller in the form of a witch’s scepter, capable of transforming movement into MIDI notes and continuous controls. It is meant to set the performer free from the usual table controllers and allow them to move freely, dance and express themselves in new ways. The Witchy Woo has a button in the bottom, allowing the performer to tap it dramatically and send either a MIDI note or a momentary control change, as well as an IMU that detects orientation in 3 axes, sending 3 MIDI continuous commands constantly. This way the performer can control 3 parameters at once without giving up on a free and expressive performance.
The design of the Witchy Woo is inspired by the tribes culture of New Orleans and the “Mardi Gra Indians” tradition, as well as by Disney villains who often possess a scepter with magical powers. It is made out of an old antique lamp, black ostrich feathers and an LED shaped like an ampersand which is my symbol as an artist as it’s the first character of my artist name – &theNIGHT. This scepter’s design wishes to bring magic into technology and appear more mystical than technical, with all the sensors, wires and electronics hidden inside it.

The Witchy Woo is innovative because it redefines stage performance and musical interaction by transforming movement into MIDI control in a mystical, expressive form. Unlike traditional static controllers, it allows performers to move freely and dramatically, combining physical gestures, orientation, and tactile input into a versatile instrument. Its design, inspired by cultural traditions and artistic symbolism, merges aesthetics with technology to create a mystical experience. Additionally, it introduces a novel approach to MIDI communication by rethinking the protocol as circular rather than linear (imagine a continuous MIDI knob moving freely in 360 degrees), enabling more dynamic and fluid control of sound. Overall, it pushes the boundaries of expression, performance, and design in electronic musical instruments.

As a musician and performer myself I had the opportunity to try this instrument in a live performance and let myself be inspired by the instrument that I have created myself. While preparing for the performance I had to think how I can use the instrument’s special capabilities for creating a memorable performance. The button at the base of the instrument, along with the LED light, drives the performer to tap it on the floor in a dramatic ceremonial-like gesture owning the stage in every tap. This inspired me to use the Witchy Woo for one hit “larger than life” orchestral stabs in one song. In another song I used the Witchy Woo to dynamically switch between minimal quiet sound and a maximal orchestral and distorted sound. The Witchy Woo also send 3 MIDI continuous controls which inspired me to dance with it, throw it over my head, and swing it above the audience. Controlling 3 parameters at once inspired me to create rich and lush sounds with the Witchy Woo controlling different characteristics of the sound, for instance, using one axis (X) for the panning, another axis (Y) for the pitch, and yet another axis (Z) for the filter, reverb or arpeggiator speed. The freedom the Witchy Woo gives the performer can inspire endless variations of sound using this extremely versatile instrument.

The full performance can be seen in this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6g3HBslcBg