InstrumentChamp Hack-a-tree event in London

Just back in Oslo after a few days in London, or more specifically in the Borough of Hackney which is perhaps the heart of London Tech City. InstrumentChamp was part of the Oslo delegation celebrating the longstanding friendship between the city of Oslo and London. This year had a focus on the emerging Music & Tech scene in Oslo and the London counterparts. Friday was spent hacking an alternative christmas tree, and it was later presented by Johan Brand from Nordic Connection, Deputy Mayor of Oslo, Mr. Hallstein Bjercke, and Mr. Andrew Sissons from the London borough of Hackney. The tree was lit by Mr.Bjercke attempting to play Jingle Bells on InstrumentChamp, the tree reacts on the surrounding sounds and will light and flash depending on your pitch and volume. Watch the video below to see it live:

Deputy Mayor of Oslo, Mr Hallstein Bjercke opening speech and Mr. Andrew Sissons from the Borough of Hackney.
Deputy Mayor of Oslo, Mr Hallstein Bjercke opening speech and Mr. Andrew Sissons from the Borough of Hackney.

The event also contained a pitch session for a number of startups from Norway (including InstrumentChamp) and hosted an expert panel discussing how music and technology is strengthening cultural and commercial bonds. The norwegian music festival By:Larm is more and more becoming the north european version of SXSW, the famous cultural festival/conference in Austin, Texas for music, film, technology and interactive media. By:Larm is already an established international arena for the music industry, and together with IKT Norway it is now introducing By:Larm Interactive as a core part of the program.

In connection with By:Larm Startup Norway is hosting a special event called Startup Weekend Play, that will help you develop your business ideas within music, technology and gaming. You can connect with the event on facebook, register and get a very attractive early-bird price: STARTUP WEEKEND PLAY (FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE)

Thanks to Johan Brand from Nordic Connection for a great initiative and event, also the city of Oslo, IKT Norway, Oslo Teknopol and Hackney House that made it all a reality.