Cour Design co-founders Gordon Droitcour and Erik Anderson focus on efficient tour design based on midi triggering of lighting and video cues from the band's existing backing tracks. Using Jands Vista Bryon's lighting software, Arkaos Media Master Pro, Capture and Ableton as the master programme, Cour Design builds a whole show for video and lighting.
Having a self-contained, auto-triggering, midi-controlled system using notes, bars and measures from Ableton allows the visual performance to be based in a more musical way with notes, bars and measures as opposed to SMPTE and time code triggers.
"The idea is we create a design and we program the whole show for video and lighting that they can keep for as long as they tour that design," Droitcour said.
The lighting and video rig for Jonas' 2015 shows include Clay Paky A.Leda K5's, Chauvet Epix Strips and Bars, Martin Atomic 3k Strobes and a Hedgehog 4 Console provided by Elite.
"We wanted to have something that is sharp, sleek and modern. The idea was inspired from a piece of architecture that had those attributes," Droitcour said. "It's not just lights in a geometric formation; it's more of like a set piece with the apex of truss. We wanted to go with something that was sexy and effective with high impact. Using Epix Strips and the K5's are a great way to pull that off."
As a notable developing company, Cour Design is proud of their work with Nick Jonas and Elite.
"It's so big," Droitcour said. "Elite has always helped us out with some really great gear and really innovative products, so going forward I really see this relationship growing."
(Jim Evans)
