Meaning: This quote by musician Thomas Dolby provides insight into the innovative technology he uses for creating music. The quote describes a head-mounted display (HMD) originally designed for military purposes to facilitate synchronized building entries, which Dolby repurposes for his music production process. The HMD allows Dolby to see his hands as he puts tracks together, with the images of his hands being projected onto a big screen behind him.

Thomas Dolby is an English musician and producer known for his pioneering work in electronic music and his use of technology in music production. Throughout his career, Dolby has been at the forefront of incorporating cutting-edge technology into his music-making process, and this quote exemplifies his forward-thinking approach.

The head-mounted display mentioned in the quote likely refers to a device similar to virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) headsets. These devices typically consist of a head-mounted unit with a small display positioned in front of the user's eyes. They are designed to provide an immersive visual experience, either by creating a completely virtual environment (in the case of VR) or by overlaying digital information onto the user's real-world view (in the case of AR).

The fact that the HMD was originally designed for military use highlights the adaptability of technology across different fields. Military technology often serves as a catalyst for the development of cutting-edge innovations, and as seen in this case, it can also find applications in entirely different domains such as music production.

Dolby's use of the HMD for "synchronized building entries" in the context of music production is intriguing. While the specific details of how this military-designed technology is repurposed for music creation are not provided in the quote, it suggests that Dolby has found a unique and unconventional use for the HMD in his creative process. It speaks to his ability to think outside the box and leverage technology in innovative ways to enhance his artistic output.

The mention of the HMD allowing Dolby to see his hands as he puts tracks together sheds light on the importance of visual feedback in music production. Traditionally, music production has been primarily an auditory process, with the focus on listening to and manipulating sound. However, advancements in technology have made it possible for musicians and producers to incorporate visual elements into their workflow, providing new perspectives on the creative process.

By projecting the images of his hands onto a big screen, Dolby not only gains a visual reference for his music-making actions but also shares this visual aspect with others in the studio or audience. This visual component adds a performative and demonstrative dimension to the music production process, allowing others to see the physical actions involved in creating music in real-time.

In conclusion, Thomas Dolby's quote offers a glimpse into the intersection of music and technology, showcasing how a military-designed head-mounted display has been repurposed for creative endeavors. It underscores the adaptability of technology across different domains and the potential for unconventional uses in artistic pursuits. Dolby's innovative approach to incorporating visual feedback into his music production process serves as a testament to the ever-evolving relationship between technology and creativity in the modern era.