The Wilderness Downtown

This interactive interpretation of Arcade Fire’s song ‘We Used to Wait’ was built entirely with the latest open web technologies, including HTML5 video, audio, and canvas. The story is told in multiple choreographed browser windows that pop up revealing new scenes as the song unfolds. The video also borrows from Google’s database of street images, personalising the experience for each viewer. By entering the address of their childhood homes before the song begins, viewers are treated to a narrative that takes place on the very streets where they grew up. Viewers are also able to control onscreen elements.