People seem interested in my question about cyberdeck building, so I'll write out what I want to do in case anyone else has resources or suggestions:

In 2024, I started performing solo improvised-electronic music shows (as Void Femmes) with a modular synthesizer and a typewriter, connected via a contact mic. The takeaway is that having the typewriter in the setup gave the audience something to focus on and come up with their own narratives about. It was weirdly powerful!

For the next iteration of the live Void Femmes project, I want to incorporate a computer of some kind so I can play the techno I've been releasing.
I don't want a laptop on stage because I just don't like what they do to the "diorama" I have in my head when I envision what this might look like.

I think some kind of lightweight Linux DAW that can play back sectioned stems with a synced clock output (for program change messages to pedals, etc) would be amazing IF I could run it on a computer that makes the audience think "what the fuck is that?".

A cyberdeck (pelican case and 40% ortho mech build probably?) would do what the typewriter does, in that it becomes a narrative focal point for the audience. I'm clearly focused on aesthetics but I really do like the idea of a lightweight but odd-looking computer to act as a _functional_ set piece.

Does that make sense? I'm curious if people have tried this kind of thing before and have suggestions for things like what flavour of linux to use, which software might do what I need, and if they know of a good / complete build guide (hahaaaaa...).