Music producer Kevin Parker, recognized for his work with Tame Impala and collaborations with artists like Lady Gaga and Travis Scott, has entered the musical technology sector with Telepathic Instruments. The company's debut product, The Orchid, is a portable digital polysynthesizer designed to assist musicians in exploring melodic compositions.
Parker co-founded Telepathic Instruments with partners Ignacio Germade, Chris Adams, Charl Laubscher, and Tom Cosm. For the device's technical development, they enlisted Stefan Stenzel, an experienced synth designer known for his expertise in electronic music technology.
The Orchid features five distinct stylistic modes that provide musicians with versatile sound manipulation:
- Strum: Simulates guitar-like strumming patterns
- Slop: Introduces controlled randomness to sound textures
- Arpeggiator: Generates cascading note sequences
- Pattern: Creates repeatable melodic structures
- Harp: Emulates harp-like resonance and plucking
Technical specifications include a full keyboard scale with comprehensive chord voice manipulation. Musicians can re-pitch and reposition chord voices, while integrated effects like reverb, chorus, and delay enable complex sonic layering. A Loop feature allows users to develop musical ideas and arrangements, which can be transferred to production software via MIDI connection.
Telepathic Instruments will release 1,000 units of The Orchid in December 2024, priced at $549 USD. The devices will be available through the company's official website, targeting musicians and producers across skill levels.