Tame Impala's Kevin Parker Has Invented A New Synthesiser
The new instrument has been described as "an advanced chord-generating hardware synthesiser."
Tame Impala's Kevin Parker (Credit: Matsu)
Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker has invented a new instrument, a synthesiser called the Orchid, via the company he co-founded, Telepathic Instruments.
Described as “an advanced chord-generating hardware synthesiser,” Parker came up with the idea over a decade ago.
According to a press release (per Brooklyn Vegan), the synthesiser, which acts as a songwriting tool, employs a “unique chord logic system” that’s blended with many ways to “alter the chords” to maximise creative musical expression.
The Orchid contains a “lush and powerful 16-voice polyphonic synth engine” and “onboard ambience and modulation FX, plus a separate bass synth engine” built solely to get that groovy bottom end.
Parker invented the synthesiser in partnership with product designer and Telepathic Instruments co-founder Ignacio Germade. The product boasts “dual stereo built-in speakers, a single-octave fully velocity sensitive keyboard and rechargeable battery for complete portable usage.”
Featuring an “innovative chord generating system,” the press release notes that the instrument contains a “matrix of 8 chord-type selecting and chord modifying keys” along with “a single-octave keyboard.”
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The Orchid features numerous Performance modes, such as the Strum, Slop, Arpeggiator, Pattern, and Harp, with the intent to “paint a new landscape.”
A limited-edition release of the first 1000 Orchids will be available from Wednesday, 18 December. You can sign up for email updates here ahead of the official sale. Check out a promotional video below.
In addition to creating synthesisers, earlier this year, Parker revealed that he’s also a fashion designer. The A.P.C. x Tame Impala fashion line hosts Parker’s “bold, maximalist, creative vision.” It includes pastel-coloured T-shirts, track pants, jumpers, bucket hats, striped hats, tote bags, and dress pants.
In May, Sony Music Publishing acquired Parker’s entire existing music catalogue, as well as extended his global deal for future works.
Parker teamed up with French electronic music duo Justice in January on their comeback track, One Night/All Night.
At this year’s Glastonbury Festival, Friday night headliner Dua Lipa was joined by Parker for renditions of Tame Impala’s The Less I Know The Better and her hit, Houdini. Parker was a primary collaborator on her latest album, Radical Optimism. She also stated that the band’s album, Currents, changed her life.
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