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The Avalanches Create Synthesiser From Reclaimed E-Waste Devices

Mary Varvaris

“We wanted to show that e-waste can be repurposed into something that people can relate to universally,” explained The Avalanches’ Robbie Chater.

The Avalanches and their new synthesiser alongside e-waste
The Avalanches and their new synthesiser alongside e-waste(Credit: Supplied/Telstra)
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The Avalanches have created a synthesiser made of e-waste as part of Telstra’s Second Life Sounds initiative.

Australia has an e-waste problem, with items including mobile phones, gaming consoles, and old electronic cables making up triple the global average. By 2030, it’s estimated that Australia will produce 657,000 tonnes of e-waste every year—approximately the weight of twelve Sydney Harbour Bridges or 19,000 Melbourne trams.

To inspire Aussies to let go of no-longer-used items and give them a new lease of life, The Avalanches have joined forces with Telstra to create a brand-new, fully functioning synthesiser made up of 80% repurposed components from e-waste items.

“We wanted to show that e-waste can be repurposed into something that people can relate to universally,” explained The Avalanches’ Robbie Chater. “Through music, we have tried to demonstrate the amazing link between sustainability and creativity.”

Fans can check out the one-of-a-kind, limited edition e-waste synthesiser at the window of Telstra’s Melbourne Discovery Store – at the corner of Bourke and Swanston Streets in the CBD – through March and April. The telco encourages everyday Aussies to drop off e-waste and take a look at the functioning synthesiser.

Telstra aims to reuse, recycle, repair, or donate one smart device for every two devices sold by 2030.

According to a recent YouGov survey, Telstra found that every Aussie is holding on to an average of three unused devices – nearly 65 million phones and other gadgets sitting in cupboards and drawers, going to waste. 4.9 million Australians admitted that their oldest unused device is more than 10 years old, suggesting a somewhat hoarding habit.

Meanwhile, 29% of Aussies retain unused electronic devices “just in case” and 26% plan to recycle their old tech, but never quite get around to it.

This collaboration makes perfect sense – not just for Telstra, but for The Avalanches.

In March 2020, The Avalanches were set to team up with Jamie xx, Midnight Juggernauts and Mark Pritchard for the No Coal Zone event in Sydney, to raise money and awareness for climate change action. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was cancelled.

Upon the event’s announcement, The Avalanches’ Robbie Chater commented that it was time to “fight for change and for what is right.”

He added, “Successive governments have failed us, putting the vested interests of a few before the well-being of us all.”

Already recognised for their sample-driven sound, repurposing of vintage records and tapes, and layered compositions, the Aussie electronic duo continue to influence music and pop culture.