The Orchid is a new instrument created by Telepathic Instruments, a company founded by Kevin Parker, known for his work with Tame Impala. This chord generator has been in development for several years, combining Parker’s passion for technology and melody with a unique design. The instrument reflects a long-held idea of Parker’s to create a powerful tool for songwriting.
Ignacio Germade, co-founder of Telepathic Instruments, played a key role in shaping The Orchid. The instrument features three synths, a looper, and onboard effects, all designed to enhance the creative process. It also includes stereo speakers and velocity-sensitive keys, allowing musicians to explore different chord voices starting from a root note.
The Orchid offers various performance modes like Strum, Slop, Arpeggiator, Pattern, and Harp, which add rhythm and texture to music. Users can build chord progressions using the Loop Mode, while effects like reverb, chorus, and delay enrich the sound. The onboard synths, developed by Stefan Stenzel, include an FM synth, an analogue synth, and a vintage reed piano emulation.
In December 2024, Parker, along with his co-founders Chris Adams, Charl Laubscher, and Tom Cosm, will unveil 1,000 units of The Orchid. Their goal is to establish a community platform that empowers users to enhance the instrument further. Laubscher highlights that The Orchid is designed to push creative limits and inspire experimentation in music creation. For Parker, this instrument embodies the culmination of a vision he has nurtured for ten years. The Orchid will be available for purchase on Telepathic’s official website, with a price tag of $549 USD.