Mia Khoirunisa
The vibrant electronic music and synthesizer community in Kyiv recently showcased its resilience and passion with the inaugural SYNTH DAYS lecture, "What are modular synthesizers and how to stop being afraid of them." Held on Saturday, April 11th, just before the Orthodox Easter celebration, the event provided a crucial platform for knowledge sharing and community building within Ukraine’s burgeoning modular synthesis scene. Kaximia, a prominent figure from Tembra Modular and creator of the "Let’s explore modular synthesis" series, documented the event for CDM, offering a compelling glimpse into a creative ecosystem flourishing despite significant geopolitical challenges.
The lecture, meticulously organized and supported by various individuals and organizations, aimed to demystify the often-intimidating world of modular synthesizers for newcomers. Oleksiy Hrachov of Sitka Instruments delivered the primary presentation, breaking down complex concepts into an accessible and coherent format. His approach, tailored for beginners, successfully made the intricate subject matter understandable, and for experienced practitioners like Kaximia, it served as a valuable refresher of foundational principles. The depth of preparation and the clarity of Hrachov’s delivery underscored a profound understanding of modular synthesis, resonating with attendees and highlighting the growing interest in this specialized field within Ukraine.
Following the educational session, Konstantin Poveda, representing Crazy Chicken Modular, captivated the audience with a live performance. Poveda demonstrated a hybrid setup, seamlessly integrating his modular synthesizer with laptop-based sequencing and sampling. He aptly described his genre as "modular hip-hop," a dynamic fusion of pre-recorded sampled drums and live modular synthesizer voices. The performance was characterized by its energy, sonic diversity, and impressive volume, effectively showcasing the versatility and expressive potential of modular systems in a live performance context, extending their utility beyond studio production into powerful sonic art.
The SYNTH DAYS event was hosted at the NU31 Hacker Space, a testament to the collaborative spirit within Kyiv’s creative and technological communities. Artem Synytsyn, as the leader of NU31, has cultivated an environment described as energetic, engaged, and highly motivated. The hackspace has previously demonstrated its supportive nature, notably when hosting a workshop on soldering Tembra Modular’s Ukrainian-designed modules. This history of collaboration, coupled with the hackspace’s proactive approach in overcoming obstacles such as power outages and other war-related challenges, has fostered a strong sense of community and mutual assistance. This unwavering commitment to fostering innovation and knowledge exchange, even in difficult circumstances, speaks volumes about the resilience and dedication of Kyiv’s creative technologists.
The Ukrainian Modular Scene: Growth Amidst Uncertainty
The successful execution of SYNTH DAYS underscores a significant trend: the continued development and expansion of the Ukrainian modular synthesis community, even amidst ongoing conflict and instability. The event’s organizers have indicated plans for further educational lectures and performances under the SYNTH DAYS banner, signaling a sustained commitment to nurturing this artistic and technical niche.
Tembra Modular, Kaximia’s own venture, remains actively engaged in synthesizer development. The company is preparing to offer complete modular synthesizer systems for order, a significant step that promises to further empower creators within Ukraine and potentially on a global scale. Kaximia personally oversees the assembly and soldering of these instruments, emphasizing meticulous attention to detail and a deep sense of care in each build. This hands-on approach, shared through her Instagram, offers a tangible connection to the creation process and highlights the human element embedded within the technological pursuit.
Creativity as Resilience and Meditation
For Kaximia, the experience of organizing and participating in SYNTH DAYS transcends mere technical engagement. She describes the current creative period as a state where "creativity and the process of creation feel especially alive." This sentiment highlights the profound importance of support, interaction, and collective effort in fostering artistic endeavors, particularly during times of adversity. The ability to create—whether through building instruments, delivering lectures, or engaging in simple acts of human kindness—becomes amplified in significance when faced with challenging circumstances. This perspective aligns with Viktor Frankl’s enduring observation on the human spirit: the inherent freedom to choose one’s attitude toward external conditions and to chart one’s own path, a principle Kaximia deeply internalizes from her experiences.
The act of soldering synthesizers, testing modules, crafting patches, and working with sound is, for Kaximia, more than a technical task. It is a form of intense concentration, a meditative practice, and a profound immersion in the present moment. This intricate yet vibrant process imbues her work with a deep sense of meaning, reinforcing the notion that even in the face of global upheaval, the drive to create and innovate persists. The article concludes with a powerful affirmation: "It is wonderful to live. It is wonderful to create."
This sentiment is further amplified by a special acknowledgement to Peter Kirn of CDM for his support and for providing the platform for this article. The broader message extends gratitude to all who contribute, however incrementally, to the advancement of the Ukrainian modular scene, recognizing that even small acts of support are the foundation of significant collective achievements.
Educational Outreach and Community Engagement
The SYNTH DAYS lecture series is designed not only to showcase existing talent but also to cultivate future generations of modular enthusiasts. The choice of the topic, "What are modular synthesizers and how to stop being afraid of them," directly addresses a common barrier to entry within the modular community. By providing foundational knowledge in an approachable manner, the organizers are actively working to broaden the appeal and accessibility of modular synthesis. This educational mission is crucial for the sustained growth of the scene, ensuring a pipeline of new creators and innovators.
The collaboration with NU31 Hacker Space is particularly noteworthy. Hacker spaces, by their nature, are environments that foster DIY culture, experimentation, and collaborative problem-solving. Their role in hosting events like SYNTH DAYS validates the growing synergy between the technological and artistic communities in Ukraine. The shared ethos of innovation and resourcefulness evident in these spaces is a vital asset for a nation navigating complex challenges.
Broader Implications and Future Outlook
The resilience of the Ukrainian modular scene, as exemplified by the successful SYNTH DAYS event, offers a compelling case study in how creative communities can thrive even under duress. The dedication of individuals like Kaximia, Oleksiy Hrachov, and Konstantin Poveda, alongside the support of organizations like Tembra Modular, Sitka Instruments, Crazy Chicken Modular, and NU31 Hacker Space, demonstrates the power of shared passion and collective action.
The continued development of modular synthesizer systems by companies like Tembra Modular suggests a robust future for hardware synthesis within Ukraine. As these systems become more widely available, they are likely to fuel further innovation and artistic expression. The focus on creating complete systems indicates a strategic approach to making modular synthesis more integrated and user-friendly, potentially attracting a wider audience.
Furthermore, the emphasis on the meditative and grounding aspects of working with synthesizers offers a valuable perspective on mental well-being and personal resilience. In times of significant stress and uncertainty, engaging in creative, focused activities can provide a crucial sense of purpose and stability. This aspect of modular synthesis, often overlooked, contributes to its growing appeal as a holistic practice.
The commitment to continued educational programming and live performances within the SYNTH DAYS framework signals a long-term vision for the community. By fostering a consistent environment for learning, sharing, and performing, these initiatives are building a sustainable ecosystem for modular synthesis in Ukraine. The international recognition and support, as evidenced by CDM’s coverage, further bolster the community’s efforts and highlight the universal appeal of creative expression and technological innovation. The narrative emerging from Kyiv is one of profound human spirit, ingenuity, and an unwavering commitment to the arts, even in the most challenging of circumstances.
The inclusion of the "Bonus: learn the alphabet" section by Peter Kirn, while seemingly tangential, serves a dual purpose. It acknowledges the cultural context of the event and the origin of the Cyrillic script, providing a brief but informative educational interlude for an international audience. This thoughtful addition enriches the article by offering a small window into Ukrainian culture, fostering greater understanding and connection with the broader context of the report. It also subtly reinforces the theme of education and accessibility that is central to the SYNTH DAYS initiative itself.
