On Saturday, April 11th, the eve of Orthodox Easter, Kyiv played host to a vibrant gathering of electronic music enthusiasts and creators: the SYNTH DAYS lecture, "What are modular synthesizers and how to stop being afraid of them." This event, held at the NU31 Hacker Space, marked a significant moment for the Ukrainian modular synthesis scene, demonstrating its resilience and innovative spirit despite ongoing challenges. The gathering, organized with the dedication of individuals and supported by a community passionate about sonic exploration, offered a crucial platform for education, performance, and connection.
The initiative was spearheaded by Kaximia, a prominent figure in the modular community, known for her work with Tembra Modular and her educational series "Let’s explore modular synthesis." This event represented Kaximia’s debut as a contributor to CDM (Creative Applications for Music & Technology), providing an insightful look into a Ukrainian scene that continues to flourish against considerable odds. The timing of the event, just before a significant cultural and religious holiday, added a layer of communal spirit and shared experience to the proceedings.
A Foundation for Understanding: The Sitka Instruments Lecture
The core of the SYNTH DAYS event was a lecture delivered by Oleksiy Hrachov of Sitka Instruments. His presentation, meticulously crafted and aimed at demystifying the often-intimidating world of modular synthesizers, proved to be a resounding success. Hrachov’s approach was characterized by clarity and accessibility, transforming complex technical concepts into digestible information for an audience that included both seasoned enthusiasts and complete novices. The lecture aimed to alleviate the fear factor often associated with modular setups, providing attendees with a solid understanding of their fundamental principles and potential applications.
For Kaximia herself, the lecture served as a welcome opportunity to revisit the foundational knowledge that initially drew her into the intricate realm of modular synthesis. She noted the deep preparation and evident expertise with which Hrachov presented the material, highlighting the strong grasp of the subject matter that permeated the entire session. The visual aids, including a laptop adorned with a SITKA sticker, served as a tangible anchor for the theoretical discussions, reinforcing the practical nature of modular synthesis. The editor’s note, encouraging readers to learn the Ukrainian alphabet to better understand the slides, underscored the cultural context and the inclusive nature of the event.
"Modular Hip-Hop" Takes Center Stage: A Live Performance
Following the educational segment, the SYNTH DAYS event transitioned to a live performance by Konstantin Poveda, also known as Crazy Chicken Modular. Poveda showcased a hybrid setup, ingeniously blending the analog capabilities of a modular synthesizer with the digital flexibility of a laptop. His performance was characterized by a unique genre he termed "modular hip-hop," a captivating fusion of sampled drum beats and distinct modular synthesizer voices. These sounds were pre-recorded and then masterfully manipulated and sequenced live, creating a dynamic and sonically rich auditory experience.
Poveda’s performance was a powerful testament to the expressive potential of modular synthesizers in a live setting. The sonic palette he explored was impressively diverse, ranging from hard-hitting beats to intricate melodic textures. This demonstration not only highlighted the creative possibilities of combining hardware and software but also underscored the artistic innovation emerging from the Ukrainian electronic music scene. The event captured this performance, with accompanying video content made available to further showcase Poveda’s distinctive sound and stage presence.
The NU31 Hacker Space: A Hub of Innovation and Resilience
The choice of venue for SYNTH DAYS was particularly significant. The NU31 Hacker Space, under the leadership of Artem Synytsyn and its dedicated residents, has cultivated an environment of active engagement, motivation, and forward-thinking creativity. The space has consistently demonstrated a remarkable capacity for fostering innovation and community, even in the face of profound challenges.
Kaximia recounted an earlier positive experience at NU31, where Tembra Modular held its inaugural workshop on soldering their Ukrainian-designed modules. This initial interaction was marked by an atmosphere of openness and unwavering support. Even amidst the disruptions and hardships brought about by the ongoing conflict, including frequent power outages, the NU31 community exhibited a remarkable level of proactivity and a steadfast willingness to assist. This dedication has left a lasting impression, eliciting deep gratitude from those who have collaborated with the space. The NU31 Hacker Space stands as a beacon of resilience, embodying the spirit of creation and problem-solving that defines the Ukrainian technological and artistic landscape.
A Community Forging Ahead
The SYNTH DAYS event in Kyiv is a clear indicator that the Ukrainian modular community is not merely surviving but actively developing and expanding. The successful execution of this lecture and performance, on the eve of a major holiday and amidst a challenging geopolitical climate, speaks volumes about the collective drive and passion of its members. The organizers have indicated that further educational lectures and performances are already in the planning stages within the broader Synth Days framework, signaling a commitment to sustained growth and engagement.
Tembra Modular, Kaximia’s own venture, continues its vital work in synthesizer development. The company is progressing towards offering complete modular synthesizer systems for order in the near future. Kaximia personally oversees the meticulous assembly and soldering of these devices, imbuing each unit with careful attention and dedication. She actively shares this intricate process on her Instagram, offering the community a transparent glimpse into the creation of these specialized instruments.
Creativity as Resilience: A Personal Reflection
For Kaximia, the act of documenting and sharing this experience transcends a simple news report; it serves as a personal reflection on a state of being where creativity and the process of creation feel intensely alive. In such moments, the profound importance of support, interaction, and collective endeavor becomes strikingly clear. The ability to create – whether through the crafting of instruments, the delivery of educational lectures, or the performance of simple human gestures of kindness – gains amplified significance during times of adversity. The preservation of inner balance and humanity emerges as a paramount undertaking.
Drawing inspiration from the philosophical insights of Viktor Frankl, Kaximia reflects on a fundamental truth understood from an early age: that while external circumstances can be relentlessly challenging, the freedom to choose one’s attitude and forge one’s path remains an unassailable aspect of the human spirit. This conviction underpins the community’s determination to continue creating and connecting.
The intricate processes of soldering synthesizers, testing modules, designing patches, and working with sound are not merely technical tasks for Kaximia. They are transformative practices that foster concentration, offer a form of meditation, and cultivate a deep presence in the moment. This complex yet profoundly vital process imbues her work with a profound sense of meaning, reinforcing the inherent value of artistic and technological pursuits. The overarching sentiment is one of profound appreciation for the act of living and the act of creating.
Acknowledging Support and Looking Forward
Kaximia extends her sincere gratitude to Peter Kirn of CDM for his unwavering support, engagement, and for providing the invaluable opportunity to contribute this article. She also acknowledges the contributions of everyone who supports initiatives aimed at fostering the growth of the Ukrainian modular scene, no matter how small their involvement. These individual efforts, she emphasizes, are the bedrock upon which significant collective achievements are built.
Understanding the Cultural Context: The Ukrainian Alphabet
To further bridge understanding and foster greater appreciation for the nuances of the Ukrainian creative landscape, an educational component was included. An explanation of the Ukrainian alphabet, a variant of Cyrillic with historical roots tracing back to the First Bulgarian Empire, was provided. This served to empower international readers to better comprehend the visual elements, such as the slides presented by Oleksiy Hrachov, and to engage more deeply with the cultural context of the event. The inclusion of a YouTube video featuring an alphabet song further democratized this learning process, making it accessible and engaging for a global audience. This initiative highlights a broader trend of cultural exchange and mutual understanding being fostered within the electronic music and technology communities.
The continued efforts of individuals like Kaximia and organizations like Tembra Modular and NU31 Hacker Space, coupled with the support of platforms like CDM, are instrumental in ensuring that the Ukrainian modular scene not only endures but thrives, pushing the boundaries of sound and technology even in the most challenging of times. The event stands as a powerful testament to the enduring human spirit and the unifying power of creative expression.
