Orchid ORC—1

Orchid is a new type of instrument, so we’ve been limiting the initial supply of them so we can continue to test, learn and iterate based on user feedback. This crop is built directly on that feedback, and it’s our largest release yet. Still, we’re just getting started. So while releases may become more frequent over time, for now they'll continue to be extra special, exclusively available here in limited quantities. Lucky you for dropping by?

Great question. The answer is yes.

Orchid offers valuable utility for songwriters, who are driven by exploration and experimentation; producers, who can benefit from the ability to quickly pivot to different genres, sounds and styles; and gear heads, who revel in the unconventional approaches enabled by this kind of cutting-edge technology.

But Orchid is for everyone—from seasoned professionals to those discovering music for the first time. It frees musicians of all skill levels from muscle memory, chord maths and technical constraints, helping them find inspiration without getting bogged down by music theory or needing the dexterity of a trained jazzy pianist.

We've worked really hard to make sure we can send Orchid worldwide. Turns out there are plenty of countries in the world, each with their own unique logistics challenges (who knew?).At checkout, you’ll be able to select your destination country. If it’s not listed, try switching to the correct store: North America ships to...well, North America. International covers most other countries.

The Telepathic ecosystem now extends from hardware to software (in BETA), allowing you to get your ideas out of your head, into your Orchid, and finally, into your DAW via MIDI. The original synth engine that Kevin Parker used to design the Orchid’s 60 onboard sounds is now available as a plugin giving users:

• Access to the Telepathic Instruments universe of sounds
• The ability to create, customise and save sounds without an Orchid
• Two-way sync with Orchid, allowing you to take sounds on the go and get ideas directly into your DAW

A complete sound editor powered by Orchid’s three custom-designed synth engines (polyphonic subtractive, FM, and vintage EP).The BETA version of Pistil is currently only available for Orchid owners, or bundled with an Orchid purchase for a special price. BETA users will receive a free upgrade to the final version as soon as it’s available. Currently, Pistil BETA is only compatible with macOS 13.0 (64 bit) or later.

The Garden is a Patreon community where we share content and make official announcements for Orchid. If you're interested in getting more involved in testing, there's a Discord you can join too.

The Garden will be:

• A place to share content and compositions made with Orchid
• A forum for feedback on features and improvements
• A channel for exclusive behind-the-scenes content and insights from the creators
• A place to conduct user testing that will shape the evolution of Orchid

Of course, any content uploaded by the community will be the property of the author. Telepathic will not post or use anything without express consent.

Yes, you can. Perhaps you already have. Music theory is a deep and wonderful rabbit hole, and we respect anyone who dedicates time and energy understanding how something works.

But what’s the Right Level of music theory? How much technique do you need to practice before you can really play? And if you know enough about music, do you automatically write great songs?

We’ve all been listening to arguments about the Goldilocks zone of music mastery for about as long as we’ve been listening to music. We’ve valorised and vilified the maestros and misfits alike. Some argue that deep musical knowledge gives artists a richer vocabulary, and more tools for nuanced expression. The other believes that too much theory can trap musicians in predictable patterns, self-indulgent showboating, and playing too perfectly. Technically correct, and totally wrong. All brain, no soul.

Telepathic understands this question a little differently. There’s no “right” way or “wrong” way. There’s just whether or not you’re creating something that feels new and relevant to you and your audience. There’s a time for a sitting down and learning your craft. And there’s a time for trying something totally different. It’s not just how much a songwriter or performer does or doesn’t know, it’s the patterns we all get stuck in that inhibits exploration, expression, and ultimately, creativity.

So Orchid isn’t about avoiding theory or getting around practicing your craft. It’s not about creating a “better” system, or replacing practice or knowledge. It’s about shaking up your creative process by learning something entirely new. It’s a tool for anyone who wants to step outside their musical comfort zone, to experiment, and to find what’s on their mind.