Kevin Parker from Tame Impala has invented a new instrument called “The Orchid”.

Front of objects Tame Impala Kevin Parker invented a new musical instrument called The Orchid.

This instrument, originally conceived as a tool for Parker’s composing more than ten years ago, is an advanced chord generator that Parker developed together with his collaborators. Similar to chord modes on many keyboards, The Orchid stands out for its creative power and ease of use. With 13 frets, a range of octaves, various harmonization options, a pair of built-in speakers, MIDI output and a rechargeable battery, The Orchid is the ideal companion for beginning musicians and producers looking to enrich their tunes.

Of particular value is the triple synth: a polyphonic virtual analog synth for classical tones, an FM synth for modulations, and a “vintage reed piano” emulation that includes mechanical noise sounds for added realism. Users can choose from several “Performance Modes” such as “Strum”, “Slop”, “Arpeggiator”, “Pattern” and “Harp”, allowing the easy creation of colorful and complex chord progressions without prior knowledge of music theory.

In a recent statement, Parker noted that The Orchid helps musicians express what they’re hearing or find an idea they’re looking for. “It often seems to me that a song has its own destiny, some cosmic path it follows, over which we often have no control. “When we write a song, the instrument is the connection between what’s in our mind and what we hear,” Parker said.

Locked in a limited run of just 1,000 examples, the first version of The Orchid will be available in December through Parker’s company, Telepathic Instruments. The first owners will have the opportunity to “shape and improve” The Orchid through an online community on the Patreon platform, called The Garden.

In the meantime, Parker sold his entire catalog of written songs to Sony Music Publishing, including all past and future works. Earlier this year, he helped produce Dua Lipa’s latest album, Radical Optimism, while the singer praised his 2015 album, Currentsas a crucial moment in her life.