This project has deeply explored the potential of the PULSAR-23 and LYRA-8 from SOMA Labs, in defamiliarizing the compositional process in electronic music. By employing Actor-Network Theory (ANT), I was able to identify the significant roles played by various actors, including the instruments themselves, which served as key collaborators, inspiring and shaping my creative journey. These tools exemplify Rhizome Theory, with their modular, interconnected nature allowing for fluid, non-linear exploration—there were few, if any, “dead ends” in my creative process.
Throughout the project, discovery and exploration were central, with significant moments arising from a willingness to abandon traditional methods. The PULSAR-23’s semi-modular design provided vast sonic possibilities, resulting in arrangements captured in real-time with minimal post-processing. This approach aligned perfectly with my goal of fostering a dynamic, improvisational approach to music-making, driven by the instruments rather than pre-established frameworks.
Community engagement was also integral to this journey. Drawing on insights from Vlad Kreimer and resources from Conatus Modulari and Loopop, as well as engaging with the SOMA user community on Discord, enriched my understanding and technique. While these interactions didn’t always lead to singular breakthroughs, they provided a constant stream of inspiration and validation, reinforcing the idea that innovation often comes from shared knowledge and collective exploration.
Working with only two instruments presented a formidable challenge: creating a cohesive album without the usual array of tools and safety nets I’ve relied on for years. I consciously rejected familiar frameworks—my plugins, guitars, synthesizers and reference playlists—choosing instead to embrace a process that was open, organic and driven entirely by my connection with these instruments. The result was 12 tracks, 8 of which made it into the final submission, all emerging naturally from this deep engagement with the PULSAR-23 and LYRA-8.
In doing so, I also consciously distanced myself from the commercialized landscape of music production, where marketing often dictates the tools deemed essential—whether it’s the latest sample packs, mixing plugins or MIDI chord generators. With nearly two decades of music-making experience, I’ve navigated many such trends, often finding them more tiring than inspiring. This project, however, was different. It was a return to the pure joy of discovery, reminiscent of my early experiments with sound editing on Audacity, and tape manipulation, where the focus was less on following trends and more on exploring what was possible. By setting aside distractions and exploring the capabilities of these instruments, I rediscovered the creative freedom that first drew me to music. As I’ve learned, “comfort is the enemy of true discovery,” and embracing fear and imagination is essential for keeping music vibrant and evolving.
This experience of defamiliarization, facilitated by the unique affordances of the PULSAR-23 and LYRA-8, underscores that innovation is not confined to specific tools. While these instruments played a crucial role in this project, the principles of exploration and experimentation are universally applicable. Musicians can apply these concepts with whatever tools they have at hand, fostering creativity within their own contexts. The essence of innovation lies not in the tools themselves but in the willingness to explore, experiment and challenge expectations. By embracing this mindset, any musician can unlock new creative potentials, transforming limitations into opportunities for growth.
Looking forward, I see the future of electronic music in rejecting trends and disrupting conventional processes. My journey with these instruments has deeply shaped me as a musician, fostering meaningful connections and reigniting my passion for exploration. As production becomes more standardized, it’s vital to push against established norms and explore new creative territories. The rise of AI and emerging technologies will undoubtedly transform music, but it’s essential to navigate these advancements thoughtfully. Longevity in music stems from genuine engagement with the creative process and a commitment to fostering a supportive community, rather than chasing trends and playlists. By challenging established norms and resisting superficial innovations, we can keep the art of music-making vibrant and engaging.
In conclusion, this project has demonstrated that embracing exploratory approaches can lead to significant creative breakthroughs. Understanding the interplay between human creativity, technological capabilities and cultural trends is essential for shaping the future of electronic music. As I have discovered, creativity is deeply personal—more than any rule or formula can capture. By fostering a collaborative and experimental mindset, we can ensure that the art of music-making remains exciting, evolving and personal.
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