Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker celebrated the arrival of his Orchid songwriting instrument in Australia on Thursday night (December 44th) with an intimate launch event that doubled as a showcase for the device’s creative potential.
The Australian Flower Shop pop-up opened its doors above Sample Coffee Shop Pro in Sydney’s St Peters with Parker in attendance, joined by a who’s who of Australian talent including Keli Holiday, Teenage Dads, and Lime Cordiale.
Melbourne electronic duo Close Counters took the evening to the next level, performing a set using the Orchid itself, offering attendees a live demonstration of what the instrument can do in the hands of artists.
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It’s the first time Australian musicians have been able to try the consistently sold-out device, which Parker conceived over a decade ago as a personal songwriting tool.
The Orchid has already left its mark on contemporary music, heard on tracks like Kid Cudi’s “Submarine” and Don Toliver’s “Call Back”, and used in songwriting sessions by artists including Janelle Monáe, Diplo, Fred Again, and Gracie Abrams.
With its intuitive chord-generating interface, three synth engines, and array of patterns, patches and FX, the Orchid takes care of complex chord maths so artists can feel out a song, wherever it may take them.
The Australian Flower Shop is designed as an open environment where musicians, producers, and the simply curious can explore the instrument at their own pace. Visitors can also see how Parker starts building ideas with it, making the process of songwriting feel more accessible and less intimidating for newcomers.
The Australian Flower Shop, at 75 Mary St, St Peters, officially opens today (December 5th) from 11am-6pm. It will also be open from 11am-6pm on Saturday, December 6th, and Sunday, December 7th. You must register your interest — see here.
Limited Orchids will be available for purchase, along with merch, providing a rare opportunity for local artists to get their hands on an instrument that’s been nearly impossible to source until now.
