Lyraei

The Lyraei is an electromagnetic string instrument designed and created from 2019 to 2021. It's a hybrid instrument, bridging the worlds of modular electronics and chordophones.
electromagnetic string instrument The Lyraei was born from the idea to create a drone string instrument, and took a total of two years to develop. It works with strings and electromagnetism: Its brain generates magnetic pulses that excite the strings, setting them into continuous oscillations. Their motions, amplified by a set of handmade pickups, is the resulting sound.

When playing, one can shape the magnetic pulses with precision, or allow the signals to flow into each other in unpredictable ways. These complexities in its circuitry are reflected in the textures of its sound, as the strings are constantly wavering between chaotic motion and natural resonance. These conflicts between its electronic and mechanical condition give it its signature timbre.

The Lyraei is a drone machine;
an instrument for vertical time.

Mihalis Shammas : Inventor, maker, composer
The maker Mihalis Shammas
I've studied Architecture and have always had a knack of making things out of scratch. And particularly when these things involve movement or sound. In my musical structures and instruments, I am interested in the combination of mechanical systems with chaotic factors. In this way I explore intricacies in the motions of physical elements, which are always the source of sound.

Connect with Mihalis Shammas
How I can help you:
Besides being a musician and performer, I use my design and engineering skills to help out in other people's projects.
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