Ukraine modular synth resistance persists as Tembra Modular endures

Ukraine modular synth resistance: Tembra Modular is a two-person shop that runs workshops and produces DIY kits and assembled modules. The shop continues production and instruction under difficult conditions that include cold, intermittent internet and inconsistent power supply, with some assembly and testing taking place by candlelight.

NU31 hackerspace in Kyiv serves as the location for Tembra Modular’s in-person workshops, and the team is conducting soldering sessions for oscillators on a third consecutive Saturday. The article reports long-term outages affecting electricity, heating and water, occasional returns of power for a few hours at a time, and escalating attacks described as increasingly powerful weaponry and characterized as war crimes.

Tembra Modular is a Ukrainian operation managed by a two-person team focused on the production of DIY kits and assembled modular synth modules. Despite the challenging conditions, including power outages, cold weather, and intermittent internet access, the team continues to run its activities. The NU31 hackerspace in Kyiv provides a venue for their in-person workshops, facilitating the hands-on experience crucial for building and understanding modular synthesizers.

Currently, they are conducting soldering workshops focused on the assembly of oscillators, which have been consistently held for three consecutive Saturdays amidst these hardships. These workshops are designed to teach participants the skills needed to construct specific synth components, even when working under less than optimal conditions. The participants benefit from a practical learning environment, albeit under the constraints of frequent blackouts and limited access to resources such as electricity and water, signifying a strong commitment to maintaining operations regardless of the difficulties faced.

Tembra Modular faces significant operational challenges due to ongoing disruptions in basic utilities and infrastructure in Ukraine. They operate under persistent blackouts, enduring cold temperatures with limited heating options, and cope with intermittent power and internet supply. Kaximia, associated with Tembra Modular, reports extensive periods without electricity, heating, or water, highlighting that “the power comes on for a few hours at a time” and the internet can disappear at any moment. This environment necessitates that some work, including delicate synthesizer assembly, is performed by candlelight, underscoring the resilience required to continue operations.

Additionally, these conditions are aggravated by external threats and instability, as described by Kaximia: “We have been without electricity, heating and water for a long time. The power comes on for a few hours at a time. The internet may also disappear at times. It’s very cold, and at night there are sudden attacks – missiles and Shahed drones.” Despite these “barely survivable” situations, Tembra Modular persists in offering soldering workshops for oscillators, demonstrating their commitment to their craft and community.

Kaximia expresses gratitude towards the support provided for continuing their work, noting, “We’re very grateful to them for continuing their work despite the difficult situation around and for providing us with the space and tools. It’s a wonderful place!”

Additionally, Kaximia articulated their determination in the face of adversity, stating, “Right now, for the third Saturday in a row, we are preparing and working in conditions that are barely survivable. Despite this, we continue to create, and this Saturday we will once again hold a soldering workshop for our oscillators.”

These sentiments capture the tenacity and dedication of Tembra Modular to persevere with their workshops, underscoring both the challenges they face and their unwavering commitment to their work amidst extreme conditions.

In Kyiv, the persistent blackouts and disruptions are largely attributed to the escalating Russian attacks. These assaults have utilized increasingly powerful weaponry, causing widespread infrastructural damage and leading to significant power failures across the city. The situation has been exacerbated by attacks described as war crimes, due to their impact on civilian life and essential services. As a result, residents of Kyiv are experiencing extended periods without electricity, heating, or water. Reports from the Kyiv Independent highlight the severity of the disruptions, noting residents are left “in shock” by the abrupt and widespread loss of utilities.

These conditions are compounded by intermittent power returns, at times lasting only a few hours, and unpredictable internet connectivity. This has left many unable to perform daily tasks or maintain a regular working environment. The metro experiences disruptions as well, adding to the transportation challenges faced by the city’s inhabitants. These blackouts and infrastructural disruptions paint a grim picture of daily life in Kyiv, where the resilience of its residents and businesses is constantly tested amid ongoing conflict.

Tembra Modular is a two-person shop that continues producing DIY kits and assembled modules while running in-person workshops at NU31 hackerspace in Kyiv. The team has held consecutive soldering workshops focused on building oscillators, conducting these sessions for a third Saturday in a row.

Operations and workshops continue amid blackouts, cold temperatures, and intermittent internet and power supply, with some assembly and testing reported to take place by candlelight and power returning for only a few hours at a time. These activities occur during a period of escalating Russian attacks described in the article as increasingly powerful and characterized as war crimes, and during citywide grid disruptions that have left residents without electricity, heating, and water.