Yes, you can. Perhaps you already have. Music theory is a deep and wonderful rabbit hole, and we respect anyone who dedicates time and energy understanding how something works.

But what’s the Right Level of music theory? How much technique do you need to practice before you can really play? And if you know enough about music, do you automatically write great songs?

We’ve all been listening to arguments about the Goldilocks zone of music mastery for about as long as we’ve been listening to music. We’ve valorised and vilified the maestros and misfits alike. Some argue that deep musical knowledge gives artists a richer vocabulary, and more tools for nuanced expression. The other believes that too much theory can trap musicians in predictable patterns, self-indulgent showboating, and playing too perfectly. Technically correct, and totally wrong. All brain, no soul.

Telepathic understands this question a little differently. There’s no “right” way or “wrong” way. There’s just whether or not you’re creating something that feels new and relevant to you and your audience. There’s a time for a sitting down and learning your craft. And there’s a time for trying something totally different. It’s not just how much a songwriter or performer does or doesn’t know, it’s the patterns we all get stuck in that inhibits exploration, expression, and ultimately, creativity.

So Orchid isn’t about avoiding theory or getting around practicing your craft. It’s not about creating a “better” system, or replacing practice or knowledge. It’s about shaking up your creative process by learning something entirely new. It’s a tool for anyone who wants to step outside their musical comfort zone, to experiment, and to find what’s on their mind.