Local musicians are preparing to collaborate and create at the Whakatāne Sound Project’s third Synth Jam tomorrow.

Singer songwriter and synth enthusiast Kristy Robinson came up with the idea after attending a KŪWAO Collective Synth Jam in Tauranga.

“I loved it so much and wondered if people in Whakatāne would be keen to do something like this,” she said.

She initiated the synth nights at The Sound Project where likeminded musicians are encouraged to bring along their synthesizers and tech.

“It doesn’t have to be a keyboard or something manual; lots of people have their synths and tracks on iPads and laptops,” she said.

“This is for people who love electronic music and want to have a play and see how different synths work.”

Drum machines, loop pedals and effects pedals are brought along to experiment with new sounds.

“Anyone from beginner to expert can get involved. Or if you have a cool piece of kit you’ve been wanting to try out,” she said.

Robinson has never had a keyboard lesson; she simply plays what chords sounds good.

“There should never be an obstacle to music. Creativity is play.”

For those slightly intimidated by electronic music and gear, she brings along hand drums and other percussion instruments to play.

“I think us adults don’t play enough. There’s something about being too afraid that we might make a mistake, we can miss out on the joy of finding some beautiful sounds,” she said.

“It’s not perfect, but cool things come out of it.”

There’s even an organ available, sourced by Sound Project owner Anthony Clyde, for those who want to play a more traditional synthesiser.

WHAT: Synth Jam

WHEN: Saturday May 10 from 5pm

WHERE: Whakatāne Sound Project, 31 McAlister Street