Whether a journalist or painter, creative people always find themselves in the same predicament. The best ideas come when they least expect; not when it’s forced or one is pressured to find a quick solution. It’s just human nature. One could be in the shower or lying in bed, as the adages go. For musicians – pianists as much as songwriters – it’s no different. An idea of a melody or lyric pops up out of the blue and has to be captured for safekeeping and later review. Rudimentary smartphone apps and voice memos can only go so far in accommodating that need or fully facilitating the experience.
Designed by Korean up-and-comer Woojin Yang, Everglow is a handheld mini-keyboard that fits into any bag. The “musical sketchbook” of sorts allows artists to quickly jot down ideas when they’re not in front of their instruments or computers. The sleekly-designed device comes with a generative AI-based sound system that allows them to iterate and develop a song on the spot, not just transcribe the initial tune.
“It’s all about capturing the emotion and nuance of the moment,” Yang says. There’s also a lot more freedom in not always having to open up a full computer set up, or even a laptop for that matter. What’s more, there aren’t hundreds of additional functions that can distract and ultimately let the spark of inspiration pass.
The pared-back, triangulated instrument – reflecting the fundamental modulated configuration of a traditional piano-forte – has much more variability than it might seem at first. Comprising a full octave, Everglow’s keys are sensitive and adaptive to the touch. When one slides upward while holding a key, the built-in pressure sensor detects the movement, allowing them to control velocity and adjust FX levels. Move left or right, the sensor registers the motion enabling half-step pitch shifts.
“This design enhances both visual form and tactile clarity,” Yang adds. “It offers new expressive options for keyboard players and familiar physical feedback for guitarists, supporting different composition styles based on each instrument.”
Emulating the physical play of a guitar as well, Everglow’s keys are not limited to individual notes. When multiples are touched horizontally, a strumming function is activated allowing it to be played back during chord performances. AI comes into the picture and adds additional harmonies, those it generates or that were previously recorded.
Though compact, Everglow can be used to develop ever-elaborate cumulative compositions. Everything is backed up on the accompanying Companion App. Exported files are compatible with most software. And no idea is left unrecorded.
To learn more about the designer’s device, visit behance.net.
Photos courtesy of Woojin Jang.
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