Chase Bliss and the CHOMPI Saga: From Playful Vision to Community Creation

CHOMPI is introduced not just as a device, but as a friendly companion for anyone curious about making music. The creators emphasize the importance of an immediate, intuitive connection with an instrument—something that feels like starting a new friendship rather than confronting a technical hurdle. This approach is evident in the way CHOMPI is positioned: accessible, inviting, and designed to spark joy from the first touch.

The video makes it clear that CHOMPI’s mission is to lower the barrier to entry for music creation. Whether you’re a seasoned musician or a complete novice, the instrument’s playful design and approachable workflow are meant to foster a sense of belonging in the world of sound. The team’s hope is that CHOMPI can serve as a bridge, connecting users to the creative fulfillment that music-making offers, regardless of their background.

The story behind CHOMPI is deeply personal. Tobias, one of the creators, shares how his childhood nickname—Chomper—evolved into the instrument’s name, thanks to a suggestion from Chelsea. This personal touch is more than branding; it’s a reflection of the team’s desire to infuse the instrument with warmth and character, making it an extension of their own creative identities.

Despite initial reluctance to share the full backstory, the creators open up about the emotional investment required to bring CHOMPI to life. Their journey is marked by vulnerability, family influence, and a genuine passion for music and sound. The narrative underscores that CHOMPI is as much a product of personal growth and community support as it is of technical innovation.

A core feature of CHOMPI is its ability to intake and manipulate a wide variety of audio samples, from field recordings to spontaneous environmental sounds. The creators describe how this functionality transforms the instrument into a kind of musical color palette, allowing users to paint with the sounds around them. This workflow encourages exploration and personal expression, making each session with CHOMPI unique.

The video highlights how environmental integration is central to CHOMPI’s design philosophy. By enabling users to incorporate the actual sounds of their surroundings, CHOMPI blurs the line between instrument and environment. This not only expands creative possibilities but also makes music-making a more immediate and tangible experience, accessible to professionals and beginners alike.

The evolution of CHOMPI from early prototypes to its final form is a story of persistence, experimentation, and community input. The creators recount the years spent iterating on designs, often working with students and relying on feedback from workshops to refine both the hardware and the user experience. Prototyping involved everything from 3D-printed shells to hand-glued panels, underscoring the hands-on, collaborative nature of the project.

Community involvement didn’t stop at design. When CHOMPI was finally introduced to the world, the response was overwhelming—a viral video launch, rapid demand, and a shift from small-batch production to a full-time commitment. The team’s openness to help and their willingness to adapt were crucial in navigating this transition, highlighting the importance of collective effort in bringing creative tools to life.