Frap Tools: Lukas Hermann on Modular Synthesis, Literature, and the Art of Patch-Building

Lukas Hermann’s journey into modular synthesis is anything but ordinary. With a background steeped in literature and classical guitar, Hermann’s early musical explorations were shaped by both structured learning and a restless curiosity. As he recounts, the transition from traditional instruments to modular synths was a deliberate choice—a move driven by the desire for an instrument that could continually challenge and inspire. The modular, with its ever-shifting landscape of modules and patch possibilities, offered exactly that: a platform for perpetual reinvention.

What stands out in Hermann’s narrative is the way he frames the modular synthesizer not as a fixed tool, but as an evolving partner in artistic expression. Even when working with relatively stable setups—three cases, each a “fixed instrument”—he finds endless variety by reimagining patching strategies and performance techniques. For Hermann, the act of patching is as much about learning and discovery as it is about sound creation, echoing the literary process of drafting, revising, and reinterpreting meaning over time.

Hermann’s sound design is a study in contrasts—lyrical melodies interwoven with abstract, sometimes abrasive textures. His patching approach, as detailed in the video, is meticulous yet open-ended. By combining modules like Frap Tools’ Brenso, Fumana, and Falistri with sequencers and external effects, he crafts sonic environments that can morph from melodic to chaotic with a flick of a knob or a change in modulation depth.

A key technique in his arsenal is the use of intricate modulation paths, allowing voices to shift character and interact in unpredictable ways. The ability to move fluidly between conventional sequencing and wild, feedback-laden experimentation is central to Hermann’s ethos. He demonstrates how careful routing and hands-on control—using touch strips, random sources, and function generators—can yield both precise musical gestures and moments of delightful instability. The result is music that feels alive, always on the verge of transformation.

Beyond his own music, Hermann is deeply invested in building community and making modular synthesis accessible. As a co-founder of Eurorack Ruhr, he organizes events, workshops, and collaborative performances throughout Western Germany. His educational work spans private lessons, school courses, and public workshops—often with a focus on lowering barriers for newcomers of all ages.

Hermann’s philosophy is refreshingly egalitarian: modular synths, he argues, should not be seen as luxury items or arcane collector’s pieces, but as instruments for everyone. By bringing synths into schools and community spaces, and by hosting concerts in unconventional venues like his own bookshop, he creates opportunities for both musicians and non-musicians to engage with electronic sound. This spirit of openness and curiosity is at the heart of his approach, whether he’s teaching children to twist knobs without fear or inviting seasoned artists to share their work at local festivals.

Hermann’s latest album, ‘Startling Cracks’, serves as a sonic manifesto for his approach to modular synthesis. The release is structured as a series of contrasting pieces—each one a distinct exploration of texture, form, and unpredictability. Rather than presenting a collection of polished sketches, Hermann aims for a sense of rupture and discovery, inviting listeners to experience both the connections and the gaps between tracks.

This album reflects the same improvisational, exploratory mindset that defines his live work. Tracks are short, diverse, and intentionally juxtaposed, highlighting the unpredictable nature of modular synthesis and the importance of embracing both mistakes and surprises. For Hermann, the real artistry lies in navigating these “cracks”—the spaces where expectation gives way to possibility, and where the modular system reveals new sonic worlds with every patch.