Frap Tools Podcast: Lukas Hermann on Modular Synthesis, Community, and Sonic Rupture

Lukas Hermann’s musical path began with classical guitar, but a restless curiosity soon led him beyond the confines of traditional repertoire. As he recounts, the transition from guitar to synthesizers—and ultimately to modular—was driven by a desire for an instrument that could constantly challenge and evolve with him. Modular synthesis, with its open-ended architecture and endless patching possibilities, provided the perfect antidote to creative stagnation.

Hermann’s background in literature seeps into his approach to sound, resulting in compositions that oscillate between lyrical motifs and abstract sonic sculptures. He describes his modular system not as a static instrument, but as a living entity—one that invites perpetual reinvention through both improvisation and deliberate technique. This ethos is reflected in his preference for stable instrument setups, allowing him to focus on developing new patching strategies rather than endlessly swapping modules.

Beyond his own artistic pursuits, Hermann is deeply invested in education, striving to make modular synthesis approachable for all. He teaches both privately and through public courses, targeting a diverse range of students from children to adults. His philosophy is to strip away the aura of exclusivity that often surrounds modular gear, presenting it as an instrument for exploration rather than a collector’s luxury.

By bringing synthesizers into schools and community spaces, Hermann encourages hands-on experimentation. He notes that children, unburdened by preconceptions, dive straight into knob-twiddling and sonic discovery. This fresh perspective, he argues, is something seasoned musicians can learn from, using naivety as a tool to break through creative plateaus and rediscover the endless possibilities within a patch.

Hermann’s commitment to community is embodied in his role as co-founder of Eurorack Ruhr, a collective dedicated to fostering electronic music culture in western Germany. Through regular session evenings, workshops, and festivals, the group creates spaces where musicians and listeners alike can connect, collaborate, and share ideas. Hermann highlights the importance of maintaining open, accessible events that welcome both seasoned patchers and curious newcomers.

He also addresses the challenge of reaching non-musicians, advocating for a focus on music and social interaction rather than technical minutiae. By hosting concerts in unconventional venues like his own bookstore, Hermann aims to bridge gaps between artistic disciplines and local communities, making modular synthesis a shared cultural experience rather than an insular hobby.

Hermann’s latest album, ‘Startling Cracks’, serves as a sonic diary of his creative process. The release is characterized by short, distinct pieces that each embody a sense of rupture—moments where the music breaks away from expectation and ventures into new territory. Rather than presenting a collection of sketches, Hermann seeks to capture the tension between continuity and surprise, mirroring the unpredictability of live modular performance.

He describes the album’s title as a reflection of his artistic philosophy: embracing the anxiety and excitement of the unknown, and allowing cracks between pieces to reveal new possibilities. For Hermann, both in the studio and on stage, the value lies not in flawless execution but in the willingness to be startled by one’s own creation—and to invite listeners along for the ride.