A consistent practice, with so-called “mistakes” that are truly just biased perceptions—based on what we’ve reflected upon or envisioned in a musical phrase or concept—can sometimes yield results that diverge completely from what we originally intended. In the context of merging a modular system with a guitar, this exploration of ideas can lead to a final outcome that’s far from our initial goal, particularly when we strive to awaken new possibilities within ourselves. Composing a piece (I prefer “piece” rather than “song,” because the process is similar) is an experience demanding patience and continual discovery. That doesn’t mean you constantly question every error or success, because both can form a misleading duality; ultimately, they guide you along a path that becomes a total journey.

The Instrument and the Modules

When you picture an instrument connected to a fully stocked rack of different modules—each with its own richness that allows for a wide range of expression—it might be easy to feel frustrated. But that’s not the case if you approach it from the right perspective. Paying close attention to detail, you realize that multiple guitar strings, all anchored on a single piece of wood, respond differently through various modules. As a result, there’s a unique expression that speaks to all the senses. Here lies the crucial point: we must reach a certain intensity, expertise, and comprehensive vision in order to avoid old habits—especially when our perception changes due to adopting a new identity or viewpoint. There’s a special moment, somewhat comparable to what we find in Mahayana Buddhism, in Zen practice with satori: it’s a state of deep intensity connected to a feeling of total love, an indescribable sensation that sparks something well beyond what words can capture.

Ecstasy and Sublimation, Day by Day

Every single day, every single second—or even every microsecond—this state of ecstasy and sublimation is possible, if only for an instant. All you have to do is recognize it. In the realm of composing and refining a musical piece here in 2025, we can reconnect with that original state we once had, when our naive outlook flowed freely through both body and mind, free of conceptual constraints that might block this ongoing feeling. This feeling is what brings about genuine joy, neither dark nor light, neither sad nor happy, but again something impossible to pin down in words. The essential act is to seek that state while staying active: writing, revising, speaking—even if certain things don’t seem to fit right at first. In time, this yields something that grows in power, a power you can imagine when patience meets consistency and duration—whether that’s about lyrics, vocal lines, or even just a single sound. If we move away from minimalism and contemplate things on a scale broader than the cosmos (yet still within human reach), we enter the realm of technique and practice that can expand dramatically. I’m not necessarily talking about a multitude of pieces—maybe only one or two, or perhaps twenty. It doesn’t just depend on the muse people so often invoke, but on a total feeling.

A Broader Perspective

This project is a genuine entity—a personal identity that also encompasses something universal. Clinging to every phenomenon or trend in today’s world may seem odd, but ultimately everything converges in a unified, interwoven cosmos, something that surpasses the idea of globalization itself. Our brains have undergone unique personal evolutions, and even a small communication gap can create an alternate reality—some kind of symbiosis that doesn’t always make composition easy for a musical creator. All of the processes, methods, and moments in this ever-elusive present are part of the game. The project I’m currently working on is sensitive and may require a good deal of time. Yet, the common foundation of consistent work reveals certain aspects that were once hidden.

Modular, Guitar, Voice, and More

This is how time passes as I work on this fresh momentum and the identity emerging here: the modular system, the rack, the guitar, the voice, the sounds… these are just parts, but the whole is something unified. It’s fascinating to be able to write—not just what could be called a “fundamental law,” but also lyrics that dress up a character from head to toe through study, research, and discovered moments. These moments can be recorded, and most importantly, remembered for reproduction. Luckily, we can recreate them with a certain originality, bridging the spirit of improvisation and a classical foundation. Although the forms differ, they share many parallels, including emotional nuances. It’s vital not to feel disheartened if you can’t recreate 100% of what was done before; every present moment is unique. Nonetheless, out of respect for ourselves and an audience, it’s definitely feasible—and recognizable—to reproduce the core of what has been created, under optimal conditions. And “optimal conditions” don’t necessarily imply simplifying a modular patch or combinations, but discovering setups that can be replicated more easily when needed.

The Rice Seedling Sutra in Practice

I sometimes find it compelling to illustrate the current process with Mahayana Buddhist sutras, because reading them isn’t just reading; at times, our creative work can spontaneously resonate with these teachings. Recently, I noticed how the imagery in the Rice Seedling Sutra perfectly aligns with the concept of a seed—embodied by the guitar—then integrated into the modular synthesizer made up of different parts. External factors also come into play, but we can condense them into the “modules” themselves, which reflect the essence of the sutra. In this particular text, the growth of a simple rice seedling is used to reveal the interconnectedness of causes and conditions—a mirror of how the guitar (the seed) interacts with each module (the conditions), producing a result that arises from multiple, interdependent factors. It’s a beautiful metaphor that reminds us creativity itself is an ever-evolving, relational process.

Patience Over Impulsivity

All of this is crucial in understanding my creative process today. Extending our capacity for patience really isn’t a problem; it’s essential to avoid any kind of compulsive urgency and nurture confidence in doing things with care. After all, it’s the method—rooted in regular, attentive work—that paves the way for “correcting mistakes,” embracing discoveries, and ultimately experiencing those moments of doing things just right.

Zi