Chrysalis by Xayíde

On Chrysalis, Xayíde invites you to embark on a metaphorical transition. Through seven exercises, the Berlin-based Synthesist delves into the existential depths of the fluidity of life. Focussing on the modular synthesizer as a performative solo instrument, she is inspired by the juvenile stage of moths and butterflies and draws on their raw, naked existence: “Ecdysone” and “PTTH” trace hormonal inductions, while “Imaginal Disc” performs an inventory of adolescent assets.

“One aspect of metamorphosis that I have found profoundly inspiring, is the idea of potential. The blueprint for a transformation is always there, awaiting for the right time and signal to proceed. I find it inevitable to recognize in this the potential that each of us has to transcend.“

About the concept and Cover Art:
The Lepidoptera family, a vast and diverse group, encompasses moths and butterflies, each a testament to the wonders of evolution. From the subtle beauty of the Common Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni) to the iridescent splendor of the Luna Moth (Actias luna), these creatures exhibit an astonishing array of forms and colors. Before their emergence, they undergo a remarkable transformation. Beginning as tiny eggs, they hatch into voracious caterpillars that consume leaves and grow rapidly. During the larval stage, specialized structures known as imaginal discs remain dormant. These discs contain the cellular blueprints for adult structures such as wings, legs, and antennae. In the chrysalis, a protective casing where metamorphosis occurs, a complex interplay of hormonal signals activates the imaginal discs, prompting them to proliferate and differentiate into their adult forms. Simultaneously, the old larval tissues are broken down, providing the raw materials for the construction of the adult body.

These insects play a crucial role in ecosystems. As pollinators, they contribute to plant reproduction, and as a food source, they support diverse wildlife. The decline of moth and butterfly populations can have far-reaching ecological consequences, highlighting the importance of their conservation.

re:natura is a non-profit artist collective, music label and experimental laboratory with a clear, shared vision.

With a focus on topics of biodiversity, we explore animals, plants, landscapes and natural phenomena. In the critical tradition of naturalists, we compose, publish, perform and convey experimental musics that are concerned with the specifics of life.

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