DivKid and the Symphony of the Pocket Scion: A Botanical Voyage

In the nebulous dawn of synthesis, where electronics met biology, emerged the Pocket Scion, a collaboration between Instruo and Modern Biology. The video by DivKid gently guides us into this verdant world, describing the Pocket Scion as more than a mere device but a bridge between the natural and synthetic realms. Unlike traditional synths, the Pocket Scion converses with the biological rhythms of plants and fungi, translating their energy into music. We are introduced to a realm where mushrooms do not sound like pentatonic scales, challenging our preconceived notions of what plant ‘music’ should entail. Each piece of biomatter becomes a storyteller, its narrative told through sonic pulses and shimmering cadences.

The documentarian approach of DivKid takes us on a scenic voyage to Instruo’s Scottish HQ, delving into the genesis of this botanical synthesizer. With origins tracing back to the Scion module, this handheld counterpart, the Pocket Scion, breathes life into ambient soundscapes by harnessing bioelectric energy. DivKid shares his initial encounters, where he and the OG DivBaby experiment with this novel device amidst the serene backdrop of their holiday. In this greenery-fueled exploration, the raw, unprocessed sounds from the Pocket Scion echo our collective curiosity. Each connected plant becomes a player, each oscillation a breath of life as we drift deeper into this melodic frontier. The sound produced by these organic players defies conventional structure, creating a harmonious dialogue where man and nature coalesce.

Back from the tranquil adventure, DivKid immerses himself further into the spellbinding capabilities of the Pocket Scion. Utilizing touch gestures, he unveils the polyphonic potential that lies within. Through subtle contact with the device’s plates, a world of sound emerges, akin to a nebula blossoming under fingertips. This machine, powered by biology but guided by human touch, tells a symphonic tale of interspecies connectivity. By shifting the sensitivity parameters, the potential for creating a bespoke sound narrative unravels, layering sound upon sound in a gentle crescendo of harmonious exploration.

In the ethereal interplay between DivKid and the Pocket Scion, we discover a new language—a dialect of pulses and rhythms manifesting from the raw biological data. This section reflects upon the mystical allure of biosonification, demystifying the process of listening to plant’s voices through a scientific yet artistic prism. The delicate balance between machine precision and biological unpredictability conjures an orchestra of nature’s whispered temptations. Each connected plant offers a unique voice, not defined by a traditional musical scale, but by its individual narrative. The Pocket Scion reminds us of the endless cycle of life, turning biological fluctuation into music, recreating the ancient hymns sung by nature itself.