The Unpredictable Architect: David Castellani's Modular Synthesis

What do the words “analogue hardware” and “modular techno” bring to mind for you?

Intuition and kinesthetics may not be the first things you think of, but for modular artist and producer, David Castellani, they’re essential ingredients.

Known for his immersive, fully live performances, David is a master of the modular synthesizer, an instrument that looks more like an old-school computer and defines the modular techno sub-genre.

Unlike what we hear from digital synthesizers, modular synths break sound down to its smallest components and manipulate it electronically in real time. The artist controls everything live, from volume to waves, to voltage and reverb; literally generating sound from sparks of electricity. The output for David is organic computerized sounds generated at unpredictable tempos, once described by Resident Advisor as “stormy, dancefloor techno with cerebral roots”.

If using the words “organic” and “computerised” in the same sentence sounds contradictory, that’s because it is, and that paradox is kind of the point… Modular is not a genre that strives to make sense. At times rough and aggressive, David’s process is intuitive yet scientific, technological yet spiritual.

So who is David? The man behind the wires, buttons, blinking lights and screens?

David Castellani is a man of many talents. Italian-born and Lisbon-based, with heavy ties to the LA music scene, David’s work blurs the lines between performance, sound design, education, and hardware creation.

He’s the creator of LA-based techno label, Noetic, through which he’s released remixes with some of the industry’s finest, including Etapp Kyle, Redshape, and Matrixxman.

Deriving from the Greek “noēsis”, meaning “inner wisdom” or “direct knowing”, Noetic refers to the kind of insight or understanding that can’t emerge from logic or analysis, but from an almost mystical form of experience – those moments when knowledge feels suddenly revealed rather than learned. The philosophy behind his label is reflected in how he moves through life. A self-described sound nerd and education enthusiast, new ideas and innovation are what keep David’s head spinning – so much so that he has to resist pursuing too many paths at once.

“When it comes to style and creative direction, I often feel like I’m still on the brink of discovery at any moment,” he tells Phelt.

“I’m drawn to so many different sounds and approaches that it can be hard not to pull myself in multiple directions at once. But that restlessness is also part of what keeps my creativity alive – it pushes me to keep exploring without settling into one fixed path. Modular synthesis, in particular, reflects that mindset perfectly: it’s open-ended, unpredictable, and never fully resolved.”

Musical influences and early experiences

David can’t remember a time when his world wasn’t centred around music. His childhood was soundtracked by Led Zeppelin, The Doors, Pink Floyd and Jimi Hendrix, and his dad played guitar for him in his early years.

“What I love most looking back is how timeless that music feels; even now, it carries the same electricity it did when I first heard it. Those roots gave me a foundation of rhythm and soul that I carry into everything I do as a producer.”

Drawn to a range of genres and sounds – from classical to the more avant-garde of electronic – David describes living in a constant push and pull where music is both his distraction and focus; his addiction and antidote.

The way he talks about the unpredictability of modular, which brings him comfort, reminds me of what draws many to other seemingly chaotic styles, like jazz. Another genre focused on improvisation and spontaneity, jazz celebrates raw, in-the-moment performance that values creative risk-taking over predictable perfection.

Both jazz and modular invite the listener into the moment, asking them to lean in, to stay alert and participate. Following each twist and turn intentionally can be hypnotic; choosing not to could leave you feeling overwhelmed.

It should come as no surprise, then, that his ties to the jazz world are stronger than you might think. Mentored by the legendary percussionist Juma Santos, whose work spans the African, Caribbean, jazz, fusion, and R&B scenes and who collaborated with none other than Miles Davis himself, David was taught from a young age to embrace musical friction and to love the process of creating.

We were dying to know how he and Juma crossed paths.

“Synchronicity? Cosmic alignment? Who knows – probably just pure luck,” he laughs.

“The strangest part of the whole coincidence was really the timing – where I was in my life when it happened. But I think that’s true for almost anything on the paths we take. I just happened to be a teenager in a jazz club in downtown Chicago with a fake ID, at a moment in my life when I was wide open and hungry for growth. Juma was filling in with the band that night, and crossing paths with him couldn’t have come at a more perfect time. I was exactly where I needed to be.”

“Some of my favourite parts about hanging out with Juma came after our lessons – just kicking back and hearing him tell stories about his history and relationships with all these iconic musicians. Miles was known for being notoriously difficult to work with in the studio, but his genius remained undeniable. He had a reputation for responding to musical mistakes so masterfully that he made them feel right, weaving it into the music on its own terms.”

Music that moves you

Like fans of other techno subgenres, modular enthusiasts enjoy the intense, pulsating beats that can induce a trance-like state. Futuristic by nature, David’s sound has been described as “music that makes you think”. But more than that, it’s music that makes you move.

The somatic and energetic qualities of David’s dark, percussive sound can’t be overlooked. So, beyond the repetitive bops you might observe at a rave, what can this genre, rooted in mind mechanics, look like on a physical level?

Excited by the prospect of blending dance and techno more intentionally, David approached LA-based contemporary dancer AnnMarie Arcuri to bring his music to life.

And she got the brief immediately. The end product is Hysteria Dichotic, an interdisciplinary dance film project, in which AnnMarie crawls, kicks and bends intuitively to embody the never-ending loop of energy that is a live modular set.

First premiering in Mixmag in 2023, it’s one of David’s proudest creations.

“I wanted to move away from the typical imagery of lasers, robots, and flashing lights, and create something stripped down and direct,” he says. “AnnMarie Arcuri is an incredibly talented dancer and an unbelievable person. She brought her own spirit and experience into the piece, elevating it beyond what I could have imagined.”

Educator ethos

Having benefited so much from his mentor-mentee relationship with Juma, David is firm in his belief that the right support is key to finding joy in the process of making music.

“If you have an educator who understands where you are in your journey and can empower you – challenging you just enough without overwhelming you – it can create a sense of excitement and fulfilment that makes you want to keep going. Without that kind of support, I think many people lose the initial joy and fall out of love with music before they ever get the chance to discover how transformative it can be.”

It’s heartwarming to learn of his commitment to sharing what he knows about music with the world. After a decade teaching at Columbia College (Chicago), which he described as “endlessly inspiring”, David’s educator ethos shines through today in workshops, collaborations, or simply sharing his passions and knowledge with the community.

For those interested in learning the modular ropes themselves, David has held Noetic workshops at Amsterdam Dance Event for the past few years. This year, the session kicked off with an intimate Jeff Mills book signing, and then launched right into a standout panel discussion about the scene, featuring Dave Clarke, Bloody Mary, Lady Starlight, and MAEDON.

“Sharing ideas with that lineup was truly special. We explored where today’s techno is headed, how technology is reshaping the scene, and the role of politics in art. And to top it all off, we closed the night with live performances by Lady Starlight, MAEDON, and myself. I’m already looking forward to next year.”

On the horizon

You might think that, between touring and performing, running a label, David’s calendar is packed. But he means it when he says he’s always looking for the next way to deepen his experience.

This profile wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the innovative modular synth David himself designed through his company Anti-Kulture, whose debut module, the Precision Disrupter, is already used by artists including Richie Hawtin.

“To be honest, I never set out with the intention of starting a modular synthesis company. But after years of working with so many different tools, I began to notice a gap – there was a type of sequencer missing from the modular ecosystem.”

“Once I understood how useful this tool could be, I decided to partner with an electrician friend to bring the idea to life. The process was far more challenging than we anticipated – it demanded more time, resources, and effort than we could have imagined – but it’s been nothing short of a blessing.”

When Phelt caught up with him, he was holidaying with family in Portugal’s Algarve – a much-needed break. “After making the big move from LA to Lisbon, it’s been important to carve out time for a reset, to step back, recharge, and find balance before diving into what’s next.”

In the past fortnight, David’s let the cat out of the bag about what’s looming. February 28 kicks off a run of label showcases (Noetic Winter Tour 2026) across the US, each zeroed in on hardware-driven, live techno performances. He’ll touch down in LA, Chicago and Phoenix, joined by the likes of Sterac & Lady Starlight, MAEDON, Komprezzor, Trovasi, Sleepy Cat, alongside a bundle of seasoned DJs.

Full list of tour dates/ticket access below:

The Unpredictable Architect: David Castellani’s Modular Synthesis