So, who exactly am I?
I'm Cytalai, a blind vocal synth creator currently based in the UK, who makes computers sing in ways they're really not supposed to. I've been working with vocal synths for the last 14 years (I started when I was 10, imagine that!), and in that time I've learned how to make effective recording lists, how to configure vocal synthesizers at a university level and I've studied both the technical and musical aspects of vocal synthesis as part of my higher education. Basically, I'm a bit of a nerd!
Outside of vocal synths, I love all kinds of video games (especially puzzle games, RPGs and life sims) and have a collective 800+ hours in Nonograms Katana, which I'm hoping says more about my love of problem solving than my gaming addiction! I also love Doctor Who, medical shows, retro tech, studying medicine as a hobby in my free time and just overall researching whatever fun topic I find on my internet travels.
I am registered blind, have been since 2022, due to a degenerative condition I was born with, a rare variant of ocular albinism which unfortunately hasn't received much in the way of study. It results in constant pain, especially in my eyes, as the lack of melanin in my skin and eyes means I can't filter light, especially sunlight. It also means I suffer from solar urticaria as a side effect, and can't regulate temperature - I even used to have seizures from overheating. On top of all that, I have severe CPTSD and autism, as well as chronic fatigue syndrome due to long COVID. Me and my family like to joke that I'm cursed with bad luck! Despite all this though, I do my best to manage in my daily life and make the best of all this.