Composer-producer Michael Brook collaborates with singer Devika for Wisteria

Michael Brook
| Picture Credit score: Particular Association

Celebrated for her fusion of Sufi/Indian folks and modern music, singer-songwriter Devika just lately joined forces with Grammy-nominated composer and producer Michael Brook for his or her new collaboration ‘Wisteria’. The poignant Punjabi ballad, with its common themes of unrequited love and restlessness, blends Devika’s emotive vocal melodies with Michael’s timeless manufacturing.

The collaboration began with Devika listening to a couple quick guitar sketches from Michael’s library. The one which spoke to her was referred to as ‘Wisty’ — it impressed her to create a melody and lyric. “The tune is a heartfelt expression of affection, longing and restlessness. It was a reminder of previous bittersweet moments,” says Devika.

In her childhood, Devika was obsessive about Evening Music, a collaboration between Michael and Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. Nominated for the Finest World Music Efficiency Grammy Award, it was the primary album to mix the sounds of conventional Jap folks singing with new-age Western electronica. For sure, she was thrilled when she received the chance to satisfy Michael in his residence studio and begin working with him.

Singer Devika
| Picture Credit score:
Particular Association

Itwas a satisfying, interconnected tune writing course of. Devika would document vocals and ship them over to Michael. Her vocals impressed further compositional improvement from him, similar to including the violin, guitar and different devices. These additions would form her subsequent iteration. “It was an open and exploratory course of — we weren’t attempting to limit ourselves to any particular system, format or style; we had been simply creating one thing that was significant and impactful for each,” she remembers.

The collaboration resulted in a soulful Punjabi ballad that blends conventional roots with a recent really feel. “It is filled with surprises and has distinctive parts – vocals that transition various ranges of depth, and a wealthy palette of music – nylon string guitar, 12-string guitar, bass, cello, violin and string devices,” provides Devika.

Educated in Hindustani classical music, Devika has been collaborating throughout genres, together with with famend artistes similar to Bohemia, Amaan Ali Bangash, Ayaan Ali Bangash, and Mike Klooster of Smash Mouth. Her tracks ‘Jab se piya’ and ‘Mast qalandar’”, had been submitted for Finest World Music Efficiency class on the Grammys. The San Francisco-based, New Delhi-born artiste’s voice additionally options on Apple’s iMovie App’s Bollywood Trailer.

Michael has beforehand collaborated with artistes similar to Brian Eno, The Edge, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Youssou N’Dour, Hukwe Zawose and The Pogues. His current manufacturing of Chain of Mild, consisting of rediscovered recordings from Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, was The Guardian’s World Album of The Yr for 2024. He has additionally collaborated on movie scores for Into the Wild, The Fighter, Brooklyn and Perks of Being a Wallflower.

Michael was first uncovered to Indian music by means of little snippets in songs by The Beatles. “Each the sounds of the devices and the component of expression within the transitions between notes, similar to gliding, deeply appealed to me. I don’t know why,” says Michael. Later, he started attempting so as to add a few of these expressive parts to his guitar enjoying, however was restricted by the truth that a guitar doesn’t maintain that lengthy. In 1972, he noticed musician Invoice Nelson play with an EBow that electronically bowed the strings, giving extra maintain, which allowed for extra give attention to the transitions between notes. When Michael ordered one, his order received misplaced. He determined to create one thing alongside related strains. “The machine I got here up with, the Infinite Guitar, labored out very nicely for me and have become an integral a part of my music,” he elaborates. The Infinite Guitar has additionally been immortalised in U2’s ‘With or With out You’.

Devika has some thrilling collaborations and live shows within the works. Michael has some live shows for the fortieth anniversary of his first solo album, Hybrid. He’s additionally engaged on music for a brand new album. “I additionally hope that Devika and I can do one other collaboration, as this one turned out so nicely, and the method was satisfying,” he concludes.

Revealed – April 23, 2025 06:30 pm IST