Michael Brook | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Sufi/Indian folk and contemporary music are celebrated for their fusion, singer Devika recently joined the army for her new cooperation ‘Visperia’ with Grammy-Namine Musician and Producer Michael Brook. The poignant Punjabi Gathagit, with its universal themes without love and restlessness, mixes Devika’s emotional vocal tunes with timeless production of Michael.
The cooperation began with Michael’s library with Davika hearing some small guitar sketches. What he talked to him was called ‘Visti’ – it inspired him to make a raga and song. Says Devika, “The song is a hearty expression of love, longing and restlessness. It was reminiscent of the moments of the previous bittersweet.”
In her early years, was obsessed with Devika Night songA cooperation between Michael and Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. Nominated for the best global music performance Grammy Award, it was the first album to mix the voice of traditional eastern folk singing with a new age Western electronica. Needless to say, she was thrilled when she got an opportunity to meet Michael at her home studio and started working with her.
Singer Devika | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
itA complete, mutual associated song was writing process. Devika will record Vocals and send her to Michael. His tone inspired him to additional creative development, such as adding violin, guitar and other equipment. They will shape the addition of its next recurrence. “It was an open and discovery process – we were not trying to limit ourselves to any specific formula, format or style; we were just making something that is meaningful and impressive for both,” she remembers.
The cooperation resulted in a soulful Punjabi Gathagit that mixes traditional roots with a contemporary experience. “It is full of surprise and has unique elements-an infection that transitions different levels of intensity, and a rich palette of music-nyalon string guitar, 12-string guitar, bass, cello, violin and string instruments,” Devika says.
Trained in Hindustani classical music, Devika is collaborating in styles, which includes famous artists such as Bohemia, Aman Ali Bangash, Ayan Ali Bangash and Smasha Mouse’s Mike Closter. His track ‘Jab Se Se Piya’ and ‘Mast Kalandar’, were presented for the best global music performance category in Gramis. The voice of the Artist born in San Francisco, New Delhi is also on the Bollywood trailer of Apple’s Emovi app.
Michael has previously collaborated with artists like Brian Age, The Edge, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Yusu N’Dor, Hookve Zavos and Pogs. Their recent production of Chain of lightNusrat meets Fateh Ali Khan again with recording discovered MentorWorld album of the year for 2024. He has also supported the film score In the forest, Fighter, Brooklyn And perks of Being a Wallflower,
Michael was first conveyed to Indian music through Little Snipts in songs by The Beatles. Says Michael, “Elements of expression in transition between the two voices of notes and notes, such as gliding, appealed to me deeply. I don’t know why,” Michael says. Later, he began trying to add some of those expressive elements to play his guitar, but was limited by the fact that a guitar does not last long. In 1972, he saw composer Bill Nelson playing with an ebo, which electronically tilted the string, and maintained more, which allowed to focus more on the transition between notes. When Michael gave an order, his order was lost. He decided to make something with similar lines. “The device I came with, the infinite guitar, did a great job for me and became an integral part of my music,” he expands. Anant guitar has been immortalized in ‘or without you’ of U2.
Devika has some exciting cooperation and concerts in works. Michael has some concerts for the 40th anniversary of his first single album, HybridHe is also working on music for a new album. “I also hope that Devika and I can support another, because it came out a well, and the process was pleasant,” he concluded.
Published – April 23, 2025 06:30 PM IST
