EXPANDING MUSICAL SPHERE WITH COLLABORATION

‘Music is a gift. Share this gift. The more you share, the more you grow’ 

Morung Express News

Abdon Mech’s original song ‘Again’ hit a note higher with the release of its piano version with piano maestro and performer, Nise Meruno. 

Premiered on October 25 last, the popularity of the new version has also unlocked a new perspective and discussion around the idea of artists working on collaborations. 

In a conversation with The Morung Express, Abdon and Nise shares about their take on the idea of doing collaboration, risks factor and challenges involved and also its importance. 

Shining in a different light 

Taking about doing the collaboration when ‘Again’ was already popular; Abdon says in his journey as an artist, the song was his first proper release. “I could see that it was reaching a certain group of audience who were genuinely and authentically relating to the song. I knew that I could bring something different while also not undermining the risk involved knowing that if people already liked a certain song they don’t like changes. But before any of that, Nise and I always talked about wanting to work together and knowing that he appreciated not just the musical side but the artistic story of the song, I boldly approached him to do the piano version,” Abdon says. 

“I believe Nise has never worked with an Indie artist. I took advantage, not just to bring his musical ability but also his artistic side into the song and also learn from the entire process. It has allowed the song to be portrayed in a different light,” he adds. 

No to comparison 

As an artist, Abdon says the collaboration experience has pushed him to step out of his comfort zone. “I have received lot of love for the piano version. But beyond people’s acceptance, for my own personally growth and journey, what I have learned from this project is more than paid off the risk. And with artists like Nise Meruno involved who have more experience, I walked away having learned more,” he shares. 

Nise expresses that for some people, their comparison will be how many views were there for the two different versions, “but for me I would never look at things like that. I would never measure my progress of success by the number of followers, likes or views.” 

“Even if you have just hundred viewers, maybe there are one or two lives who have been impacted and that is all that matters. It also about the people who are moved by what you do and that make me believe again in what I do. That artistic satisfaction is so rewarding,” Nise puts across. 

‘Be true to your art, roots’

The Yamaha Artist, Nise observes that when it comes to collaboration, “Being true to your art and to what you are is so important. If ‘Again’ was not in his life, this collaboration would not have happened. I come from classical background and Abdon comes from Indie background but we found something common through this song so that is how I found the courage to take it as collaboration.”

“No matter how much collaboration I do, I want to stay true to my roots,” Nise affirms while stating that “trust and respect” were always the reason for the open channel of communication between the artists involved. To this Abdon adds, “We made sure that we fulfilled the artistic desire of all the people involved. It was something that came from within.”

For Nise who has “never taken the path of doing music videos or albums” says, “I just believe in human connection.” He says that the moment he let go of the notions around the original version, “the piano version just flourished. I was in no way going to compete with what already exist. Every piece of music has its own identity.”  

Harmony of two individuals 

Taking enriching lessons from the experience, Nise says, “Music is a gift and you should share this gift. The more you share, the more you grow also. Publicity is also part of it but that is not the only thing. When you allow yourself and accept your weakness and when you reach out to the other person to fill that void and at the same time use your strength to uplift the artist.” 

He sums up that it is work but also friendship combined. It has to sound like the harmony of two individuals and their gift. 

“Collaborations also expand your horizon. It took me the longest time to realize that. Also because I believe I would rather to be relatable then to be relevant,” he adds. 

Abdon believes that in this piano version, the audience will get the best of the two worlds in terms of heart, soul and emotion. “We are not trying to meet any expectations here Music is very subjective. We are just trying to carter to a different group of audience,” Nise supplemented. 

Both the artist also acknowledged the technical team for equally contributing to bring out the end result. The team included audio work by Nourhe Khate, video work by Kohdi Jings, make up by Christy Tsanglao I Thonger. It was shot and recorded at RS Academia, Dimapur.

Biggest take away 

“Even when you are in your comfort zone, you can learn so much when I am working with other people. You can never learn enough,” articulates Abdon. 

“It brings you back to your knees and definitely a very humbling experience. You allow yourself to grow more,” Nise admits. 

“During the process, there is a thin line between your strength and weakness. It is like you are confident but at the same time vulnerable. Allow the art to take over and that is when magic happens. Let your art take the bigger place and everything else will follow. It is very important that you allow yourself to immerse in the art. Never sing or play past the point of beauty,” states Nise