Wild Concerto: A Unique Collaboration with Nature’s Sounds

If you’re a fan of rock ‘n’ roll, Stewart Copeland is a name you recognize. As the drummer of The Police alongside Andy Summers and Sting, he achieved global fame in the 1970s. Recently, Copeland teamed up with naturalist Martyn Stewart for a pioneering album featuring the sounds of the animal kingdom. The album, “Wild Concerto,” blends music with sounds from wildlife, some now extinct or endangered, making it an artistic and environmental statement.

The collaboration began at Abbey Road Studios, renowned for its history and legacy. Copeland and Stewart embarked on a mission to transform Martyn Stewart’s vast collection of wildlife recordings into a musical masterpiece. Stewart, a dedicated naturalist, has spent decades collecting nearly 100,000 audio recordings of animals from around the globe. His efforts have captured the voices of creatures that are now rare or have disappeared.

The Recording Process

Creating “Wild Concerto” required Copeland to sift through 30,000 hours of recordings to identify animal sounds worthy of special attention. Each animal sound guided the choice of musical instruments to complement the natural calls. For instance, the scream of the piha bird was a natural fit for the orchestral arrangement.

“The animals themselves dictated which instruments I chose,” Copeland explained.

In the studio, musicians listened to the howls of wolves and the calls of birds through their headsets, creating a unique blend of music and nature. This innovative method brought forth the essence of each animal, transforming them into musical legends.

Stewart Copeland’s Transition

Stewart Copeland transitioned from rock stardom with The Police to composing film scores after the band disbanded in 1986. He credits director Francis Coppola for helping him enter the world of film music. Despite initial unfamiliarity with scoring, Copeland leveraged his mastery of rhythm to create innovative compositions using everyday sounds.

His evolution as a composer has allowed him to explore new musical territories, including classical music. Copeland describes his affinity for orchestral music as rooted in his childhood, influenced by a blend of jazz and classical sounds at home.

Martyn Stewart’s Mission

Martyn Stewart has dedicated over 60 years to capturing the sounds of nature. His work began as a child and developed into a lifelong passion with a purpose. Stewart views his recordings as a way to raise awareness about endangered species and environmental threats. His extensive audio archive reflects both his personal mission and a historical record of the natural world.

Stewart’s commitment to conservation drives him to continue working despite personal health challenges, including living with cancer. He hopes that “Wild Concerto” will expose more people to the beauty of nature, fostering a greater appreciation for wildlife.

The Album’s Impact

“Wild Concerto” represents more than a collaboration between humans and animals. It is a testament to the enduring splendor of Earth’s wildlife, expressed through sound. Copeland hopes the album will serve as an enduring homage to nature’s music, capturing audiences who might not typically engage with the natural world.

“It’s a tribute to Mother Nature’s orchestra,” Copeland remarked.