Stewart Copeland, renowned for his drumming with the iconic band The Police, has ventured into a new musical journey with celebrated naturalist Martyn Stewart. Together, they have created a groundbreaking album titled ‘Wild Concerto,’ which pairs animal sounds with orchestral music.

From Rock Stardom to Nature’s Melody

Copeland, who rose to fame with The Police alongside Sting and Andy Summers, now shares the spotlight with the animal kingdom. The album features recordings from Martyn Stewart’s impressive collection of nearly 100,000 audio snippets gathered over decades. Some featured creatures are extinct or endangered, making this album a manifesto for the environment.

Recording at Abbey Road

Copeland and Stewart recorded ‘Wild Concerto’ at the legendary Abbey Road Studios, where The Beatles made history. They transformed animal calls, such as those of hyenas, owls, and howler monkeys, into musical compositions, letting nature’s voices lead the way.

Choosing the Stars

Copeland carefully selected animal sounds from Stewart’s vast collection to feature. Screaming piha birds and Arctic wolves are among the stars, with music complementing their natural tones. The recordings provide unique animal experiences, such as the hyena’s various vocalizations, which Copeland found fascinating.

The Creative Process

Copeland described how animal sounds dictated instrument choices, merging field recordings to create an immersive soundscape. The orchestra enhances the animals’ calls, transforming them into musical notes. This method breathes new life into these sounds, immortalizing them in ‘Wild Concerto.’

From Drummer to Composer

Copeland’s career evolved after The Police disbanded. Filmmaker Francis Coppola tapped his talent for rhythm, leading him to compose scores using ‘found sound.’ This path grew into a passion for classical music, which now shapes his work, including ‘Wild Concerto.’

Martyn Stewart’s Mission

Martyn Stewart has dedicated his life to recording nature, viewing it as a fight for wildlife preservation. His recordings offer vital insights into ecological health. Stewart compares audio’s significance to a stethoscope’s, gauging environmental conditions worldwide.

Major Challenges

Throughout his career, Stewart faced dangers while capturing sounds. From battling illness to recording creatures on the brink of extinction, Stewart’s work highlights urgent environmental concerns.

A Hopeful Outcome

The collaboration aims to raise awareness. Both Stewart and Copeland hope ‘Wild Concerto’ will inspire listeners to appreciate nature’s beauty and understand the urgent need for conservation.