Written by Heartcore Records, the independent music label founded by guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel, has announced its latest initiative: Heartcore for Nepal. This project, the seventh annual edition of the label’s Heartcore for the World outreach program, brings together a diverse array of musical talents to create “Sambandha,” a song that embodies the spirit of global unity and cultural exchange.
At the heart of this project is Michaela Bóková, Heartcore Records’ label manager, producer, and vocalist. In August 2023, Bóková embarked on a journey to Babiyachaur, a small village in the Myagdi Province of Nepal. Her mission was to lead an intensive musical workshop with local children, but what transpired was nothing short of transformative for all involved.
Bóková arrived in Nepal with a melody she had learned in Kathmandu and an open heart ready to embrace new experiences. Over the course of a month, she immersed herself in the local culture, living among the community and working closely with 20 children from the Mangala Secondary School. Together, they embarked on a creative journey that would culminate in the creation of “Sambandha.”
The title “Sambandha,” which roughly translates to “friendships” in Nepali, encapsulates the essence of the project. It speaks to the deep connections that exist between all human beings, nature, and the universe as a whole. This philosophy is deeply rooted in Nepalese culture, where even the blue clouds are considered friends, and the great mountains are revered as sacred entities.
Keeping this in mind it’s clear that the composition of “Sambandha” displays the power of cultural fusion. Bóková and the children wove together two distinct melodies: one from Kathmandu that Bóková had brought with her, and another from the Nepalese city of Beni. This musical tapestry serves as a metaphor for the project’s broader goals of connecting diverse cultures and fostering understanding through the universal language of music.
The creative process was truly collaborative, with the children actively participating in composing parts and writing lyrics. This hands-on approach not only resulted in a unique and authentic piece of music but also provided the young participants with invaluable experience in musical creation and performance.
While the heart of “Sambandha” lies in the voices and creativity of the Nepalese children, the project has been elevated to new heights through the participation of world-renowned musicians. Heartcore Records enlisted an impressive roster of guest artists to contribute their talents to the recording.
The rhythm section features some of the most respected names in jazz: bassist Christian McBride, drummer Terri Lynn Carrington, pianist Gerald Clayton, and pianist/organ player Kit Downes. Their collective expertise provides a solid foundation for the song, blending seamlessly with the more traditional elements of the composition.
Adding a distinctive East Asian flavor to the mix are legendary guitarist John McLaughlin and percussionist Anmol Mohara. McLaughlin, known for his groundbreaking work in fusion jazz and his deep connection to Indian classical music, brings a unique perspective to the project. His guitar solo on “Sambandha” is sure to be a highlight, bridging the gap between Western jazz traditions and Eastern musical sensibilities.
The inclusion of local Nepalese musicians is equally crucial to the authenticity of the project. Flutist Dinesh Pun’s performance provides the melodic backbone of the song, capturing the essence of traditional Nepalese music. His contribution serves as a beautiful counterpoint to the children’s voices and the more contemporary elements added by the international guest artists.
The creation of “Sambandha” was truly a global effort, with recording and production taking place across multiple continents. The initial recordings of the children’s choir and Dinesh Pun’s flute were captured on location in Nepal by Bóková and documentarian Jon Betz. These raw, authentic performances form the core of the song, preserving the spirit of the project’s origins.
Michaela Bóková | Photo by Jon Betz
From there, the various guest artists recorded their parts in studios around the world. John McLaughlin laid down his guitar tracks from his personal studio, while Christian McBride recorded at Sound on Sound in Montclair, New Jersey. Terri Lynn Carrington contributed her drum parts from Ajari Music, LLC, and Kit Downes recorded the Hammond organ at Soundfabrik in Berlin. This global approach to production reflects the interconnected nature of today’s music industry and mirrors the project’s themes of cross-cultural collaboration.
The final mixing and production were handled by Charis Karantzas in Berlin, Germany. Karantzas’ expertise in blending diverse musical elements was crucial in creating a cohesive final product that honors all the contributing voices while maintaining a unified sound.
While the creation of “Sambandha” can be viewed as an entity in itself, the Heartcore for Nepal project aims to have a lasting impact beyond the release of a single song. All proceeds from the project will be donated directly to fund music education and the purchase of musical equipment for the students of Mangala Secondary School in Babiyachaur.
This aspect of the project speaks to Heartcore Records’ commitment to using music as a force for positive change in the world. By providing underprivileged children with access to musical instruments and training, the label is opening up new avenues for creative expression and personal growth. The potential long-term effects of this initiative are immeasurable, as exposure to music education has been shown to have numerous benefits for cognitive development, emotional well-being, and academic performance.
Heartcore for Nepal is part of a larger initiative called Heartcore for the World, conceived by Michaela Bóková. This ambitious project aims to create a ten-song compilation album featuring music from each annual Heartcore Records beneficial project. By connecting musicians and children from different parts of the world, Heartcore for the World is creating a global network of artistic collaboration and cultural exchange.
The philosophy behind Heartcore for the World aligns closely with the beliefs of Heartcore Records and its representatives. They recognize music’s unlimited potential to connect, heal, and uplift people across the globe. Through projects like Heartcore for Nepal, they are putting these ideals into action, creating tangible positive change in communities around the world.
The focus on providing music education and instruments to the children of Mangala Secondary School underscores the transformative power of music in young lives. Access to music education can open up a world of possibilities for children, especially in underserved communities. It can foster creativity, build confidence, improve cognitive skills, and provide a means of self-expression that might otherwise be unavailable.
Moreover, by introducing these children to diverse musical traditions and collaborative creation processes, the project is broadening their horizons and fostering a sense of global citizenship. The experience of working with international artists and creating music that bridges cultural divides can have a profound impact on how these young people view themselves and their place in the world.
Dinesh Pun | Photo by Jon Betz
As Heartcore Records continues to develop the Heartcore for the World initiative, they are actively seeking global partnerships. This call for collaboration reflects the project’s ethos of bringing people together across cultural and geographical boundaries. By involving more partners, the initiative can expand its reach, touching more lives and creating even more opportunities for cross-cultural musical exchange.
Potential partners could include other music labels, educational institutions, non-profit organizations, and corporate sponsors who share Heartcore Records’ vision of using music as a tool for positive social change. These partnerships could provide additional resources, expertise, and platforms to amplify the impact of projects like Heartcore for Nepal.
“Sambandha” was released for digital download from heartcore-records.com on June 21st, 2024. This date marks not just the launch of a new song, but the culmination of months of hard work, cultural exchange, and artistic collaboration. It represents a bridge built between Nepal and the wider world, constructed with the universal language of music.
However, the release of “Sambandha” is not the end of the story. The relationships formed, the skills developed, and the musical seeds planted during this project will continue to grow and bear fruit long after the song has made its debut. The children of Mangala Secondary School have been given a gift that goes beyond the tangible instruments and education they will receive – they have been shown the power of their own voices and the potential of their creativity.
The Heartcore for Nepal project, culminating in the release of “Sambandha,” stands as a shining example of music’s power to transcend boundaries and create meaningful connections. It brings together the innocence and enthusiasm of children from a small Nepalese village with the expertise of world-class musicians, creating something truly unique and inspiring.
Through initiatives like Heartcore for Nepal and the broader Heartcore for the World project, Heartcore Records is not just producing music – they are cultivating understanding, nurturing talent, and sowing the seeds of a more harmonious global community. As this project demonstrates, when we open our hearts and minds to new experiences and collaborations, the resulting music can truly change the world, one note at a time.
To buy the song and thereby also support the children click here.
Last modified: June 25, 2024
