http://www.guardian.co.tt/entertainment/2012-11-15/bunji-and-nigel-different-sameDifferentology is the new, much talked about release by Bunji Garlin (Ian Alvarez) and Nigel Rojas, and astronomy is being credited for this unique single. Both gifted artistes have claimed that the alignment of the stars is responsible for their coming together and success with the song.
“That song is something cosmic, with the stars aligning perfectly.” said Garlin. “It happened because Fay (Fay Ann Lyons-Alvarez) was in class doing her law studies at Kay Beckles and Associates and, having nothing to do, I was liming in the studio with Sheriff (Keiron Thompson). He pulled up an electric guitar and the song happened just like that.
“When we did the song I was trying to figure how to improve the chorus, as I thought it needed a rock feel. Fay suggested Nigel. He just walked in the studio, heard the song, and surprised me by bringing his acoustic guitar. What you hear on the completed track is just one take by Nigel.”
Garlin said that Differentology was produced by Sheriff at Black Ice Studios, on Woodford Street, in Newtown. He added: “They are the guys who did the Wonder Woman rhythm, with Patrice (Roberts), Nadia (Batson), Megan (Waldrond) and others, as well as the Sneaky Guys rhythm with Erphaan (Alves), Jungle, Razor and Mr Renzo and some other guys.”
It’s difficult to define the rhythm and melody of Differentology, a most apt title for a song if ever there was one. Commenting on his work with Garlin and Rojas, Sheriff said: “There is no name for the rhythm...it’s just music, pure and simple.
This music has no genre. The song belongs to Bunji, with no planned remixes and further collaborations. All things are possible, and there might be a remix down the road, perhaps with an artiste from the States. People have suggested it.”
Born in the mid-70s, soca music evolved from calypso, East Indian rhythms and American pop. However, Differentology cannot be defined as any of them. In fact, it’s rhythm is something new and different. Explains Rojas: “Differentology has same DNA as soca, but it is different to the norm. It is a hybrid and it is an evolution, with a sophisticated production.
“This collaboration is certainly different, in every respect. First to begin, I have always been a fan of Bunji. I rate him as a lyrical genius, in the same class with some of the best in the world, like Busta Rhymes and Beenie Man. “It was an incredible honour to work with Bunji. I know we have mutual respect for each other, and this was just the right time for us to get together. The stars lined up perfectly now. From the time I heard the song I knew it would be something special and different.”
Garlin is of the strong view that Trinidadians and Tobagonians need to change their appreciation of soca and calypso. He said: “Our music should never be seasonal. We have confined ourselves to this practice and, it’s been so long, we’ve gotten into this bad habit and can’t break it. We are the only people on the planet who treats its music this way.”
Asked what fans can expect for the 2013 Carnival “season” Garlin said: “2013 is pure fun. I intend doing some other collaborations, and a CD is already in the works. Six songs have already been released, and we have a few more in the chamber.”
The leader of rock band Orange Sky, Rojas said: “Orange Sky has just returned from ten weeks in England, recording our new album. This one’s gonna be called Horns and Halos. It’s about that perpetual battle between good and bad, a sort of ying and yang, light and darkness. Internationally it be would released in February, and I am also about to release a solo guitar album locally, called Sunset Siesta.”
Eagerly looking forward to C2K13, Rojas said: “I absolutely intend doing more collaborations for C2K13. You will definitely be hearing a lot more of Nigel Rojas in next year’s Carnival.”
