Martin Gore Shares ‘Cross Whisper’, A New Collaboration Inspired by Loss
The Depeche Mode songwriter joins artist and lyricist Cliff Damavandi on a new electronic track featuring vocals from his daughter, Johnnie Lee.
Martin Gore has released ‘Cross Whisper’, a new collaboration with artist and lyricist Cliff Damavandi, featuring vocals from Gore’s daughter, Johnnie Lee. Released digitally on 20 October through Mute, the track is credited to the trio under the name MG x CD + JL =.
The song began with a conversation about death and the appearance of birds around the time of personal losses. Gore recalled noticing birds after the deaths of his mother, his dog and his cat, as well as a blackbird repeatedly tapping at his studio window shortly before he learned that a close friend had died.
Damavandi was struck by Gore’s account and developed it into a set of lyrics, which Gore subsequently put to music. The result takes a personal experience and leaves room for the listener to interpret its meaning, whether as coincidence, a connection with those who have died, or something less easily explained.
Musically, ‘Cross Whisper’ brings together shadowy electronic textures, insistent percussion and layered vocals. Whispered voices introduce the track before the synthesiser arrangement takes shape, while a repeated knocking sound recalls the bird at Gore’s studio window. The production gives the song an unsettled quality without losing its electronic focus.
The release continues Gore’s work outside Depeche Mode, where his solo projects have explored different corners of electronic music. His previous releases include MG and The Third Chimpanzee EP, while his collaboration with Vince Clarke as VCMG explored minimalist techno.
‘Cross Whisper’ will also appear on a limited-edition transparent green 12-inch vinyl release on 4 December. Alongside the original track, the record features remixes by Regis, Vera Grace, ANNA, Pye Corner Audio and boothnavy.
‘Cross Whisper’ is out now via Mute.
