Depeche Mode founding member Martin Gore has collaborated with artist and lyricist Cliff Damavandi on a new track, “Cross Whisper”, featuring vocals from Gore’s daughter.
Released today via Mute, the track grew from a conversation about death, unexplained phenomena and the symbolism of birds.
Gore recalled a number of occasions when birds appeared around the time someone close to him had died, including one instance when a bird repeatedly tapped at the window of his studio shortly before he learned that a close friend had passed away.
He said:
“I was out with some friends and we started talking about death so I shared that whenever someone close to me has died, birds start appearing, sometimes arriving every day for a year outside my window. When my mother died, a bird came, and again when my dog passed. When my cat died, a bird came into the house and flew downstairs into the room where it slept!”
Damavandi was struck by the story and wrote lyrics inspired by it, which Gore then set to music.
Damavandi said:
“When Martin was sharing his story, he was so alive, and I could feel the story as well as hear it. There was an otherness that compelled me to write the words.”
“Cross Whisper” opens with whispered voices before giving way to Gore’s synths, with an insistent hammering sound echoing the bird that visited his studio.
The track will also be released on 12-inch vinyl on December 4, featuring remixes from ANNA, Regis, Vera Grace, Pye Corner Audio and boothnavy.
‘Cross Whisper’ 12-Inch TracklistSide ACross WhisperCross Whisper (Regis’ Learn to See Mix)Cross Whisper (Vera Grace Remix)Side BCross Whisper (ANNA Remix)Cross Whisper (Pye Corner Audio Remix)Cross Whisper (boothnavy’s Murmuration Remix)
“Cross Whisper” is out now via Mute. The 12-inch vinyl edition will be released on December 4.