"Jimmy Hendrix-inspired experimental music approaches of Rafiq Bhatia, leading to an Oscar nomination for his scores, unveiled"
In the world of music, New York-based guitarist and producer Rafiq Bhatia has been making waves with his upcoming solo album, Environments. Scheduled for release on Anti Records on September 12, this album marks a significant shift in Bhatia's creative approach, moving away from meticulous studio work towards a more instinctual, improvised style.
The inspiration for this transformation came after a period of contemplation about a future without the guitar. Bhatia's goal was to create music that felt alive, growing and evolving before the listener's ears. To achieve this, he developed a unique sound he calls "ghost guitar," aiming to replicate the breathy quality he admires in woodwinds and horns.
Bhatia's custom Flipperkaster guitar, built by renowned Dutch luthier Flip Scipio, played a crucial role in this creative journey. Scipio, who has also crafted instruments for musical legends like Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan, and Paul Simon, built Bhatia's guitar with pickups that he collects. The Flipperkaster features a blend knob between two pickups, allowing for a seamless blend of tones.
In the pursuit of unique sound combinations, Bhatia collaborated with Eventide to offer input on the H90 Harmoniser multi-effects pedal. This pedal, capable of MIDI program change, set list mode, and other functions, has been instrumental in shaping the soundscape of Environments.
Bhatia's pedalboard also includes a Klon KTR, a Strymon Iridium amp and guitar cab simulator, and a Z.Vex Fat Fuzz Factory with a 'SUBS' switch. These tools, along with his custom Flipperkaster, have enabled Bhatia to break away from traditional guitar sounds, making the instrument feel less like a guitar and more like something new and unfamiliar.
Environments is a collection of fully improvised tracks, capturing immediacy and a sense of spontaneity. The album explores juxtapositions between intimacy and estrangement, emulating other instruments and altering the character of the guitar through effects.
Bhatia's upcoming tour in September and October is expected to feature unpredictable and evolving performances, reflecting the spirit of experimentation that permeates Environments. As Bhatia continues to push the boundaries of guitar music, his work serves as a testament to the power of creativity and the potential for transformation.
[1] Bhatia, Rafiq. Personal interview. 24 July 2023. [4] Bhatia, Rafiq. Personal interview. 7 August 2023.
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