Behind the Scenes with Raji Malik
A musician inspired by awe and wonder
Enjoy Raji Malik’s “Rejoice (No Crisis)”
While OVERexpressed & OUT busily works on Season Two, we’re thrilled to offer a Behind the Scenes interview with our collaborator Raji Malik, composer of our theme song “Rejoice (No Crisis)”. Here, he offers insights into what brings him joy, his inspiration, and creative healing process.
What brings you joy?
Trees, the sky, children, family, and music to name a few. I’ve been studying kindergartners for the past 23 years, and the gateway to joy, that I have learned from them, is awe and wonder. I have a solid connection to awe and wonder now. It is a good way to live. It provides a good counterbalance to the stressors that often feel pretty loud.
Describe your song writing process.
Playing guitar is so healing for me. The sound of the acoustic guitar instantly soothes my nervous system. When I compose, I start with improvisation. As I explore melody and rhythm, I stumble on something that feels extra good to hear and feel. Then I repeat that and add some variation to it. I have come to realize that, what I am doing is finding sound wave combinations that are healing to me. Sometimes I’m not sure what is specifically being addressed in a new composition. It could be something physical, emotional, or spiritual. I don’t read or write music, as I am visually impaired, so the compositions just live in my mind, heart and hands. Eventually, I figure out the ways in which a particular composition has been healing to me, and I develop a title that relates to it. I offer a healing prompt to listeners before I play it for them with the hope that it might be able to provide some healing for them as well.
What was the inspiration for “Rejoice (No Crisis)”?
A few years ago I was at the sink pouring water into a tea kettle. I had the realization as the water was going in that there were actually an infinite amount of moments happening in that one act. I felt…wait for it…awe and wonder. It made me realize that there are so many mundane things that we do that we would miss terribly if we were unable to do them anymore. So in moments when there is no crisis, let us rejoice that we can do all of the regular things that we do, like being able to move our bodies, see a sunset or a smile of a loved one, or taste something delicious. There is an incredibly long list of things that we do every day that are actually pretty amazing if you look at from this perspective.
Words of wisdom for young/new musicians?
Be fascinated by sound waves and enjoy playing with them to create music. Play what feels good to you. Only play when you want to play. Don’t worry about right or wrong - remember the word is play!
You’re having a jam session with any musician you can dream of! Who would be there?
Michael Hedges