The songwriter collaborates with producer and composer Mickey McCleary for the video single ‘Intezaar’
The songwriter collaborates with producer and composer Mickey McCleary for the video single ‘Intezaar’
His music releases may be few and far between but his fans never stop waiting in anticipation. Lucky Ali, who pioneered the independent music wave in the 90s with his soulful ballad-like productions, is back with ‘Intezaar’, a series of video singles. The song not only bears Lucky’s signature, but features scenes that bring to life the simplicity and worldliness of Goa through a much-loved boy and a girl – a metaphor for Intezaar And Tamannaah (hope and wish).
The single also stars Lucky Ali with his brother-in-law and musician-producer Mickey McCleary. A week after the single launched, Lucky and Mickey chat with us over a video call about ‘Intezaar’ and the unique expertise they bring to their collaboration.”
Video from ‘Waitzaar’ | photo credit: by arrangement
“‘Waitzaar’ was not planned, it happened at the right time,” says Lucky. Mickey picked it up and when I heard the song and lyrics, I wanted it to convey a little more. Mickey invited lyricist IP Singh to write the song. It’s a love story’ Intezaar‘ And ‘ Wish:‘ – Two feelings run together, sometimes far from each other but trying to be together. ,
team building
Lucky Ali with Mickey McCleary | photo credit: special arrangement
McCleary’s association with Lucky Ali dates back to the 90s when he produced the hugely successful album Sanoh, He worked with most of the leading Indian actors including AR Rahman and Priyanka Chopra. quantico, their original score for Margarita with a Straw He received the Best Composer Award at the 2015 Asian Film Awards. He has composed music for several Indian productions as well as major advertising campaigns. He describes his association with Lucky as “unique”.
“The way we work is different. We don’t work in a nutshell. With Lucky, there are constraints and we don’t see things exactly the same way. It’s part of the process. This time around, a lot of work pandemic.” Happened from afar through. People have heard Lucky’s unique and soulful voice and still feel connected. His music retains its timelessness and we are not trying to make music for Tik Tok or the current trend We’re not trying to keep up, we’re doing what we want.”
Lucky’s songs from the ’90s are firmly etched in the minds of the generation, who have particularly liked and appreciated his genre-neutral music. So McCleary knew he didn’t need to write for specific genres. He says, “A lot of music from the 80s and 90s has an impression of what was going on in society at the time but we didn’t have that in our minds. We realized that our music was not necessarily the same as the 80s or 90s. and may not necessarily be associated with any specific genre.
nurturing diversity
Lucky acknowledges the plurality of McCleary’s methods in his work and describes the moments spent with him in the studio as ’emotional’. “Mickey’s career has been different from the stuff we’ve been doing. So for him and me, it’s like getting back to an idea we both share in common. He’s had many years in production and commercials where they work on briefs. For me, I follow the live route. For ‘Wait’, Mickey coached the band and started developing music on top of what was already there. Worked at full capacity.”
Despite being the son of legendary actor Mehmood, Lucky never aspired to make a career in Bollywood. “I wanted to sing everywhere, to sing for people who don’t even understand the language. Whenever I get a chance to talk, when someone has a problem, I do and can get out of that chaos.” That’s what I do through my work, through music, and my communication with people. My ambitions as a musician have come true. I feel responsible for that success.”
Commenting on the communally unstable situation in Karnataka, Lucky says, “There is no dialogue and a lot of anger. Bangalore is where I grew up, the people here are as innocent as my compatriots in different states.” When people don’t communicate with everyone. Secondly, you start seeing demons. People need to communicate, resolve differences, and educate themselves. You only have one life. You either give it a go. Can live well or live it in a state of confusion, anger and disbelief… It’s your choice.”