Featured Image Credit: Brandon Presser
By: Laura O’Brien
Music is almost like a language; one that speaks through feeling and abstractions. Humans have produced music so beautiful and moving, it can convey deep and powerful emotion without the need for any words. We can also hear music in the sound of birds chirping, crickets humming, and the ethereal sound of whales singing. Just as we marvel at the natural wonder of these beautiful and intriguing songs, their musicians can be moved by our sounds as well.
A musician named Rob Knaggs discovered this beautiful connection while he was traveling. He had been working odd jobs as he traveled around the world, and one gig stood out among the rest. He was called in for a job in Northern Manitoba; where he saw a group of people serenading a curious group of beluga whales. Their singing and humming had enticed the whales, and the cetaceans stayed, captivated with the music. This display of unity between man and nature inspired Knaggs. He began to write music for the creatures. Recently he released an entire album inspired by his time in Manitoba.
Knaggs has also improved upon the idea of coastal singing. Now he plays his electric cello through a hydrophone which plays gently to the whales under the water. As he’d hoped, his alluring melodies drew in the belugas once again. They were curious; poking their heads above the water as he played. As time went on, the began to sing back to him. Lending their voices to his song. We hope that Knaggs continues to make music with these beautiful creatures. What an amazing connection to share.
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