In the world of music, few collaborations are as intriguing and enduring as that between Patrick Hyland and Mitski Miyawaki. Their journey, spanning over a decade, is a testament to the power of shared musical interests and a deep-seated passion for creating art. This article delves into their unique partnership, exploring how Hyland's approach to music and production has shaped Mitski's artistic evolution, and how their shared love for the craft has led to the creation of captivating records.
A Musical Friendship
The story begins at SUNY Purchase College’s Conservatory of Music, where Hyland and Mitski met in 2012. Their friendship blossomed over a shared interest in jazz, noise, and 12-tone music, a stark contrast to the pop-folk trend that dominated their courses. Mitski, a gifted songwriter, found in Hyland a guitarist and multi-instrumentalist who understood her vision. Their collaboration on Mitski's debut album, Lush, marked the beginning of a long and fruitful partnership.
The Creative Process
Hyland's role in Mitski's music goes beyond engineering and producing; he is a co-creator. His arrangements and production details bring Mitski's compositions to life, infusing them with a sense of spaciousness, physicality, and care. This is evident in Nothing's About to Happen to Me, where Hyland's influence is palpable throughout. The record's instrumentation, recorded in his kitchen, dining room, and living room, gives it a DIY feel, yet it is meticulously crafted.
The Power of Collaboration
Hyland's approach to music is unique. He views the instrument as a path to music rather than the other way around. This perspective is evident in his collaboration with Mitski, where he allows the music to guide his production choices. He notes that this is distinct from what he might personally think is best, requiring him to experience an 'ego death' on every track. This process is both challenging and rewarding, as it forces him to find new ways to present Mitski's brilliant songs to the world.
The Gear Hoarder
Hyland's obsession with gear is well-known. He describes himself as a 'gear hoarder' who owns way too many guitars, amps, and pedals. This obsession is not just about tone; it's about the creative process. He experiments with different equipment, trying to find the right combination for each tour. This experimentation has led him back to the staples he's known and loved for years, like his Ampeg V-4 amp.
The Search for New Sounds
Hyland's collaboration with Black Tape Amplifiers' John Capito is another fascinating aspect of his creative process. They work together to create circuits that have never been made before, pushing the boundaries of what's possible. Their partnership has resulted in unique amps, like the one with octal tubes in the preamp section and EL84s in the output section, which offers a three-dimensional and dark sound.
The Future of Collaboration
As Mitski and Hyland continue to create music together, their working routine remains unchanged. Mitski brings fully-formed compositions to Hyland, complete with lyrics, melodies, and structure. Hyland then takes these compositions and presents them to the world in a way that feels 'truthful and impactful'. This process is a dream for Hyland, who enjoys the creative freedom it affords him.
In conclusion, the collaboration between Patrick Hyland and Mitski Miyawaki is a testament to the power of shared musical interests and a deep-seated passion for creating art. Their unique approach to music and production has resulted in captivating records that continue to inspire and delight listeners. As they continue to create together, their partnership will undoubtedly continue to evolve, offering new and exciting music for years to come.
