A supergroup from Tel Aviv in Israel, Pattie, gets candid with The Pioneer and discusses their music in this exclusive chat.
Renowned composer and Beatles bassist James Paul McCartney once remarked, “Music is like a psychiatrist. You can tell your guitar things you can’t tell people. And it will come back with things people can’t tell you!”
Years later, Pattie, a supergroup from Tel Aviv, Israel, echoes similar sentiments as they sit down with The Pioneer right before their performance in Delhi’s Premium Jazz Club, The Piano Man. “Music acts as a global conduit, intricately connecting individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. It serves as a unifying force, transcending geographical and societal distinctions to create a collective resonance, fostering a shared emotional and experiential narrative,” says Avner Tueg.
In the 1960s, psychedelic music became a major component of the counterculture movement. Inspired by the hallucinogenic experiences brought about by drugs such as LSD, musicians attempted to convert these altered states of awareness into melodic compositions. To create a unique sound, bands like The Beatles, The Doors, and Jefferson Airplane combined unusual structures, experimental noises, and hallucinogenic lyrics.
Characterised by intricate instrumentals, non-traditional song structures, and the use of novel recording techniques, psychedelic music evolved throughout the years. The late ‘60s saw the rise of psychedelic rock, blending rock and blues with mind-expanding elements. In the ‘70s, progressive rock carried psychedelic influences, while the ‘80s brought a resurgence with neo-psychedelia. Genres like shoegaze in the ‘90s and contemporary psych-rock continue to draw inspiration from their psychedelic roots, ensuring their enduring influence on music.
Gal Shnaider and Nadav Melman assert, “Psychedelic music has undergone significant evolution, influenced by spiritual encounters. A decade ago, its novelty initially jarred my ears, diverging from mainstream pop. Yet, this sonic departure led me on an enriching journey. The aesthetic essence of our psychedelic music lies in the spontaneity of its creation, where understanding precedes uncertain technicality. Our aim is to craft a relatable journey for the audience, counteracting the prevailing brevity of contemporary songs.”
Modern music moves quickly, as evidenced by the short song lengths and quick changes in style. The music scene has changed as a result of the industry’s adoption of streaming services, which offer algorithm-driven playlists and instant access to a vast repertoire. People are accustomed to instant satisfaction, so musicians tend to shorten their pieces so that the listener is quickly enthralled. Because of the instantaneous nature of digital platforms such as Spotify, listeners have created a culture in which they make snap decisions about a song’s destiny. The usual build-up and extended instrumental breaks have been replaced in this fast-paced musical environment by succinct frameworks that emphasize immediate engagement over in-depth musical research.
Echoing similar thoughts, Avner Tueg explains, “In today’s fast-paced music scene, songs are brief with quick choruses. However, our compositions, though not 20-minute epics, still defy brevity. Visual elements in our clips aid in immersion, guiding listeners into a contemplative space and combating the impatience fostered by instant song-skipping habits.”
Over the years, they have created masterpieces, including Talk About Love, Love Me Tender, and I Only Want to Be with You, among others. The result ranges from a magnetic pop sound to a hypnotic, psychedelic experience.
When asked about their inspiration in psychedelic music, they respond, “Certainly, The Beatles and Pink Floyd have undeniably influenced our musical style, though we don’t strictly adhere to mainstream pop. Our music is deeply rooted in the cultural landscape of Israel, drawing inspiration from the rich musical heritage of the region. Additionally, we find artistic inspiration in the works of renowned musicians like Jeff Buckley.”
Bands embarking on a global journey face a demanding yet rewarding path as they prepare to grace stages around the world. Beyond mastering their musical prowess, these dedicated artists must meticulously refine various facets of their performance. From perfecting stage presence to fine-tuning sound dynamics, every detail requires careful consideration. Navigating the challenges of different venues, cultures, and audiences demands adaptability and resilience. Hours of rehearsal, strategic planning, and honing interpersonal dynamics within the group are essential steps. This arduous process, though, cultivates a sense of unity and expertise that transforms a band into a finely tuned live spectacle. As they transcend geographical boundaries, these musicians carry with them not just a melody but a harmonious fusion of passion, diligence, and a shared commitment to delivering an unforgettable experience on the global stage.
“Reflecting on a performance in Chennai, our first before an Indian audience highlighted the importance of adapting to diverse crowds. Unlike the challenging and cynical Israeli audience, the intimacy of the Chennai crowd required adjustments in song order and introductions. Each performance becomes a learning experience, emphasizing the paramount connection with the audience,” adds Avner Tueg.
They further accentuate, “In Israel, our concerted efforts to forge a culturally diverse musical landscape have borne fruit. A couple of years ago, our collaboration with a Yemeni singer manifested a fusion of musical elements inspired by Indian culture. Regularly immersing ourselves in the rich soundscape of Coke Studio, with its captivating introduction featuring sitar and tabla, has significantly influenced our musical direction.”
So, what is the creative process of Pattie? “Enduring as a collective for a substantial duration, our camaraderie bears a resemblance to a romantic relationship, albeit in the context of brotherhood. Crafting song lyrics demands a keen observation of our surroundings. In our earlier years, themes of love and friendship were predominant, typical of one’s 20s. Presently, we endeavor to infuse a layer of self-understanding and spirituality into our compositions, delving into the realms of inner reflection. The lyrical journey varies with each composition. Occasionally, what may seem like nonsensical musings during the creative process turned out to yield remarkable results. Ultimately, the reception from our audience plays a pivotal role. Their ability to resonate with the song and relate it to their own experiences adds a dynamic layer to our artistic endeavors,” the trio concludes.
Years later, Pattie, a supergroup from Tel Aviv, Israel, echoes similar sentiments as they sit down with The Pioneer right before their performance in Delhi’s Premium Jazz Club, The Piano Man. “Music acts as a global conduit, intricately connecting individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. It serves as a unifying force, transcending geographical and societal distinctions to create a collective resonance, fostering a shared emotional and experiential narrative,” says Avner Tueg.
In the 1960s, psychedelic music became a major component of the counterculture movement. Inspired by the hallucinogenic experiences brought about by drugs such as LSD, musicians attempted to convert these altered states of awareness into melodic compositions. To create a unique sound, bands like The Beatles, The Doors, and Jefferson Airplane combined unusual structures, experimental noises, and hallucinogenic lyrics.
Characterised by intricate instrumentals, non-traditional song structures, and the use of novel recording techniques, psychedelic music evolved throughout the years. The late ‘60s saw the rise of psychedelic rock, blending rock and blues with mind-expanding elements. In the ‘70s, progressive rock carried psychedelic influences, while the ‘80s brought a resurgence with neo-psychedelia. Genres like shoegaze in the ‘90s and contemporary psych-rock continue to draw inspiration from their psychedelic roots, ensuring their enduring influence on music.
Gal Shnaider and Nadav Melman assert, “Psychedelic music has undergone significant evolution, influenced by spiritual encounters. A decade ago, its novelty initially jarred my ears, diverging from mainstream pop. Yet, this sonic departure led me on an enriching journey. The aesthetic essence of our psychedelic music lies in the spontaneity of its creation, where understanding precedes uncertain technicality. Our aim is to craft a relatable journey for the audience, counteracting the prevailing brevity of contemporary songs.”
Modern music moves quickly, as evidenced by the short song lengths and quick changes in style. The music scene has changed as a result of the industry’s adoption of streaming services, which offer algorithm-driven playlists and instant access to a vast repertoire. People are accustomed to instant satisfaction, so musicians tend to shorten their pieces so that the listener is quickly enthralled. Because of the instantaneous nature of digital platforms such as Spotify, listeners have created a culture in which they make snap decisions about a song’s destiny. The usual build-up and extended instrumental breaks have been replaced in this fast-paced musical environment by succinct frameworks that emphasize immediate engagement over in-depth musical research.
Echoing similar thoughts, Avner Tueg explains, “In today’s fast-paced music scene, songs are brief with quick choruses. However, our compositions, though not 20-minute epics, still defy brevity. Visual elements in our clips aid in immersion, guiding listeners into a contemplative space and combating the impatience fostered by instant song-skipping habits.”
Over the years, they have created masterpieces, including Talk About Love, Love Me Tender, and I Only Want to Be with You, among others. The result ranges from a magnetic pop sound to a hypnotic, psychedelic experience.
When asked about their inspiration in psychedelic music, they respond, “Certainly, The Beatles and Pink Floyd have undeniably influenced our musical style, though we don’t strictly adhere to mainstream pop. Our music is deeply rooted in the cultural landscape of Israel, drawing inspiration from the rich musical heritage of the region. Additionally, we find artistic inspiration in the works of renowned musicians like Jeff Buckley.”
Bands embarking on a global journey face a demanding yet rewarding path as they prepare to grace stages around the world. Beyond mastering their musical prowess, these dedicated artists must meticulously refine various facets of their performance. From perfecting stage presence to fine-tuning sound dynamics, every detail requires careful consideration. Navigating the challenges of different venues, cultures, and audiences demands adaptability and resilience. Hours of rehearsal, strategic planning, and honing interpersonal dynamics within the group are essential steps. This arduous process, though, cultivates a sense of unity and expertise that transforms a band into a finely tuned live spectacle. As they transcend geographical boundaries, these musicians carry with them not just a melody but a harmonious fusion of passion, diligence, and a shared commitment to delivering an unforgettable experience on the global stage.
“Reflecting on a performance in Chennai, our first before an Indian audience highlighted the importance of adapting to diverse crowds. Unlike the challenging and cynical Israeli audience, the intimacy of the Chennai crowd required adjustments in song order and introductions. Each performance becomes a learning experience, emphasizing the paramount connection with the audience,” adds Avner Tueg.
They further accentuate, “In Israel, our concerted efforts to forge a culturally diverse musical landscape have borne fruit. A couple of years ago, our collaboration with a Yemeni singer manifested a fusion of musical elements inspired by Indian culture. Regularly immersing ourselves in the rich soundscape of Coke Studio, with its captivating introduction featuring sitar and tabla, has significantly influenced our musical direction.”
So, what is the creative process of Pattie? “Enduring as a collective for a substantial duration, our camaraderie bears a resemblance to a romantic relationship, albeit in the context of brotherhood. Crafting song lyrics demands a keen observation of our surroundings. In our earlier years, themes of love and friendship were predominant, typical of one’s 20s. Presently, we endeavor to infuse a layer of self-understanding and spirituality into our compositions, delving into the realms of inner reflection. The lyrical journey varies with each composition. Occasionally, what may seem like nonsensical musings during the creative process turned out to yield remarkable results. Ultimately, the reception from our audience plays a pivotal role. Their ability to resonate with the song and relate it to their own experiences adds a dynamic layer to our artistic endeavors,” the trio concludes.
