Posters are funny things, especially at a place like Berklee. I often take time between classes to check the multitude of message boards around the campus and there is always a huge range of things being offered; shows, recording time, part-time jobs, bands looking for players or writers. I came across a humble, but colourful, poster, posing the question, “What if everyone became a musician?” and giving the title of a project called ‘Rhythm of the Universe’. There was a brief description, asking people if they would like to represent their countries in a gigantic musical project, either as writer’s or as performers. This struck a chord with me and I visited the website, applied and left it to the Fates to make their move. 

Two days later I bumped into a Turkish friend of mine, Emir Cerman, who is one of the prime ‘movers’ in the student body; once he plans something he follows it through, often with enormous success. In just one example he led a group of Berklee students in a trip to his native Istanbul, held auditions for Berklee (a first in Turkey) and helped put on a concert with the Istanbul Symphony Orchestra and Sezen Aksu, one of the country’s most famous performers. Emir informed me that I had been accepted into the project and I, having just discovered that Emir was behind this, became very excited. 

Though a great deal of this should remain under wraps, I will say this: the project, so far, has involved an international production team of about eight people, a musical group made up of 78 people, each of different nationalities, music producer Prince Charles Alexander and an enormous recording studio in Roslindale, Massachusetts. 

What I can say is that this year has been overwhelming full of opportunities, so much so that I really need to take a time out and really take stock of what I’m doing and what needs done. I cannot thank you all enough for your continued love and support - it keeps me steady and able to continue on through the madness of it all. Beautiful madness. That’s what we’ll call this.