Ukhrul, September 17: Renowned Naga poet and author Easterine Kire has joined hands with Norwegian vocalist and songwriter Birgitte Damberg in a cross-cultural collaboration that blends poetry and music.
Their latest single, My Brother Tree, is set for release on Friday, September 19.
The two artists, who first came together earlier this year, released their debut single Will Tomorrow Ever Come in August. The track drew attention in India and beyond, including coverage in several national newspapers. Their upcoming album, What If, is slated for release on October 10.
The inspiration for My Brother Tree emerged from a casual social media exchange. When Kire posted a photograph of a tree on Facebook, Damberg suggested she write a poem about it. “When Easterine sent me the poem, I immediately thought that the tree should have its own waltz. I like it when a big tree gets wind in its leaves and starts swaying. I’m sure it sways in a waltz rhythm,” Damberg recalled.
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The track features a minimalist arrangement of piano and bass, layered with Damberg’s dark, resonant vocals and a mandolin theme. The composition draws on Eastern European tonal traditions while evoking echoes of Portuguese fado.
Damberg, who has been performing her own material for over two decades, is best known for leading the Birgitte Damberg Trio. The group released its first single Now in 2002, followed by Time in 2016. In 2022, she released Midtveis, her first album with Norwegian lyrics. For the first time, in What If, she is setting music to lyrics written by another artist.
Kire, who lives in Norway but hails from Nagaland, is an award-winning poet and novelist. She has published widely—poems, short stories, novels and children’s literature—and is regarded as one of the most prominent literary voices from Northeast India.
Reflecting on the collaboration, Damberg said: “Easterine Kire and I got in touch after she happened to hear my music on the internet. She was very excited about my songs, and we agreed to do a project together. We literally found a good tone, and the collaboration has developed into a close and beautiful friendship.”
She added that Kire’s poetry struck her deeply. “When I started reading Kire’s poems, they hit me right in the heart. She has a way of seeing the world and people that is unadorned and honest. We are two women with different geographical, cultural and personal backgrounds. Yet it is fascinating how similar we see the world and interpersonal relationships.”
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