On May 11, 2021, Grammy Award-winning cellist and ArtistWorks instructor, Mike Block debuted the second single from his upcoming record release with tabla master Sandeep Das entitled, Where the Soul Never Dies, which will be available everywhere on June 11, 2021.

The single, aptly named “Fight or Flight,” was joined by an accompanying music video on May 19. Both are packed with Mike’s percussive, dark cello melodies, Das’s driving tabla rhythms, and a beautiful and inventive interplay between the two instruments.

“Where the Soul Never Dies is our duo's debut album, exploring the uncharted musical space of tabla and cello,” the two artists explain. “The music comes from the joy that we experience from respecting and surrendering to each other’s musical heritages. The result crosses genres with a dialogue that’s raw, organic, eclectic, and soulful.”

Their first partnered collaboration, Where the Soul Never Dies expands on the boundary-pushing history that both Mike and Das share on their respective instruments.

While trained in the tabla methods of the classical Indian musical tradition, Das is always actively seeking a new context for his instrument and has recorded and shared the stage with artists ranging from Ravi Shankar to Yo-Yo Ma to Paquito D’Rivera and, now, Mike Block.

Similarly, Mike’s approach to the cello, performance, composition, and arrangement has always focused on hybridizing genres. He has collaborated with artists ranging from The New York Philharmonic to Stevie Wonder, Julian Lage to Sierra Hull, incorporating a multitude of styles into his cello playing with every performance. Additionally, Mike’s albums consistently debut near the top of Billboard charts for a wide variety of genres, including classical, bluegrass, world music, and more.

“We did not have an existing musical prescription to follow with our music, and that allowed us to follow our hearts and minds as we brought our two instruments together as conversing soloists,” both Mike and Das explain. “The experience has taught us a lot about each other's cultures and personalities, while at the same time uncovering something new within ourselves.”

Mike’s unique blend of styles is not only apparent in his performance, but in his teaching as well. His online cello lessons here at ArtistWorks cover a vast array of genres and techniques to teach you how to be a well-rounded, dynamic, and worldly cellist.

LEARN MORE:

Have you always wanted to learn how to play the cello? Through our comprehensive cello lessons online and Video Exchange Learning platform here at ArtistWorks, you can learn from internationally renowned players, like Mike Block, and get personalized feedback on your playing.

Mike’s course starts with the basics and teaches everything from beginner cello to advanced performance techniques and compositions. So, whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or advanced player, all levels are welcome and all students will grow and improve their skills as cellists and musicians.

Try out some free music lessons here and see what makes ArtistWorks courses some of the best online music lessons around!

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