How Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak recreated the elusive sound of 1970s soul
In short: When Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak formed Silk Sonic, they aimed to capture the specific, warm glow of 1960s and 1970s music. To achieve this, they abandoned modern digital shortcuts, sourcing vintage gear and obsessing over analog recording techniques to build a record that feels like a classic time capsule.
The collaboration began in 2017 during the European leg of Mars's 24K Magic World Tour. What started as backstage jokes between the two artists eventually evolved into a formal project, with the duo recruiting producer D'Mile and host Bootsy Collins to help shape their vision. The creative process was deeply collaborative and often competitive, with the pair jamming in the studio to build songs from scratch rather than working remotely. They were driven by a shared desire to create music that felt good, intentionally avoiding the heavy social and political themes that often define .Paak's solo work.
To capture the authentic aesthetic of their influences—ranging from James Brown and Parliament to the Spinners—the team went to extraordinary lengths. They utilized specific vintage equipment, including Ludwig drums, a Hohner Clavinet D6, and a Danelectro sitar, while recording through a Solid State Logic mixing board. They even consulted elderly session musicians and pored over old drumming magazines to understand the nuances of the era's playing styles. Despite the technical precision, the duo emphasized that their primary goal was to 'lock the groove' and create an infectious, joyous experience for the listener.
The resulting album, An Evening with Silk Sonic, was released in November 2021 to widespread critical acclaim. It debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 and produced multiple successful singles, including the Grammy-winning 'Leave the Door Open.' Critics praised the project for its retro sensibility and the palpable chemistry between the two performers. By focusing on the 'sublime power' of their mimetic magic, Silk Sonic managed to craft a record that feels both like a tribute to the past and a modern, high-energy production.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: An Evening with Silk Sonic
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