With the arrival of Trap, M. Night Shyamalan’s latest thriller, the world is introduced to Lady Raven, a new pop sensation brought to life by his daughter, Saleka Shyamalan. While Saleka has contributed music to her father’s films before, Trap marks her first venture into on-screen acting and the creation of a full album to accompany the movie. This album, featuring Saleka Shyamalan Songs, is now available for streaming, showcasing her multifaceted talent.
Having grown up amidst the glitz of Hollywood, Saleka’s transition to being in front of the camera was a novel experience. Armed with her essentials, she navigated the New York premiere and afterparty with poise. In a recent interview, Saleka shared insights into embodying Lady Raven, collaborating with artists like Kid Cudi, and the necessities for a premiere night.
From Red Carpets to Center Stage: Saleka’s Premiere Experience
Reflecting on the premiere and afterparty, Saleka described the experience as “surreal.” While attending premieres is familiar for her family, watching Trap with a large audience was a new kind of nerve-wracking. She felt the weight of the film’s impending release as she witnessed the audience’s reactions. However, the reception was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing enthusiastic responses to her work. This wave of support left her feeling deeply grateful.
Among the positive feedback, reconnecting with the cast and crew was particularly meaningful. Hayley Mills, a celebrated actress, shared kind words of encouragement, which Saleka deeply cherished, noting the significance of such recognition from an icon. Similarly, Josh Hartnett offered generous compliments, creating a memorable moment for the rising artist.
A Future at the Intersection of Music and Film
When asked about future acting endeavors, Saleka expressed hope and enthusiasm. Her passion lies in the synergy between music and film, particularly in creating music for cinematic projects. Whether it’s composing original Saleka Shyamalan songs for a score or contributing in other production aspects, she is eager to explore diverse roles within this intersection.
Crafting the Sound of Lady Raven: Balancing Pop and Suspense
Creating music for Trap presented a unique challenge. Saleka explained that her father’s direction came from the characters’ perspectives and the film’s overall atmosphere. Her task was to develop a sound that could convincingly function as a pop concert within the movie, immersing the audience in Lady Raven’s world. Simultaneously, the music needed to resonate with the suspenseful and eerie elements of the plot, particularly Cooper’s character’s intense journey. This delicate balance required careful consideration for each scene, shifting emphasis as the narrative progressed, often leaning into Cooper’s perspective as the film intensified.
Collaborations that Elevate: Kid Cudi and Amaarae
A highlight of the project was collaborating with Kid Cudi. Saleka described him as a genuine artist who prioritizes the music itself. His graciousness was evident when he traveled to Philadelphia with his producer to work with Saleka in her studio. Together, they built a song from scratch, a novel experience for her. The resulting track, a blend of their distinct styles, felt like a true collaboration, moving beyond typical features that often lean towards one artist’s established sound. The creative process involved ongoing refinement of lyrics and production through virtual meetings, showcasing Kid Cudi’s open and collaborative spirit.
Saleka also expressed her admiration for Amaarae, with whom she collaborated. A long-time fan, along with her sisters, Saleka recognized Amaarae’s burgeoning global influence. For a specific track on the album, Saleka sought a feature that could bridge diverse musical influences, including Indian and African elements present in her music. Amaarae emerged as the ideal artist for this vision, and Saleka was thrilled with her participation.
Drawing Inspiration from Music Icons: Taylor Swift, Rihanna, and More
In developing the character of Lady Raven, Saleka drew inspiration from prominent female artists. Taylor Swift was a key reference, particularly in embodying the persona of a powerful, business-savvy artist who manages every facet of her career. Rosalía’s stage presence and fusion of flamenco with pop music also served as inspiration. Rihanna’s commanding stage presence, dance moves, and confidence were studied through past performances. For the movie’s more intimate, ballad-driven moments, Adele’s raw and vulnerable connection with her audience became a touchstone.
Essential New York Night Out: Inhaler and Lip Gloss
On a lighter note, Saleka shared a glimpse into her New York premiere night essentials. Humorously admitting she is not a frequent “out on the town” person, she learned some quick lessons about what’s necessary for such events. Her inhaler and lip gloss were crucial items in her bag. Hydration was a lesson learned, wishing she had brought a water bottle to stay refreshed throughout the night.
Saleka Shyamalan’s debut as Lady Raven and the release of her original songs for Trap marks an exciting chapter in her career. Her ability to blend pop sensibilities with the suspenseful atmosphere of the film showcases her unique artistic vision. With her talent and versatility, Saleka Shyamalan is poised to make a significant impact in both music and film.
