Music evolving at faster pace: US record producer Timbaland

New Delhi: His musical productions have helped create career-defining moments for artists like Ludacris, Snoop Dogg and Jay Z, and with a decade of experience working with musicians from all over the world, American record producer Timbaland feels globalisation has accelerated the evolution of music. "I think music is in a greater stage of evolution as the world gets more connected.. now the music evolves in faster pace," Timbaland told IANS in an email interview from Beverly Hills.

"The industry has become very competitive and this translates to more quality," he added. Starting as a disc jockey (DJ), Timbaland got a career breakthrough in 1996 when he went mainstream by producing singer Aaliyah`s album ‘One in a Million’ and singer Ginuwine`s debut album ‘Ginuwine...the Bachelor’. The 40-year-old producer is imbued with cross-cultural influences. So no wonder he is among the most sought after producers for a diverse range of artists. From American pop star Justin Timberlake to Icelandic singer-songwriter Bjork, he has collaborated with all. After building the career blocks of singers like Jodeci, Ludacris and Jay Z, Timbaland, whose real name is Timothy Zachery Mosley, is set to add his golden touch to Puerto Rican singer Noelia`s tunes. He says ‘Kiss me’ singer Noelia has all the ingredients of being a ‘global star’. "Noelia is first of all a great human being, a true talented artist, who needed to be discovered from within herself. It was a joy for me and my team to work with her," said Timbaland, who has also worked with pop stars like Madonna and Jennifer Lopez. "(Noelia is) one of the best we ever work with, a true talent, and that`s why she is on the quest of conquering the world. She has all the ingredients to be a global star," he added. Their yet-to-be-titled album features a range of musical styles like pop and ballads. Timbaland welcomes India becoming one of the favourite destinations for international artists, who either come down to perform or collaborate with Indian artists for their work. It is a promising trend, he says. "It is a natural thing to happen, the more the world connects, the more we will be integrated to new frontiers, cultures and music. We are open always to new ventures and horizons," he said. Timbaland has quite a fan following in India too. Asked if he plans to perform here, he said: "It is always a great feeling to know that my work is highly appreciated in other parts of the world and India and Asia in general is very important part of the new music revolution." IANS