Musicians from a composition class have reworked the Wooli and Codeko hit track "Crazy" into an orchestral rendition.
In the heart of Los Angeles, EastWest Studios echoed with the magic of music as UCLA composition students Kian Ravaei and Robby Good, alongside orchestra conductor Robby Good, recorded the orchestral version of the EDM hit "Crazy." Originally composed by Wooli and Casey Cook, the track gained a new life with the addition of a 48-piece orchestra, consisting of performers from across Los Angeles, including more than two-dozen UCLA students and alumni.
The opportunity to orchestrate "Crazy" came to Kian and Robby through a UCLA alumnus mentor. The collaboration resulted in a strings-heavy arrangement that has been well-received, adding a new dimension to the original electronic track.
The orchestral version of "Crazy" was released on January 14 by Ophelia Records, marking a significant milestone for Kian and Robby, as well as many of the student and alumni performers involved. For some, it was their first official gig in over a year.
Kian expressed his excitement about the release, stating, "There's something uniquely magical about orchestral music." He went on to say, "It was a privilege to work on this project and see it come together."
The orchestra included a talented group of violinists, including Alec Norkey, Arielle Claire Kasyanova, Xenia Deviatkina-Loh, Isabella Mija Reyes, Lorenna Garcia, Leo Santi, Chris Cho, Haley Hedegard, and Emma Yim. Maggie Pan, Christina Perez, and Cash Langi were the performers on piano, harp, and bass drum, respectively. Masiel Medina, the cellist in the orchestra, contributed her skills to the ensemble.
Both Kian and Robby were supported by prestigious scholarships during their time at UCLA. Kian received the James Horner Composition Scholarship and the Elaine Krown Klein Fine Arts Scholarship this year. Robby Good is a Jerry Goldsmith Scholar and A. Atwater Kent Fellow. They learned the craft of orchestration under the mentorship of professors Dwayne Milburn, Kay Rhie, and Richard Danielpour.
Wooli and Casey Cook, the original artists of "Crazy," were present during the recording and were reportedly awestruck by the orchestra's performance. The collaboration between the UCLA students and the EDM duo has resulted in a unique blend of electronic and orchestral music, adding a fresh perspective to the world of EDM.
Despite the success of this project, detailed public profiles or biographies of Kian Ravaei and Robby Good beyond their roles as composition students at UCLA and their collaboration on "Crazy" are not widely available. However, Kian Ravaei has been noted as a composer, with a piece titled "The Little Things" composed in 2023, which has been well-received.
As the music industry continues to evolve, the collaboration between UCLA students and established artists serves as a testament to the talent and creativity of the next generation of composers and musicians. The orchestral version of "Crazy" is a shining example of this fusion, offering a new take on a popular EDM track while showcasing the skills of up-and-coming artists.
During their time at UCLA, education and self-development fueled Kian Ravaei and Robby Good's passion for music, leading to the orchestral version of the EDM hit "Crazy." In their spare time, they indulge in various forms of entertainment, especially music.
