Martin Gore and Cliff Damavandi release Cross Whisper on Mute

Martin Gore has released Cross Whisper, a collaboration with artist and lyricist Cliff Damavandi. Mute issued the track on October 20 alongside an official video. Gore’s daughter also contributes vocals. The release is a separate collaboration by the Depeche Mode founding songwriter, outside the band’s catalogue.

According to the label, its lyrical starting point was a conversation about birds, memory and bereavement. Damavandi wrote words in response to Gore’s account, before Gore composed the music. The story is presented as the song’s creative inspiration. Luca Bailey filmed the accompanying visualiser in Japan and England.

A six-track twelve-inch vinyl edition is scheduled for December 4, 2026. It combines the original with five remixes by ANNA, Regis, Vera Grace, Pye Corner Audio and boothnavy. The October digital release therefore precedes the separate physical edition. The player below carries Mute’s official video; the photograph shows Gore performing in London in 2009.