Devendra Banhart Teams Up With GZA

American songwriter Devendra Banhart is set to release a new single containing a contribution from rap icon GZA.

With his flowing hair and beard Devendra Banhart is the poster boy for the newly emerging wyrd folk generation. Clutching an acoustic guitar the singer's frail voice and surreal songwriting have made him a cult favourite.

However Devendra Banhart could be set to break new ground with the songwriter due to team up with Wu Tang Clan member GZA.

In a new interview with Paste Magazine the songwriter reveals that he met the rap icon after DJing at a party alongside fellow Wu Tang member RZA. RZA introduced GZA to Banhart's music, with the pair first chatting together after a performance at Coachella.

"I played Coachella, and, lo and behold, I looked on the sidelines and there was GZA. I was stunned," Banhart explained.

"So we hung out and talked – we talked about atomic energy and how the sun is powered. We talked about dark matter. Then I sent him my catalogue. And he said "Hey man, will you write some stuff? Let's write together.'"

GZA has recorded a freestyle verse for a version of Devendra Banhart's forthcoming single 'Baby'. The singer was quick to pay tribute to the influence of Wu Tang Clan:

"Not everybody knows I'm a big fan of Wu-Tang. I started making music thanks to skate videos, and a big part of skateboarding at the time was hip-hop. The first thing I ever did with a printer was print out the Wu-Tang symbol – the W – and just glue it on my skateboard."