Uma Nanda Saraswati:
Lead Vocals, Composition
Sri Michael:
Lead Vocals, Composition, Executive Production
Influences
Sting, The Police, Russell Simmons, Sky Cries Mary, Shree Maa, Bhagavan Das, Dead Can Dance, Lisa Gerrard, Loreena Mckennitt, Arlo Guthrie, Bob Marley, Bob Dylan, Ravi Shankar, Ali Akbar Khan, The Beatles, George Harrison, Stevie Wonder, Jim Morrison, Bill Withers, Van Morrison, Hafiz, P-Funk, Madonna, James Brown, Jagit Singh, Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, The Funky Meters, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Grateful Dead, Otis Redding, David Bowie, The Rolling Stones, James Taylor, John Coltrane, Alice Coltrane, Johnny Cash, Maria Callas, Andrea Bocelli, Mike D., The Beastie Boys, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Marvin Gaye, Donovan, Nina Hagen, Rusted Root, Michael Franti, Sheryl Crow, R. Carlos Nakai, Seal, Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, Alison Krauss,Timbaland, Juno Reactor, Fairuz, Oum Kalthoum
Sounds Like
“Missy Elliott and a group of Hare Krishna's walking through a cathedral after dropping acid on a planet that never existed.”
Collaborations Include Sting, Russell Simmons, and Roderick & Anisa Romero of Sky Cries Mary
NEW YORK, NY - September 8 - Lokah Music today announced the availability of their groundbreaking debut CD, “The Ivy Ceiling”. Now available on iTunes, “The Ivy Ceiling” bridges the spiritual with the modern, the eclectic with influences of electronica, funk, rock and pop, and the upbeat with the serene. The collective creation and vision of two artists -- Sri Michael and Uma Nanda Saraswati - “The Ivy Ceiling” beautifully merges the ancient Indian art of Kirtan with contemporary musical styles of the 21st century, fusing East and West in a melodic tapestry of epic proportions.
The ten track CD blends Sanskrit mantras and highly textured beats in a cross-cultural expanse of sound. “The Ivy Ceiling” features the vocal styling of Sting on the track, "Ma Durga" and a soulful spoken word introduction by Hip-Hop mogul Russell Simmons. In addition, Roderick and Anisa Romero of the Seattle-based underground band, Sky Cries Mary, are featured on backup vocals throughout the compilation.
“We are thrilled with the release of our debut album,” said Sri Michael. “This is the realization of a long-held dream to blend a variety of influences and sounds that would appeal to a large cross-section of music lovers and bring them a message of universal peace and love.”
Long influenced by spirituality and particularly the practice of yoga, Sri Michael and Uma decided to blend their collective talents and influences to create a collection of songs that bridge the ancient and the modern, the spiritual and the sublime.
The word Lokah means, the universe, or all beings in the universe. It is also the title of the last track of the album. The lyrics of the last track, Lokah, are "Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu", which is translated as "May all beings everywhere be happy and free". The band named themselves Lokah as an expression of hope and acknowledgment that a world where all beings are happy and free is possible. It starts with each individual and the contributions made towards that happiness and freedom for all beings by each individual. No contribution is too small and each one will make a difference.
"The Ivy Ceiling is a real embodiment of everything Sri Michael and I love and hold dear," added Uma Nanda Saraswati. "The upliftment of consciousness through the spirituality of yoga, the feeling inherent in the meaning of the ancient chants, and the creation of divinely beautiful melodies. The music comes alive when you bring these three factors together into union.
"The Ivy Ceiling" is available here, on iTunes, and on Lokahmusic.com.
Sri Michael and Uma Nanda Saraswati offer their deepest heartfelt gratitude to all of the artisits who selflessly contributed to the creation of The Ivy Ceiling:
Hey, here's a link to download "Heavy In The Beats Vol. 1 - A Different Drum", the first installment in a FREE mixtape series dedicated to giving up and coming drummers exposure. "Volume 1" focuses on the avant garde side of the instrument, and features pieces from Billy Martin (of Medeski Martin & Wood), myself, and others! ENJOY!
Wow, Lokah, congrats on the release; I've been checking back to your page every once and awhile, and what did I find this time, while reading your bio!!! It's amazing how all that effort and love poured into your album is now conveniently available on itunes. I must have it!!!
I've been in the studio non-stop too, getting new songs done. Formed a new band called, "Kumbha Mela".
Michael and Uma, CONGRATULATIONS on the successful launch of "Ivy Ceiling" last Wednesday night at Bruno Jamais Restaurant in NYC. WHAT A NIGHT! --Here's a little token from the evening with fellow album performers STING and RUSSELL SIMMONS:
Russell Simmons and your legal rep and friend David Aelion:
~ * Lokah Samastah Sukhinoh Bhavantu * ~ May ALL beings be happy, at peace & free from suffering ~ no exceptions!!
Namaste Uma & Michael, Thank you for welcoming me into your network, it is a pleasure to connect circles with you : ) Do you remember me from JYS Lafayette St. / Ananda Ashram days? Sending you many blessings for success with your ventures & for happiness in love & life. Have a glorious day!
May you walk in Beauty, May the Long Time Sun shine upon you, Bliss & Bles*sings, Kamaniya xox
>> Click here to visit my blog. Tommy Be is my genius music partner, >> click here to enjoy his Vibratribe CD.
I heard the CD looks phenomenal. Thank you so much for including me. I am so very proud to have been part of this magnificent production...even if a tiny part.
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