Gaura Vani & As Kindred Spirits (sometimes known just as As Kindred Spirits) is a musical project signed to Equal Vision Records' new sub-label, Mantralogy. They perform Krishna-conscious music.
Gaura Vani & As Kindred Spirits | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Los Angeles, California |
| Genres | World, Kirtan, Mantra Music |
| Years active | 1998-present |
| Labels | Equal Vision Records/Mantralogy |
| Members | Gaura Vani Shyam Kishore Vrinda Rani Jvala Mukhi Nistha Raj |
| Website | Official Website |
History
editAs Kindred Spirits was founded in 1998 by Gaura Vani and Shyam Kishore to bring kirtan, a genre of spiritual music from India, to the United States. The music "combines traditional Indian kirtan music with Western elements such as 12-string guitar, gospel choruses, and hip-hop rhythms".[1]
Gaura Vani was born in Los Angeles, but at the age of six, moved to Vrindavan, India to study sacred music at a gurukula. There, he learned how to play traditional Indian instruments, such as the harmonium. He brought his knowledge back to the United States, where he formed As Kindred Spirits with Shyam Kishore, a professionally trained Indian percussionist/multi-instrumentalist.
The band performs regularly at yoga studios and temples, along with touring to larger venues and festivals, such as Lollapalooza.[1] They also tour internationally to countries such as Brazil and India. They also founded the first ever sold-out Chant4Change kirtan-festival in Washington, DC during President Obama's inauguration.[1]
In 2009, As Kindred Spirits became the first band signed to Equal Vision's new, kirtan sub-label, Mantrology. Their second album, Ten Million Moons, is the first release on Mantralogy.[2]
Band members
editGaura Vani - vocals, harmonium
Shyam Kishore - tabla, sarod
Vrinda Rani - bharatanatyam dancer
Acyuta Gopi - vocals
Ananta Govinda - mrdanga (khol) [brother to Acyuta Gopi]
Jvala Mukhi - backing vocals, tambura
Nistha Raj - violin
Various other musicians perform at various shows, most being local musicians.
Discography
edit- Nectar of Devotion (2003)
- Ten Million Moons (2009)
References
edit- ^ a b c Underwood, Tripp (September 18, 2009). "East meets West". The Boston Globe. New York Times Company. Retrieved 4 April 2010.
- ^ "Equal Vision Records Announces Mantralogy - GauraVani.com".