Artist Spotlight
An Intuitive Conversation with Love Power the Band’s Ananda Xenia Shakti
Ananda, congratulations on the release of “Songs From Source”! Can you tell us about the inspiration behind this twin release and what listeners can expect from the two tracks, “Are You Looking For Me” and “Hare Hare Dance”?
Hey, thanks so much it’s been really a total labour of love, every project is every song feels like you’re birthing another piece of your heart, but this one especially feels that way to me. The songs are inspirational life-affirming tracks that are EDM style, and that something really new for our band, but it just came naturally with the songs
We understand that “Are You Looking For Me” draws inspiration from the 15th-century Indian mystic poet Kabir Das. How did Kabir’s poem influence the creation of this track, and what elements did you incorporate to capture its essence?
Are you looking for me? Is the name of one of Kabir‘s most famous poems and and in essence what he’s talking about is our confused seeking for divinity when in reality, it lives right inside you it is the person who’s sitting next to you You can never be separated from it.
I used a number of lines from his poem for the lyrics of the song and then I heard some new ones that I dared to add. I feel like he would be really happy that I did that. Because he was all about breaking form and bringing in what’s fresh and new. He lived in India at a time when tradition was basically the whole experience of life, and he broke it over and over again, because he saw a different truth.
“Hare Hare Dance” is described as an adaptation of an ancient Krishna chant into a modern dance song. Can you share more about the process of transforming this traditional chant into a contemporary musical experience?
When I’m living in India, I live in a city called Vrindavan. It was the home of Krishna and his consort Radha when they were embodied and it is the home of Bhakti yoga, the path of devotion. In the path of devotion, as our acts of prayer and meditation we sing and dance. Mostly we sing what most people call the Hare Krishna mantra. Its constantly going through your mind because you’re hearing people chanting it and singing it everywhere you go.
You recorded “Hare Hare Dance” in Vrindavan, India, during Krishna’s birthday celebration. How did the atmosphere and energy of the city during this time influence the recording process, and what was it like to capture that magic in the studio?
Krishna’s birthday in Vrindavan is a massive celebration and this past year it actually fell on my birthday, which I happen to be alone in India for. To celebrate I was singing and dancing in a traditional way, then I started to hear some beautiful tunes coming through, then the vision laying them down on top of dance beats activated. I got so excited about what I was hearing that I contacted the engineer that I usually record with and asked him if he j happen to be free and he said to come right over When I told him it was my birthday too, he was so excited, in India birthdays are really special. So there we were Krishna‘s birthday and my birthday, I told him what I was hearing and we started to create it was pure magic. It over flowed with love and it was the easiest track we have recorded together
As the lead vocalist and primary composer for Love Power the Band, how do you approach songwriting and composition to create music that embodies the band’s message of love, joy, and gratitude?
The music that I write, for the band is inspired by the Intuitive Readings, and the Angelic Realm guidance that I receive for people in their healing journeys. I hear certain pieces of wisdom being shared from the subtle realms, and they start to turn into songs.
It happens out of pure love, an inspiration. It’s never a sit down effort. The songs birth out of joy, and hopefully they inspire joy and others!
Your background includes a successful career in the punk scene, touring with bands like the Clash and singing with Blondie. How has your journey from the punk scene to Bhakti yoga influenced your musical style and approach to performance?
Having been a performer in the height of the punk world, with world famous acts I was used to performing in large venues to a lot of people. I was used to performing in ways that were really high energy and innovative and I was used to the music creating a very dynamic vibe with the audience. I was also used to what I consider to be the unfortunate dynamics of fame, and the separation that it creates out of idealization.
Love Power The Band concerts are described as unique happenings where the audience becomes part of the interactive music experience. How do you create this sense of oneness and connection between the performers and the audience during your live shows?
So with Love Power I wanted to do some thing different. I wanted us to be high energy, but I wanted to include the audience as a true part of the music because what I’ve come to understand since those Punk days is that we are the music. Therefore separation between audience and performer is adding to the disempowering pain of separation , which does not awaken new consciousness. To me a musicians obligation at this time in the world is not to merely entertain it’s to awaken the music within those that come to share that sacred space with them.
Could you share a memorable experience from one of your live performances where the audience’s participation truly enhanced the energy and atmosphere of the show?
Every time we play an interactive show, the smiles on peoples faces when they start to drop into the fun of it is so inspiring I can’t put it into words. They never want it to end, and either do we !
What do you hope listeners will take away from “Songs From Source” and the music of Love Power the Band as a whole?
I truly hope that our music inspires listeners to enquire within for their wholeness for the connection to divinity and to awaken a communion with Oneness and the festival of life. I hope their hearts and lives are led by the beautiful melodies rising from within them directly from source frequency. This is really what the title songs from source means
Finally, where can listeners find “Songs From Source” and stay updated on your upcoming releases and live performances?
Songs from source can be found on all of the major platforms and fans are invited to join our You Tube
Quantum Awakening & Love Power the Band to see our beautiful music videos And have access to many quantum healing posts. And follow us on Insta @lovepowertheband
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MOON AND ARIES unveils soulful serenade with its new single, “Slow Motion”
In 2021, German producer Tom Aries and Canadian songstress Jordana Moon teamed up for the first time as MOON AND ARIES. Their collaborative project struck gold with their latest sonic masterpiece, “Slow Motion,” which has been widely acclaimed. This track is the first glimpse into their ambitious LP, which promises 12-themed tracks to accompany each month of the year, showcasing their alchemical magic.
“Slow Motion” begins with Tom Aries introducing a reggae-tinged piano rhythm that seamlessly merges with a chilled ambient groove. It creates an inviting auditory landscape that immediately evokes relaxation and introspection. Tom’s classical piano background and electronic prowess shine through, producing a lush instrumental tapestry that feels nostalgic yet refreshingly contemporary. The backdrop incorporates elements reminiscent of Kraftwerk’s precision and Röyksopp’s dreamy atmospherics.
Jordana Moon’s vocal performance is nothing short of hypnotic, delivering a rich, warm, and slightly wistful voice as she weaves a poetic tale of new beginnings. Each lyric is delivered with a philosophical soliloquy, elevating the track from a mere listening experience to reflect on their introspective creative songwriting and diverse musical influences from Lauryn Hill to Massive Attack, adding depth to her nuanced lyrical delivery that resonates on multiple levels.
The synergy between Tom and Jordana is palpable, making “Slow Motion” such a standout track. This track is an ideal addition to your downtempo and electronic sounds for those laid-back summer vibe playlists, offering a tranquil retreat from the tumult of daily life. The song’s thematic emphasis on embracing one’s rhythm and pace is empowering and soothing, a gentle reminder to savor the slow moments.
For fans of thoughtful, genre-blending music, “Slow Motion” is a pleasure to the ears and a balm for the soul. MOON AND ARIES have given audiences a beautiful standout song with a soulful anthem for embracing life at our own pace.
For more information about MOON AND ARIES, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM MOON AND ARIES’ “Slow Motion“ on Spotify.
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Artist Spotlight
Sara Sue Vallee delivers a nostalgic realm of yearning in her new single, “Baby Girl”
Montreal-based singer-songwriter Sara Sue Vallee’s latest single, “Baby Girl,” is a delicate and poignant journey through the bittersweet nature of memories of her time in New York. Known for her introspective delivery and poetic songwriting, Vallee channels her experiences into a love letter to a city that shaped her artistic identity. The song exudes an emotional depth akin to a sincere dialogue with a long-lost friend.
“Baby Girl” embodies bedroom pop’s ethereal and melancholic sounds, drawing inspiration from artists like Gracie Abrams, Lana Del Rey, Sasha Alex Sloan, and Lizzy McAlpine. The song begins with minimalistic instrumentals that beautifully complement Vallee’s gentle, emotive vocals, allowing her poignant lyrics to take center stage. Through her heartfelt storytelling, Vallee invites listeners into a world of nostalgia and yearning, exploring themes of love, grief, and the profound impact of meaningful places.
Vallee’s songwriting exhibits a distinctly cinematic quality, reflecting her background in acting and filmmaking. Each verse masterfully captures the ambivalent relationship with the city that once represented vibrancy but now exists as a haunting memory pervaded by wistful reflections on what might have been. The song delves into the bittersweet contemplation of the imperative yet painful process of relinquishment, underscored by a mournful acknowledgment of an unrealized dream, symbolizing a space where aspirations were conceived and subsequently receded into the realm of memories.
After completing the Artist Entrepreneur program at Canada Music Incubator, Sara Sue Vallee proves herself to be an artist to watch. She offers a touching tribute to a chapter of her life with “Baby Girl.” This track provides an ethereal sonic experience with pop-rock hooks and a lush soundscape, serving as a perfect backdrop for Vallee’s storytelling. “Baby Girl” is a valuable addition to any playlist, particularly for aficionados of entertaining and emotionally evocative music. It is a must-listen for those who have experienced the anguish of relinquishing a long-cherished aspiration.
For more information about Sara Sue Vallee, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Sara Sue Vallee’s “Baby Girl“ on Spotify.
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