ABOUT THE ALBUM

FOREWARD

Much of the time, until the need arrives, we don’t look for changes in life. Comfort is often seen in the realm of regularity, and no one could have thought about the existence of a “new normal.” We all lived in the manner we established for ourselves before the COVID-19 pandemic shook the core of our lives. While we were trying to process this jarring devastation, life as we knew it ceased to exist, and we were thrust into a mode of living with which we were entirely unfamiliar.

Our go-to persons, comfort zones, and social circles were no longer in our approach. Seeking human interaction was rendered fruitless during the unwelcome hardships and dynamics of the pandemic. The outcome meant that many people were separated from their spiritual practices and communities. We were stuck and alone, not only physically but emotionally. Simply put, in an atmosphere of restricted physical presence, people across the globe started spending time with themselves. All we could do as individuals were to reflect. We sought solace within ourselves. There is no finite form to describe this virtue; all that remained was Spirit…

In our fast-paced world of predefined timelines, inherent with perpetual urgency, we often fail to emphasize the importance of spiritual work–to pause, and to think. Many people endured additional difficulties managing their finances and the loss of their careers, and the sudden forced perception of a lack of poise and dignity. And their spiritual fulfillment. Searching for a ray of hope, they set out on a path of the healing of self. A mass-scale journey and rejuvenation of believing in one’s own spirit began.

It was the hour of evolution, for the metamorphosis into a version of ourselves with which we had previously been unconnected. It was our rebirth of awareness within ourselves, and we sought and acknowledged the entire galaxies existing therein. It was time to unearth our new path of exploration beyond the physical and the conscious.

It is this journey of finding one’s self amid chaos, obtaining a solution from within, and learning to celebrate comfort with one’s self that inspired Aakasha. Amidst the mayhem, we embarked upon a quest to create music that is not only soothing but also tranquil and meditative, providing solace to those looking for hope and love. This music was created with the intention to support all, assist them with meditation, and realign them with their unique inner voices.

This light which fills us with clarity of purpose after a period of complete darkness is known as Aakasha.

What is Aakasha?

(ɑːˈkɑːʃə) NOUN: the ether, regarded as including material and nonmaterial entities in a common medium.

The word Aakasha has evolved from Akash, and finds its essence in the Sanskrit root word, “as”, meaning “to be”. It also encompasses, and translates to, “primary substance”–that which existed before the evolution of the five essential elements (earth, water, fire, air, and space), and forms the core of all things in the universe.

According to Vedantic philosophy, the word technically means “an ethereal fluid imagined as pervading the cosmos”. Our album, Aakasha, is a soulful assemblage of 11 New Age meditative tracks, and finds its footing in these definitions. This music is created with the purpose of imparting healing while, and finding comfort in, being with one’s self. The essence of Aakasha assists in our transcendence beyond the body and the conscience, and into exploration of the vast depth of the cosmos, in order to find the light within ourselves, and to embrace the solace of spirituality. Aakasha invites the awakening of one’s inner teacher, tapping into the powers of intuition, elevating one’s spiritual level, and radiating empathy.

Aakasha is the Guru showing us the path to our destination–one of self-awareness, renewal, and recuperative transcendence.

ALBUM CONCEPT

In 2020, we were, with all of humanity, isolated and inwardly seeking peace and hope. We all got together (most often via technology) and, by sheer serendipity, we realized the commonality of our spiritual journeys, and our mutual desire and vision to serve, and to alleviate the pain of so many. While enduring the restrictive quarantines still in effect, some divine power had spilled its magic on our souls, and as it increased in concentration, Soul Diviners came into being. Magnificent people continued to join hands, all to serve one cause–that of helping the world and its people to heal. Born from the artistry, and efforts, of these caring hearts and insightful minds is Aakasha, the first album created and compiled by Soul Diviners, and released through Resensitize Records in partnership with Metamorphosis Agency, LLC.

Aakasha treasures spiritual chants and mellifluous New Age music, an amalgam of Indian and western confluence, featuring playful instrumentation, ancient chants, heartfelt vocals, and extraordinarily poignant sound design. Aakasha is infused and enriched with inherent proprietary binaural beat-based frequency technology (Spiritual Tech), developed over many years. The music’s intent is to create artistic inspiration, relaxation, and optimism. It is, at its core, a direct method of stress management, bridging us from our current state to a one of ecstasy. Aakasha is a gift of love to the universe residing within us.

Significance of “11”

Why 11 tracks? 11 is a signal from the universe, a divine gift. The number 11 is explained as a master number in numerology. It represents growth, revival, and our connection to the divine metaphysical world. It is considered a Karmic number, which is associated with spiritual awakening. It is a sign which unleashes the power of our brains to see beyond sight. The number 11 is also known as the inner teacher, indicating one’s preparedness to ascend to full spirituality, and allows one to tap into the ultimate powers of intuition.

11 is the number of growth; its presence signals the expansion of consciousness, and of self-knowledge. Dynamic energies create sparks of creativity between inventive minds, resulting in charismatic, unusual, and idealistic manifestations, and the revelation of a state of spiritual enlightenment, as one’s mind and heart prepare for tremendous acts beyond those simply visualized. A primary life goal is now in the forefront, awaiting pursuit–its prompt from the demiurge, inciting transformation cohesive with one’s intuition, longings, and thoughts.

SONGS

Awakening (5:08)

In the predawn, the pregnant darkness before all things begin to rise, there is a great gathering of energy. The first chant is the chant of divine awakening. Praying to the mother of creation, Gayatri, the veda-maata––“the mother of the vedas”, gives us the wisdom to accept our existence. We pray to the great lord, Brahma, and the power behind the entire creation, to propel us forward in life. May we awaken.

Cool Down (4:25)

Sometimes, when we are agitated, we are ignited by the heat of the moment, which can engulf our thinking and emotional states. Our egos fan the flames of our agitation, making matters worse, not better. In order to soothe and solve, we need to cool down. We need to quiet our burning passion with the cool rain of clarity.

Surrender (3:54)

We surrender to the divine light, to the divine rhythm of Aakasha, through which our breath flows flawlessly, and music breathes life through every note. We surrender, only to soar and fly free!

Glimmer (4:26)

“You’re the joy of pure elation! No more pain, or odd persuasion.

You, and we, glimmer…”

Path Of Love (4:40)

“Lovers don’t finally meet somewhere. They’re in each other all along.” ~ Rumi

I looked everywhere. But found nothing. I looked within and found myself. I found my heart, exactly where it’s supposed to be. Exactly like it’s supposed to be. A journey, that I thought ended, is magically continuing. A journey in love. My path–of love.

The Seeker Knows (4:28)

Sometimes, it is hard to tell fact from fiction. The landscape of information is so full and often cluttered. It can be hard to tell what is real. The Seeker knows that the truth is always present, even when surrounded and obscured by untruths and distractions. Those willing to go on the thoughtful quest for truth, through inspection and consideration, will find that which they seek, for the Truth is always there.

Truth (4:23)

“Satyam Param Dhimahi”

What you call yours was never yours! It’s time to stop; it’s time to burn and drop whatever we have collected through our journey. It’s time for stillness, and to look beyond what you possessed, or what possessed you, and rediscover yourself within the never-changing omnipresent self. The absolute truth. Let’s meditate on the absolute truth.

Parts of One (4:15)

We are one. How am I to know you, but through my own understanding of you? How am I to understand you, but through my own understanding of myself? When I see you, I am using my lens, so am I seeing you? Or myself?

Returning (4:17)

Return to your inner peace, your inner joy, and your source. Return to the lap of the mother divine, and prepare yourself to move ahead. For, all that matters is where you are, who you are, and what you are. Return–to yourself, within yourself.

Sublimity (4:31)

Can you feel the sublime energy that courses through, and around, us? If you sit very still and quiet your mind, can you feel it? Life is energy. Breath is energy. We are pure energy. Energy rolls in, out, and through us always. There is no moment more important than right here and now, full of the energy of this moment.

Guru Om (4:33)

I pray to the love, joy, and happiness within me. I pray to the highest consciousness, Shiva, the absolute truth, Brahma, and the absolute joy, Narayana, all within me. I pray to the Mother Divine, the knowledge and the life-giving nature keeping me steadfast, anchored deeply within the never-changing, immovable, Self. I pray to you and I pray to me, the Guru within me. Guru Om.

CREDITS

Overall credits

Music Producers
Monika Ryan, Siddhant Bhatia, Keerthy Narayanan, Mia Moravis

Arrangers
Nirvaan Kelly Rai, Manas Mishra, Tapas Kalai, Rishabh Banerjee (SoulTrax Studios, New Delhi, India)

Audio Engineers and Sound Design
Siddhant Bhatia (SoulTrax Studios, New Delhi, India), Prathyash Ariyil (SoulTrax Studios, New Delhi, India),
Monika Ryan, John Kilgore (Kilgore Sound & Recording, NY, NY), Mia Moravis

Mixing
Siddhant Bhatia (SoulTrax Studios, New Delhi, India)

Mastering
Oscar Autie (El Cerrito Records)

Art Direction
Charu Chopra

Song Credits

Awakening (5:08)
Vocalist: Monika Ryan
Vocalist: Siddhant Bhatia (SoulTrax Studios, New Delhi, India)
Ambient Vocal Effects: Mia Moravis
Spoken Word: Gregg Braden (Passage from Wisdom Codes)
Chanting: Tapan Kumar Dash, Gatikrishna Panda, Anil Kulkarni, Pradeep Panda, Prafulla Kumar Dash
Cello: Martha Reich
Dulcimer: Martha Reich
Keyboards: Keerthy Narayanan (SoulTrax Studios, New Delhi, India)
Music: Monika Ryan, Keerthy Narayanan (SoulTrax Studios, New Delhi, India)

Cool Down (4:25)
Vocalist: Monika Ryan
Vocalist: Siddhant Bhatia (SoulTrax Studios, New Delhi, India)
Ambient Vocal Effects: Mia Moravis
Piano: Charu Suri
Violin: Danish Ali
Tabla: Zuheb Ahmed Khan
Music: Siddhant Bhatia (SoulTrax Studios, New Delhi, India), Monika Ryan
Lyrics: Monika Ryan

Surrender (3:54)
Flute: Pravin Godkhindi
Kanjeera: Swaminathan Selvaganesh
Ambient Vocals: Mia Moravis
Guitar: Russ Hewitt
Keyboards: Keerthy Narayanan (SoulTrax Studios, New Delhi, India)
Synthesizers: Siddhant Bhatia (SoulTrax Studios, New Delhi, India)
Kalimba: Monika Ryan
Organic Percussion: Mia Moravis
Music: Siddhant Bhatia (SoulTrax Studios, New Delhi, India), Keerthy Narayanan (SoulTrax Studios, New Delhi, India)

Glimmer (4:26)
Vocalist: Mia Moravis
Keyboards: Keerthy Narayanan (SoulTrax Studios, New Delhi, India)
Synthesizers: Siddhant Bhatia (SoulTrax Studios, New Delhi, India)
Organic Percussion: Monika Ryan
Music: Mia Moravis, Keerthy Narayanan (SoulTrax Studios, New Delhi, India), Monika Ryan, Siddhant Bhatia (SoulTrax Studios, New Delhi, India)
Lyrics: Mia Moravis

Path Of Love (4:40)
Vocalist: Siddhant Bhatia (SoulTrax Studios, New Delhi, India)
Ambient Vocals: Mia Moravis
Mandolin: U Rajesh
Keyboards: Keerthy Narayanan (SoulTrax Studios, New Delhi, India)
Ukulele: Monika Ryan
Music: Siddhant Bhatia (SoulTrax Studios, New Delhi, India)
Lyrics: Siddhant Bhatia (SoulTrax Studios, New Delhi, India)

The Seeker Knows (4:28)
Vocalist: Monika Ryan
Ambient Vocals: Mia Moravis
Keyboards: Keerthy Narayanan (SoulTrax Studios, New Delhi, India)
Synthesizers: Siddhant Bhatia (SoulTrax Studios, New Delhi, India)
Organic Percussions: Mia Moravis
Music: Siddhant Bhatia (SoulTrax Studios, New Delhi, India), Monika Ryan, Keerthy Narayanan (SoulTrax Studios, New Delhi, India)
Lyrics: Monika Ryan

Truth (4:23)
Vocalist: Siddhant Bhatia (SoulTrax Studios, New Delhi, India)
Flute: Pravin Godkhindi
Keyboards: Keerthy Narayanan (SoulTrax Studios, New Delhi, India)
Tibetan Singing Bowl: Monika Ryan
Organic Percussion: Monika Ryan, Mia Moravis
Ambient Vocals: Mia Moravis
Music: Siddhant Bhatia (SoulTrax Studios, New Delhi, India)
Lyrics: Srimad Bhagwatam (ancient Indian text)

Parts of One (4:15)
Vocalist: Monika Ryan
Spoken Word: Gregg Braden (Passage from Wisdom Codes)
Keyboards: Keerthy Narayanan (SoulTrax Studios, New Delhi, India)
Synthesizers: Siddhant Bhatia (SoulTrax Studios, New Delhi, India)
Ambient Vocals: Mia Moravis
Music: Monika Ryan, Keerthy Narayanan (SoulTrax Studios, New Delhi, India)
Lyrics: Monika Ryan

Returning (4:17)
Sitar: Adnan Khan
Vocal Soloist: Monika Ryan
Ambient Vocals: Mia Moravis
Choir: Alvina D’Souza, Riya Tickoo, Nishka Bhushan
Choir Coordinator: Sumer Bhatia
Keyboards: Keerthy Narayanan (SoulTrax Studios, New Delhi, India)
Synthesizers: Siddhant Bhatia (SoulTrax Studios, New Delhi, India)
Music: Siddhant Bhatia (SoulTrax Studios, New Delhi, India)

Sublimity (4:31)
Vocalist: Monika Ryan
Piano: Charu Suri
Keyboards: Keerthy Narayanan (SoulTrax Studios, New Delhi, India)
Synthesizers: Siddhant Bhatia (SoulTrax Studios, New Delhi, India)
Organic Percussions: Mia Moravis
Music: Siddhant Bhatia (SoulTrax Studios, New Delhi, India), Monika Ryan
Lyrics: Monika Ryan

Guru Om (4:33)
Vocalist: Siddhant Bhatia (SoulTrax Studios, New Delhi, India)
Backing vocals: Monika Ryan, Mia Moravis
Flute: Pravin Godkhindi
Guitar: Tarshito Behr
Piano: Charu Suri
Keyboard: Sydney Barker
Sitar: Adnan Khan
Tabla: Zuheb Ahmed Khan
Female Vocals: Vidhi Sharma
Sarangi: Mudassir Khan
Tibetan Singing Bowl: Monika Ryan
Additional Music Programming: Aldo Arechar, Bharath Rajeevan, Premkumar Sivaperuman
Music: Siddhant Bhatia (SoulTrax Studios, New Delhi, India)
Lyrics: Siddhant Bhatia (SoulTrax Studios, New Delhi, India)

GRATITUDE

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar; Jeremy Ryan; Dr. Madhu Bhatia; Saroj Bharat Thakkar; Mrs. PP Sharda; Urmila Devi; Chris McCartie; Soul Diviners Co-Founders Sandipan Chattopadhyay, Mallika Thakkar, and Sakshi Gurnani; SoulTrax Studios; Resensitize Records; Signal Analytics Pvt. Ltd.

Our heartfelt gratitude to Ishika Singh for music visuals, Anushree Roy for album layout, and Molly Mehrotra for album content. We are grateful to Gaurav Chintamani (Director, Audio School), Ananya Sengupta (Assistant Director, Programmes), and the entire team of SACAC Audio School. Extending heartfelt gratitude to my family. My everlasting gratitude goes to my spiritual teachers and communities who have supported and expanded my heart and lens in this beautiful journey. With love!

~ Monika Ryan

I’m grateful to my father, mother, sister, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Mallika, Sandipan, Charu and Sakshi; my music Gurus, Ustad Munir Khan, Mazhar-Jawaad Ali Khan, dearest Kala Ramnath, Ustad Rashid Khan and Vasundhara Vidalur. Audio Engineering professors: Premkumar Sivaperuman, Hentry Kuruvilla, and Rene Ferm; on-the-job mentors Indraneel Hariharan and Lokesh Dhawan. The entire SoulTrax and Soul Diviners team and all amazing artists I have met along the way who helped make Aakasha a reality. I wish my fellow producers a world of joy and togetherness. Loka Samasta Sukhino Bhavantu. Guru Om!

~ Siddhant Bhatia

I am deeply indebted to my friend, brother, and spiritual connection, Siddhant Bhatia, for bringing me on board at the right time and helping me propel forward in this miraculous journey, and the future milestones in my life. Thank you to everyone who gave an ear to our music creation. I hope you feel soothed in the same way as I felt while mixing one of my favorite tracks in the album. Peace and Eternal love.

~ Keerthy Narayanan

Am honored to be included in this glorious realm of Aakasha—truly, a most meaningful time in music, in our world, and for pure elation. Aakasha allowed me a trek through my heart, and am sure it will for many others as we, together, glimmer…

~ Mia Moravis

Special thanks to Siddhant Bhatia for creating this amazing album, Aakasha. Heartfelt gratitude and many thanks to all artists, creative people, our teams at Soul Diviners, SoulTrax, and Signal, all of our partners, investors and, especially, the blessings from our elders, Gurus, and parents.

~ Mallika Thakkar

A big shout-out to everyone who has helped shape who I am today. A special mention to my parents, my brother and sister (in-law) for their unparalleled support and lastly, to Ira, who keeps me humble & grounded with unconditional love.

~ Charu Chopra

I am highly grateful to the Divine Universe which resides within us, for always blessing, protecting, loving, and guiding us. My existence today is a beautiful constellation of all the genial people I have come across on my journey. I extend my sincere gratitude to the Universe, my parents, grandparents, brother, Bunny (my paw-dorable friend), and all my friends-turned-family for always standing by my side and putting their faith in me.

~ Sakshi Gurnani