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The Sacred Language, music from the Soul

Music for meditation and movement: yoga, dance, martial arts and drumming!  A painter of timeless soundscapes DeFever has captured a powerful and compelling connection to the source.  ... ...

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Arden of Eden
Bio:
ARDEN of EDEN is husband and wife, Mary Arden Collins and Mark Gorman. Mark's bass playing and signature dreadlocks make him instantly recognizable in the kirtan community, touring with the likes of Krishna Das, Steve Ross, Dave Stringer, Donna DeLory, Girish and more. Mary Arden has lent her... more
Click play to listen to "The Light (Om Namah Shivaya)"
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Interview with Arden of Eden
YM: Congratulations on the new album!!! Please describe the sound and feel of Love Street.
MAC:
Thanks! This album is a mixture of sounds, combining genres of pop, rock, blues, world... and a sanskrit chant.
MG: Love Street is a combination of elements, resulting in a journey through the pop, world, and spiritual realms, with an emphasis on the songwriting. Recording it was a lot of fun, which, I think, translates to the listener. All the musicians who contributed to the making of this CD helped to bring the album to another level. And, playing the music live with our good friends and bandmates, Cameron Stone (cello) & Dave Allen (drums), adds yet another dimension. We're excited to perform it live at our upcoming CD release party at The Hotel Café on 10/22.

YM: What was the inspiration for this album?
MAC
: The process of recording an album is an amazing adventure. It starts with living a life worth writing about; opening yourself to the experiences that surround you. This collection of songs chronicles some of our life's journey.

YM: What is it like working/creating with your spouse?
MAC:
Writing, recording and performing together allows us to experience a deep level of closeness. We're fortunate that we can be around each other all the time and rarely get on each other's nerves. The music business can be a crazy ride, so it's especially nice to have a partner that understands. The creativity is the icing on the cake.
MG: It's the best experience. Mary is such a hard worker and is very creative. She's a strong, positive force, and inspires me to be the best musician, songwriter, and person I can be. As far as the process itself goes, sometimes we work together, and other times, for example, Mary presents me with ideas she has, and I work on them after she's in bed (I'm a night owl). We're such great friends, that it makes the working situation very comfortable and, in turn, provides a great atmosphere for being creative. What more could I ask for?!?

YM: What makes this album unique?
MAC:
I love that there is variety in this album. We are into all kinds of music and I think that's reflected in the songs of Love Street. Bluesman, Keb' Mo' makes a cameo on "Mississippi". That was a highlight for me. The packaging is also unique because it was made with 100% recycled materials and vegetable based inks.
MG: Also, we put our own unique spin on the kirtan call-and-response style of chant with our song “The Light (Om Namah Shivaya)”. Inspired by Mary’s brother, Pete, the song begins with just the sound of Pete’s drum and soon expands into a groovalicious, yet spiritual, soundscape.

YM: What does your spiritual practice look/sound like?
MAC:
Well, chanting surrounds us, since we both perform with kirtan artists… you can't help but be affected by the vibrations. Music is a conductor to the Divine for me. I personally try to bridge spiritual teachings with my daily life as much as I can, connecting with the earth, being positive, learning new things, and opening my heart.
MG: I agree. I play bass with several kirtan artists. So, I spend a lot of time in the chanting world. Also, I am always asking questions, and love to learn about all spiritual practices. I try to keep an open mind and keep expanding.

YM: Please finish this sentence: "For me, music is………….."
MAC:
…the air I breathe!
MG: HAPPINESS. That may sound trite, but I’m never happier than I am when I’m listening to or making music.

YM: How can music help the world right now?
MAC:
Music is a unique medium that cuts through barriers that words alone sometimes can't. In trying times, music has the ability to lift you up… or just let you know that you're not alone.
MG: As I mentioned, music makes me happy. It is such a powerful force. I can be having and awful day, and pop in a Bob Marley CD, and “Every little thing is gonna be alright”. And the effect lasts long after the music stops, so it transfers to those I interact with on a daily basis. As Ghandi said, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” Music is a catalyst for me to be the change. It also is a way to send a message, provide a voice, and inspire the masses.

YM: Do you practice yoga?
MG:
Yes. When we're in town we take classes with Jim Akimoto at Karuna Yoga in Los Angeles. He's great. When we're on the road, it's harder. But, we practice as often as possible.

YM: Who do you like to listen to?
MAC:
Anyone from Aretha Franklin to Cake to John Denver.
MG: Everything. Soaking in music of all kinds has made me the musician I am today. I am currently listening to Krishna Das, Raphael Saadiq, Citizen Cope, Chaka Khan, The Bravery, Willie Nelson, Crowded House, Colin Hay, Amadou & Mariam, and Sean Lennon, to name a few.

YM:  Thank you for joining us! Where can we buy the CD and find out more about you?
MAC:
We're having a CD Release Party & Show on Wednesday, October 22nd at The Hotel Cafe in Hollywood. Please COME!  Love Street CDs will be available there at our "Love Booth". A portion of proceeds will be donated to environmental and humanitarian causes. More info on www.ardenofeden.com .
MG: In addition, you can purchase our music on iTunes, as well as www.cdbaby.com/ardenofeden, and at any of our live events.

Comments
deep, I love it!!

peace,
Reid
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