Gaura Vani & As Kindred Spirits

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
OriginLos Angeles, California
GenresWorld, Kirtan, Mantra Music
Years active1998-present
LabelsEqual Vision Records/Mantralogy
MembersGaura Vani
Shyam Kishore
Vrinda Rani
Jvala Mukhi
Nistha Raj
WebsiteOfficial Website

History

As 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

Gaura 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
  • Nectar of Devotion (2003)
  • Ten Million Moons (2009)

References
  1. Underwood, Tripp (September 18, 2009). "East meets West". The Boston Globe. New York Times Company. Retrieved 4 April 2010.
  2. "Equal Vision Records Announces Mantralogy - GauraVani.com".
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