tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22447355617736445032024-01-12T02:19:39.741-08:00Yogi Tunes BlogAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00197744325822622970noreply@blogger.comBlogger167125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2244735561773644503.post-35844699378320808862013-12-30T04:36:00.002-08:002013-12-30T04:44:45.843-08:00Music & Intimacy: Interview w/ Om Singles co-owner Ellen White<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-bH_wP-NH4rblVKKZ9GN186t7AVg8S501hUgnVAB4WOdNm_2Wsl7dT2cKglXroKuB9Lyw-UcIvkXQWAKAGKIoLhxDSs9owynWlnW-qqGJ2S4aeDsQN-54nnL-QZDSwCIan17hQuoyOvff/s1600/music-love.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-bH_wP-NH4rblVKKZ9GN186t7AVg8S501hUgnVAB4WOdNm_2Wsl7dT2cKglXroKuB9Lyw-UcIvkXQWAKAGKIoLhxDSs9owynWlnW-qqGJ2S4aeDsQN-54nnL-QZDSwCIan17hQuoyOvff/s320/music-love.png" width="320" /></i></a>
<div style="display: inline !important;">
<i>Music obviously has played a huge role in creating intimacy, but we wanted to get the current take on that story.</i><br />
<i><br /></i></div>
<i>
The following is an interview with Ellen White, co-owner of Omsingles.com, a dating site that encourages emotional, spiritual and physical intimacy:</i><br />
<br />
<b><i>What is it about the right music that allows us to become more present in the moment? </i></b><br />
Listening to music is one of the best ways to connect to the present moment. This mindfulness should allow us to feel the music, as well as pay attention to the words that an artist took time to profoundly write. We can learn a lot from being truly present while listening to music.<br />
<br />
<b><i>Why does music make it easier to connect with others?</i></b><br />
Music allows us to connect to others in a variety of ways from socially, professionally and romantically. It sets the tone and atmosphere from which connection to others follows.<br />
<br />
<b><i>How does that affect our ability to be vulnerable and intimate? </i></b><br />
Through music, we can connect intimately by reducing the need to talk and be distracted, thus allowing a sensory experience to take place that leads to greater vulnerability, trust, shared understanding and intimacy.<br />
<br />
<b><i>What does music provide when it comes to revealing parts of ourselves that otherwise remain hidden?</i></b><br />
We can sing, dance, and move, which I believe are highly important physiological sensations. We can release our inhibitions and get lost in the music.<br />
<br />
<b><i>How does rhythm affect sex? </i></b><br />
By getting lost in the music, we can close our eyes and move, sway, emote and feel the moment which definitely helps with sex.<br />
<br />
<b><i>Is there a correlation between the right kind of rhythmic music and how we experience love making?</i></b><br />
I think so. I think love making should be a highly emotional and intimate experience with the right kind of meaningful music set in the background. This makes a big difference!<br />
<br />
<b><i>When is music distracting and when does it allow for us to surrender into a deeper space of intimacy?</i></b><br />
I think people can use music to distract themselves from mindfulness however I believe the greater purpose of music takes us to an amazing intimate space within ourselves. I get lost listening to music for hours, intensely, and thus feeling the greatest connection to life, love and the deepest part of myself. Yogi Tunes has awesome music that will take you exactly there!<br />
<br />
<b><i>If a person likes one kind of music, and another person likes something else - can they become closer through their different tastes? </i></b><br />
Absolutely. Music should transcend judgment.<br />
<br />
<b><i>If so, what does that say about finding our ideal partner?</i></b><br />
Can we fall in love with someone who's taste and opinions differ from ours? Yes. Connecting to a person on an energetic level also helps us to transcend our differing opinions. Understanding another person is a high level of love and makes it easier to understand why they like different things.<br />
<br />
<b><i>Is our fantasy mate someone who is exactly like us, or someone who compliments us?</i></b><br />
I think our fantasy mate complements us on an energetic level and not on a mental level, which means they do not have to be like us. This energetic compatibility allows us to feel free with each other knowing we will not be judged. Anything that takes place on a mental level usually involves judgment. But to connect energetically allows ease, trust and ultimate intimacy on all levels, thus making the perfect complement. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b><i>About OmSingles.com :</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzL0QYg77ykQwKk7HO8N9mc-UQXh4W8VFNT_dCHnzRgikqNRlQk1Nji0qsSvj_52UJxSCbpcs-3RWOVxgUmS11_UdGbHKEHzTBaMtmlIarMFNHKdxJpiY-EkY935IE1p3yfdE-gwBBbar0/s1600/ellenwhite.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzL0QYg77ykQwKk7HO8N9mc-UQXh4W8VFNT_dCHnzRgikqNRlQk1Nji0qsSvj_52UJxSCbpcs-3RWOVxgUmS11_UdGbHKEHzTBaMtmlIarMFNHKdxJpiY-EkY935IE1p3yfdE-gwBBbar0/s200/ellenwhite.jpg.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<i></i><i>"As the co-owner of <a href="http://www.omsingles.com/">OmSingles.com</a><a href="http://www.omsingles.com/">,</a> we believe approaching love from a creative and open space can be a refreshing new concept for the online industry and also can help open up opportunities in every area of our lives. Our site is always seeking new and expansive methods to unite people in love. Because, truthfully, we know very little about who is “right” for us and where our path to happiness lies. Most of us pursue our relationship paths with specific goals and images in mind. We rarely surrender to the thought that our capacities for love and happiness are much bigger than we ever imagined.<br /><br />Most online dating sites, especially in the mainstream arena, promote a very limited process for approaching love. A statistic-based system encourages people to plug in a specific list of criteria based on a limited frame of reference. It also promotes a process of instant gratification where people are searching for immediate dating options based on geography and superficiality. While this serves a purpose, it reinforces a pattern that we feel is ready for change and innovation!" -- Ellen White</i><br />
<br />
<b>OmSingles </b>strives to ignite a deeper calling for love, capacity and happiness by minimizing statistic-based questions, and expanding upon questions and dialogue that speaks towards people’s visions and deeper intentions. Questions such as “if you could create a new approach to love what would it be” encourage people to think beyond the box and in to a larger realm of possibility. We believe this helps to release deeply held desires about potentials for love helping to manifest them. We probe in to future instead of rewinding past. We like to believe we are creating “Destiny-mates” where two people embark on a path of new open potential versus repetition; creating new stories of vision, rather than recreating scripts.<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span class="s1" style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
Rara Avishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07374433871296236736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2244735561773644503.post-11284340706389937172013-12-24T13:36:00.005-08:002013-12-24T14:49:09.676-08:00The Power of Mantra<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi05GeCcJjskVTb88hLjUAs2vIbyT3r7KnRIQOPO3MgYOz-si6_BjNBr-PWbR8CNJ8UrpIoxSBbJ56_AeMbDb-sPs3QHq2Qbl0s5wz6kgRXVGIIHsbL_tysCjIrS8T1NrzJXEToK94DO3-f/s1600/shanti+mantra.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi05GeCcJjskVTb88hLjUAs2vIbyT3r7KnRIQOPO3MgYOz-si6_BjNBr-PWbR8CNJ8UrpIoxSBbJ56_AeMbDb-sPs3QHq2Qbl0s5wz6kgRXVGIIHsbL_tysCjIrS8T1NrzJXEToK94DO3-f/s320/shanti+mantra.png" width="302" /></a></div>
Wikipedia defines mantra as a sacred utterance, or numinous sound that has psychological and spiritual power. Earliest known mantras were composed in Vedic times by Hindus in India, and those are at least 3000 years old.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This past year we here at Yogi Tunes were introduced to <a href="http://www.idp.qc.ca/" target="_blank">Valinor</a>, a record label created by Prana Yoga Flow® instructor Veronique Dumont and musician Rogerio Jardim, for the sole purpose of helping yogis access the power of mantra in their personal practice.<br />
<br />
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">I recently asked Veronique if she'd be interested in giving away a Christmas mantra to our beloved Yogi Tunes community, and when she agreed I thought I might as inquire a bit more into this truly intriguing creative duo.</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><b><i>Can give our readers a little bit of background on where Valinor came from and what inspired it's creation?</i></b></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Many of my students were asking me for music to accompany yoga and at the same time help them with meditation and mantra practice. Even with my many years of practice I had nothing really that I could suggest to them that was to my liking. So I figured why not do it myself and produce my own mantra music so my students can benefit from it. So it came really from the request of my students, and the desire to give them a daily tool to support them in their meditation and practice. I was lucky enough that life brought me on my path a dear friend and great musician Rogerio Jardim who supported these productions and understood what these recordings could bring.</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><b><i>In your own experience, how has the power of mantra influenced your yoga practice?</i></b></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">For me mantra practice has created miracles in my life. It gives me the possibility to focus and align my own energy and to be able to create at all levels in my life. It is definitely a very powerful still or movement meditation tool, but also the tracks that we've written are made for yoga practice, bringing additional elements to support the specific energy or feeling you want to give to the sadhana itself.</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><b><i>Can you speak to those people who feel like they can't sing, or "don't have a good voice" for chanting mantras?</i></b></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">I say sing even though you think you don't have a great voice... If you come from the right place within your heart, to serve, heal and enjoy, then that is what people will receive and feel in their own hearts. Even though I did study music for 20 years and singing for 10, I don't consider myself a singer. I consider myself someone who likes to share the tools that made a difference in my own life.</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p2">
<br />
<span class="s1"></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><b><i>Do you have any favorite mantras you like to sing for certain reasons? If so what are they and how do you use them?</i></b></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">I have many, all the ones I produced are my favourites :-) but if I could pick just a few:</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">The <a href="http://store.yogi-tunes.com/collections/valinor/products/shiva-shakti-mantras" target="_blank">Maha Mrityunjaya mantra</a> To bring healing and great transformation in all aspects of life. The <a href="http://store.yogi-tunes.com/collections/valinor/products/anahata-mantra" target="_blank">Ahum Prema mantra</a> opens and heals the heart, bringing us back to our deeper essence. I love the Mars mantra (coming on our next release '<b><i>Agni Mantras</i></b>' available on Yogi Tunes January 2014!) and <a href="http://store.yogi-tunes.com/products/surya-chandra-mantras" target="_blank">Surya mantra</a> to awaken inner fire, courage and strength. </span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><b><i>Do you have any tips for teachers who are new to singing mantras and want to incorporate them more into their classes and personal practice?</i></b></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">I always say share and teach something you've already experienced for yourself and that made a difference in your life. Find the appropriate mantra that you need in the moment, wether that be for healing, empowering, inspiration, connection with your essence, or to create change and transformation, manifest abundance and channel creative energy. Whatever serves you the best, work with it for a while. See what it brings in your own meditation, yoga practice and creation in your life. Once it has made a difference in your own life, either an inner difference our outer difference, you'll be able to share it with confidence with your students.</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><b><i>Can you write about any highlights you've had where you became more aware of the connection between sound and yoga?</i></b></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">As a Prana Flow® yoga teacher, music has always been a big part of yoga sadhana, through mantra practice and carefully chosen music to accompany the yoga practice itself. It is well known now that the vibration of sound has an effect on the physical matter, and as yoga practitioners we are aiming at this transformative aspect in our physical body and all levels of life. So to choose positive music and Mantras can definitely enhance and bring an opening to yoga practice at a deeper level. I've been an eyewitness of this in every yoga retreat I teach. Music and sound is a very unique powerful tool that supports the deeper goal of yoga.</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><b><i>Where do you teach and how can people find out more about you and what you do?</i></b></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<br />
<span class="s1"></span></div>
<br />
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">I teach year around weekend yoga retreats intensives, in the Eastern townships of Quebec near Montreal Canada. Being an affiliate teacher trainer with Shiva Rea, I also teach a Prana Flow Yoga® teacher training in French and English, in my own retreat center, the Institute for personal growth, that I direct with my mother Annie Marquier. We have students and clients from all over the world, coming for retreats on a year around basis. Our website: <a href="http://www.idp.qc.ca/">www.idp.qc.ca</a> - facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/veronique.dumont.yoga">www.facebook.com/veronique.dumont.yoga</a><span id="goog_536667559"></span><span id="goog_536667560"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a></span></div>
</div>
Rara Avishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07374433871296236736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2244735561773644503.post-15668584213301244602013-12-20T14:46:00.002-08:002013-12-20T14:49:15.981-08:00Akal Dub's Lotus Sessions Vol 1 & 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKKxyzXIzAijvjA92KkNhx_Zc64dTAMLfStv98xxseh1Q-KLHqtvLna1LFLOvq155ja4kAd8srRdJ6HbEl0-_2v4qpmDR6L71R7fcwAEQAnWNRpaezrUsfiG_pcgXwsOUPFqiI3CFhflsp/s1600/Lotus+Sessions+1+web.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKKxyzXIzAijvjA92KkNhx_Zc64dTAMLfStv98xxseh1Q-KLHqtvLna1LFLOvq155ja4kAd8srRdJ6HbEl0-_2v4qpmDR6L71R7fcwAEQAnWNRpaezrUsfiG_pcgXwsOUPFqiI3CFhflsp/s320/Lotus+Sessions+1+web.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
After an inspiring conversation with Yogi Tunes CEO Alex King-Harris (aka Rara Avis) about the merging of yoga and music we began pioneering the idea to create a yoga class that was focused on music.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The intention was to allow students to deepen their personal practice without distraction while still staying current with musical trends. It quickly became obvious that it wasn't inspiring to throw together a playlist and call it good, so we set out to literally co-create the soundscapes to the classes based on the the energy that the students would be bringing into the room.<br />
<br />
When yoga instructor Kia Miller heard of the idea she quickly advised that it would be a great opportunity to focus on one chakra of the body each week and play to the musical key signature that resonates with it. This is one of the most exciting, inspirational, and eye opening projects to ever be created.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://store.yogi-tunes.com/collections/vendors?q=Akal+Dub" target="_blank">Lotus Session Volume 1 and 2</a> focus on resonating and healing the 1st. And 2nd chakras. This is where we store information on our connection to earth and others around us. When it out of balance it can often create a feeling of helplessness in relation to money, support, belonging, and often feels like we have no resources to feel we can accomplish what is expected of us.<br />
<br />
This session was crafted live on the spot and completely unrehearsed. Utilizing live looping of voices, guitars, flute and supported with interchangeable midi notation information, we were able to craft and improvise the soundscapes, drums, and electronic instruments to flow with sequences of Kia's Wednesday night Hatha class. The power of modern technology has allowed us to create changes with all the elements almost instantaneously. In addition synthetic loops created during the ambrosial hours each morning before the class are ready to be launched for an extra bonus of vibrational nectar. The flexibility of Ableton Live 9 and software synths is comparable to having an entire orchestra at your fingertips that will do anything and everything you tell it to on the fly. <br />
<br />
This is truly a unique event that must be experienced in person to understand the effect you have during your own practice. Can you imagine what it would be like to have someone channel your energy whether positive or negative and put into a piece of art that you can take home and listen to forever?<br />
<br />
For more information and dates on current Lotus Sessions please sign up for the <a href="http://www.yogi-tunes-wix.com/#!give-aways/c1e4r" target="_blank">Yogi-Tunes newsletter </a>to find out when you come experience the sound of you.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Rara Avishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07374433871296236736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2244735561773644503.post-83199391451068531472013-12-16T22:09:00.000-08:002013-12-16T22:17:26.864-08:00An Interview with Brad Senstock<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN0Mb9Ue01erGW3BiFMLxVUnI7EtZjDCfMYYQogkXvPZUUWBf-pjEljXCkKcKFpxQWG82XcdVJKKDQ-rhzCEAsa-G2SU6AwPcio2AA0Kz0G84Fl9_h_VAIF1qUZaFeLqW9H3vDxXFuOEMP/s1600/Brad+Senstock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="An interview with Brad Senstock" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN0Mb9Ue01erGW3BiFMLxVUnI7EtZjDCfMYYQogkXvPZUUWBf-pjEljXCkKcKFpxQWG82XcdVJKKDQ-rhzCEAsa-G2SU6AwPcio2AA0Kz0G84Fl9_h_VAIF1qUZaFeLqW9H3vDxXFuOEMP/s400/Brad+Senstock.jpg" title="" width="266" /></a></div>
<b>What inspires you to make music for yoga?</b><br />
<br />
This is one of my favorite questions that I actually get all of the time. When I first started practicing yoga I had countless intimate moments in the yoga studio where I became completely absorbed in the music and postures while tears would stream down my face. I noticed that what was happening was that had tapped into a world that was full of healing and full of musicians that were creating for the purpose of healing others. They themselves were completely surrendering to the creative process of the universe that said it is ok to simply be as they were and let the music be as it is. I spent many years in the pop and rock industry where egos dictated what would make it to the radio and by the end of the record the magic was lost by so many people trying to have control over what was being heard. When I step into a space with other musicians what inspires me the most is that we all seem to have the same vision and idea and completely merge with each other without any direction or ego says what should be and that is when I see that others in the room are receiving the same experience I am.<br />
<br />
One of the greatest moments I've experienced was during the Lotus Sessions Vol. 6. A few musicians and myself were composing completely original content in real time. As we were playing I witnessed three separate individuals completely stop their practice all at the same time and sat down in complete meditation. I was overwhelmed with joy and compassion knowing that they came into a room with so much on their mind and in minutes they were just ok with sitting and receiving what the universe had to offer in that moment. Shouldn't life be like that in every moment?<br />
<br />
<b>Can you talk a bit about your creative process? What tools do you use to make music with? And what are some methods you use for composing vs performing live music? </b><br />
<div>
<br />
This is another question I get frequently and ironically both questions actually relate to each other. Currently I am running <a href="https://www.ableton.com/en/live/new-in-9/" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Ableton Live 9</span></a> on my Macbook Pro with various Synthesizers like Zebra 2, Omnisphere, Massive, Vanguard, along with various Earth Moments sample packs that come Ableton Ready. The Earth Moments packets have some really great high vibration ethnic samples that are really essential to uplifting the energy of the yoga room. I rely a lot on co-creating with different artists when I step into playing live. Each guitar player I work with have their own flavor of sound and it is a great experience to bring everyone in and see how we can sculpt the energy<br />
<br />
My creative process actually involves composing live in the yoga room as if it were my recording studio. There actually very little to no separation of studio and performing live classes.<br />
<br />
I often wake up at about 4 am, do an hour long meditation and immediately jump on my computer with a fresh Ableton session. My writing process involves remaining seated in Lotus Posture while I create. This is honestly the number one most important part about creating music. It ensures that my posture is steady and the energy is flowing all throughout my body. I remaining connected to my breath and when I feel fatigued it allows me to pull the energy from the lower centers of my body into my higher centers where the healing actually takes place. <br />
<br />
I start writing drum beats, synth loops, bass lines, and pad loops for the yoga class I will be performing at that day. I spend the first four hours writing as much material as I can in various 4 to 32 bar loops. I never create structure when I write; only loops. This allows me to focus on the sounds and how they interact with each individual loop. Each element is designed to work with any of the other elements harmoniously. By the time I have finished writing after the first 4 hours I end up with about 2-3 hours of all original content that can be mixed and matched during live performances. At about 8 am I'll take a yoga class myself or go exercise then I come home, eat a bit, and jump back on the computer and start writing more material. By the time the Yoga class comes around at 6pm I have over 4 hours of content that could potentially be played. Along with all this material I introduce the element of live looping my flute, guitar, and often my friend Anthea Jaskirpal Kaur's voice. With all of this flexibility we are able to sculpt the energy of the class into a piece of artwork that has never been rehearsed, composed, arranged, or experienced ever before. Best of all it gets recorded live as well!<br />
<br />
After the class happens I'll wake up the next morning and listen to the content we have created. Often it immediately goes up on my website for download depending on how well everything was flowing. Once it gets released as an hour long flow I go back into the set and pick out my favorite moments from the class. This is where take the elements back into the studio where I can sculpt and perfect the sound or arrangement even more to fit with an album sequence. Since I started this project, thanks to Rara's amazing idea about creating original content to yoga flows, I ended up with over 8 albums worth of content. I am currently in the process of organizing and re-mixing the live content into 3 yoga flow albums. It's all about staying in the moment right? This process allows me the speed, flexibility, and pressure needed to create amazing content that is so close to the spirit source. 90 percent of the time the sounds that were put together in the moment of the class are so great that I don't want to change much about it so I simple give it a little more structure and it becomes its own track. This allows my ego to stay out of the way as well which is essential to making progress.<br />
<br />
<br />
Each day and each class allows me to experience a new birthing of my own creativity which is honestly the best high I have ever experienced.<br />
<br />
—</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>How do you support yourself as an artist? Are you full time or are there other things you have going on that support you in your quest to make music?</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There are always other things that help me support myself as an artist. I am happy to say that for the first time in my life I have the ability to support myself completely on music. However at this moment I am currently working at various farmers markets, running audio online yoga videos, posing for yoga shoots, volunteering Khalsa Peace Corps to feed homeless people, and DJing ecstatic dance parties. These are all essential to maintaining my humbleness, integrity, and to feel I am contributing more the community to all the creative process to continue to flow through me.<br />
<br />
—<br />
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b>Would you say there are any sacrifices you have to make in order to pursue a creative career such as this?</b><br />
<br />
In my experience I literally sold every possession I had, even musical interments to try and support this career. What ended up happening was that I surrendered completely opened up myself to be healed and directed into the what the universe wanted from me. It was to get rid of all the crap in my life that involved ego, fame, power, and money until I understood that I was to create music for healing. Not everyone has this experience.<br />
<br />
—<br />
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b>What are the rewards of doing what you do?</b><br />
<br />
Witnessing persons literally change in front of my ears from a state of panic and fear into a state of being and love. It allows connection to every person and I am rewarded with the reminder that every person I encounter is a reflection of me and they are here to support me in my journey on this earth.<br />
<br />
—<br />
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b>Can you speak to why you feel music is healing?</b><br />
<br />
This is a tough question. I believe we all have experiences we can't explain or even comprehend. Music is about expressing those moments in an art form. Expressing all these, "feelings" we have without having to say them. You can experience love, frustration, longing, loneliness, depression and you can be uplifted and even understood all from one song! When someone hears a piece of work that has been composed from a moment that can't be comprehended it is as if everyone in the vicinity surrenders to the fact that everything is happening all at once and we can't be in control all of the time. It is all happening and it is all happening to heal us.<br />
<br />
—<br />
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b>Please share some thoughts about why yoga and music make such great companions!</b><br />
<br />
Yoga and Music is like Peanut Butter and Jelly. Experienced yogis know the postures of the flow and they something delicious to snack on! Inexperienced yogis want to distract themselves from having to go inward or face on these crappy postures for the next 6 minutes so they need something delicious too!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
—</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Rara Avishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07374433871296236736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2244735561773644503.post-69395901815110752972013-11-06T14:53:00.000-08:002013-11-06T14:53:05.268-08:00Breathing from the Core<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF3cJy1f9nLrwvk8ktryiYYg7VOwID9zH2WM4fzGFPlw7kuyKQ6HcpQCFcDqQnqGjOhf-fUeb8Htal4NAjxiIegCZDGxqtVCRbCso78WO6yCnnE0zXjjgrQuBRDuRPMn5bwlADO5iEvULw/s1600/vajrasana.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF3cJy1f9nLrwvk8ktryiYYg7VOwID9zH2WM4fzGFPlw7kuyKQ6HcpQCFcDqQnqGjOhf-fUeb8Htal4NAjxiIegCZDGxqtVCRbCso78WO6yCnnE0zXjjgrQuBRDuRPMn5bwlADO5iEvULw/s320/vajrasana.png" width="313" /></a></div>
<div class="p1">
Inhaling and exhaling effect our entire being in some very profound ways. From improving heart function to increasing metabolism, all cells in the body ultimately benefit from deep, rhythmic breathing. Without the life giving nutrients that is delivered to all areas of our body as we breathe we would quickly die, therefore it is important to fully understand the life giving nature of breath and how profoundly it can affect our over all state of being.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
I consider myself fortunate to have found yoga through a teacher who centralized breath in his practice. For the first 6 months all we did together was study breathing mechanics and use fluid simple poses that strengthened the muscles that support breathing. By the time I was done, my breath was the central core of my yoga practice. If I wanted to explore new asanas, I would only do so if my breath allowed it, not the other way around. No movement would happen without a direct connection and focus on my breath. The result was a profound sense of how important breathe is in yoga, and in life, and also a tremendous sense of safety at never extending beyond agreeable limits for my body.</div>
<div class="p3">
<br /></div>
<div class="p4">
Yet perhaps one of the most amazing things about breathing is our ability to have it on auto-pilot or control it. The two different parts of your body that control those things benefit from being synchronized by rhythm and pace. Breathing longer, slower, shorter, faster all produces very noticeable effects and also helps to oxygenate your blood, providing vital chi or prana to the body.</div>
<div class="p3">
<br /></div>
<div class="p4">
Breathing also connects us to something greater, quite literally. </div>
<div class="p3">
<br /></div>
<div class="p4">
TIPS FOR ADDING MORE BREATH INTO YOUR PRACTICE</div>
<div class="p3">
<br /></div>
<div class="p4">
Begin practice by sitting in Vajrasana (other options are cross legged or on your back with your legs up on a chair if you have back issues)</div>
<div class="p3">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<b>Three Part Breath</b></div>
<div class="p3">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<b>Part 1: Belly</b></div>
<div class="p4">
-Place your hands on your belly and slowly beginning breathing in and out of the nose</div>
<div class="p4">
-Use only your diaphragm and belly muscles to inhale and exhale, allow your belly to push outwards as you breathe in</div>
<div class="p4">
-Do 3 sets of 10 long, deep breaths, and on the final breath, hold it in and relax your upper body.</div>
<div class="p4">
-Count to 3, then exhale and take a child's pose between sets.</div>
<div class="p3">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<b>Part 2: Mid-Chest</b></div>
<div class="p4">
-Inhale by stretching your rib cage apart, then using your hands to press your rib cage together</div>
<div class="p4">
-Should feel like the sides of your rib cage are moving outward to the left and right</div>
<div class="p4">
-3 sets of 10</div>
<div class="p4">
-Inhale and hold on the last breath of each set, then child's pose</div>
<div class="p3">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<b>Part 3: Upper-Chest / Shoulders</b></div>
<div class="p4">
-Then go to shoulders, and inhale by lifting shoulders up, exhale by letting them drop</div>
<div class="p4">
-Dropping the shoulders while exhaling helps loosen tension in upper torso</div>
<div class="p4">
-3 sets of 10</div>
<div class="p4">
-Inhale and hold on the last breath of each set, then child's pose</div>
<div class="p3">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<b>Part 4: Wave Breath (all together)</b></div>
<div class="p4">
-Finally, link all three together - Belly, mid-chest, shoulders, inhale and exhale in the same order</div>
<div class="p4">
-3 sets of 10</div>
<div class="p4">
-Inhale and hold on the last breath of each set, then child's pose</div>
<div class="p3">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="p4">
By now your breath should be warm and ready to use for more asana!</div>
Rara Avishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07374433871296236736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2244735561773644503.post-32968334435466324402013-10-06T17:00:00.000-07:002013-11-26T10:47:03.376-08:00Music Healing: An Interview with Steve GoldAs a part of our ongoing interview series, YogiTunes founder Alex King-Harris recently spoke with Steve Gold about the health & wellness benefits of music. <br /><br /><br /><b>Does music contribute your overall health and well being? If so, how?</b><br /><br /><i>Steve: As an artist, music is the meaning of my life. It calms my nerves while nourishing my soul. It excites my spirit and recharges me with hope. It is also the foundation of my life’s purpose and the bridge that proceeds me into the global communities that support my work. The connection and love I receive through music is the best medicine.</i><br /><b>Can you speak to any experiences you've had where your music has promoted a sense wellness in others?</b><br /><br /><i>Steve: I feel honored and humbled to have received many testimonials from people that have shared their healing experiences with me that have resulted from listening to my music. Mostly to help them through difficult life transitions, including birth and death. Also, a friend recently sent me an article written by a cardiologist that explains the fact that <a href="http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-11055/why-you-should-listen-to-music-when-you-exercise-a-cardiologist-explains.html">listening to joyful music while exercising improves artery function</a>, lowers blood pressure and reduces anxiety. A recommended song list is included in the article and my rendition of There Is So Much Magnificence is in the top 10 joyful healing songs. I hope the song reaches and heals a lot of aching hearts.</i><br /><b>Can you remember a time you experienced a profound moment of healing through music?</b><br /><br /><i>Steve: Yes, many times. One of the most heart-rending was when I sang for a close friend at her death bed. We breathed and sang while gazing into each other’s eyes. We knew it was the last time we’d share together and that experience opened us both up to deeper feelings of gratitude and love for each other. In that moment we were altogether healed, resigned and transformed.</i><br /><b>What qualities do you feel need to be present in music for it to inspire wellness in the listener?</b><br /><br /><i>Steve: In my opinion, deep healing is a result of deeper listening. The healing transmission in music is simply a form of sympathetic resonance that is generated by a musician that is tuned into the wonderful and resounding frequencies that are available to everyone. In order to deliver the transmission, I believe that the maker of the music must be a very good listener and that quality comes by way of being innately sensitive to the needs of others. It is then up to the receiver of the music to be open to the possibility of healing.</i><br /><b>Was there anyone, anything or any experiences in particular you've had that impact how you choose to express yourself musically?</b><br /><br /><i>Steve: Absolutely! When I was in my youth a friend introduced me to Malcolm McLaren. Malcolm was not only the manager of the Sex Pistols, but he had literally created new music genres and fashion. He was a master of innovation, fusing styles like folk with hip hop or opera with rap and dance beats. Malcolm made me my first cassette tape of legendary bluesmen like Robert Johnson and Muddy Waters. Malcolm and I worked together for 2 years and he encouraged me to listen and learn from these giants by saying, “You’ve got to get your roots boy ~ steal from the best.” I’ve since spent many years soaking up the best American roots music. I know I may never be one of the greatest blues artists because I don’t suffer the blues, but I do have a lot of respect for the wonderful influences that inform my own unique expression. After recording my second full length CD, Let Your Heart Be Known I realized that unconsciously I had employed Malcolm’s method by fusing Americana, folk and blues with Sanskrit mantras. It was like I’d somehow taken the best of the sacred and profane and made them work together. </i><br /><br /><b>Do you have any special events coming up you'd like to share?</b><br /><br /><i>Steve: I am facilitating two events at Deepka Chopra's Seduction of Spirit 'Music & Meditation' Immersion at The Chopra Center in Carlsbad, CA. November 4 - 10. One will be a Highly Spirited Live Music Performance and the other is a guided music meditation that I call 'Journeying Om' in which we explore the meaning of this most sacred mantra through singing as a group. This is my second year as a presenter at this amazing event and what I love most is witnessing everyone in a state of presence and openness. It is WONDERFUL! </i><br /><br /><i>Find complete details at <a href="http://www.chopra.com/seduction-of-spirit/november-2013">chopra.com</a></i><br /><br /><br />More about Steve Gold: <br /><br />Steve Gold is a down to earth, soulful singer and teacher. He creates powerful music for conscious living, broadcasting vibrations straight from the heart. His positive message of self love, self fulfillment, and personal accountability heals and inspires. Steve’s practice of more than 25 years combines his passion for singing, songwriting, yoga and metaphysics. Steve travels the world teaching Mantras for Manifestation and Voice of Magnificence workshops and performing at festivals, conferences, and retreats. <div style="color: #232323; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; min-height: 15px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div>
Rara Avishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07374433871296236736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2244735561773644503.post-17954410116269795872013-09-17T11:21:00.001-07:002013-12-04T22:52:26.402-08:00Yoga & Music<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfXLOvujDqOROVS51OMQR_KLxHBMwWerIUl5gTIVObVpA8EYgaU9PDvRY-tDNGwJ8HMbDs3aXOU0ME-j67ELooS-7r3b3fOQ1K998kg39jPvRe_Dh4Bn3y9_dFPW7IoCFntQCWxuZeSF65/s1600/Jano+.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfXLOvujDqOROVS51OMQR_KLxHBMwWerIUl5gTIVObVpA8EYgaU9PDvRY-tDNGwJ8HMbDs3aXOU0ME-j67ELooS-7r3b3fOQ1K998kg39jPvRe_Dh4Bn3y9_dFPW7IoCFntQCWxuZeSF65/s320/Jano+.png" width="212" /></a></div>
<i>by Jano Galindo</i><br />Having the right music in your yoga class is essential to the overall experience. As a practitioner, you may not be aware of how much consideration your instructor has put into their musical selections. When all the elements come together there should be a blend of great instruction and music that enhances the transformations that occur in your practice. <br /><br /><br />The Music in your practice is best related to the breath. Your breathing should have a pattern and a rhythm. This is the best way to keep the thoughts in your mind occupied on the breath. Your job would be to keep these patterns and rhythms consistent throughout your practice. Music is an unseen, intangible element. It draws its force from the atmosphere and is translated in notes, harmonies, vibrations and rhythms. When composed with the intention of healing, it has the properties to touch the highest aspects of the self. It is a sub-conscious direct connection to the soul or atman and it is here where there's healing power. It's here where you have mental, emotional, physical and spiritual transformation. These experiences take place only in the present moment. The beauty of music is that it's designed to immerse you completely in the present and no where else. <br /><br /><br /><b>When instructing a yoga class my first intention is to create a sequence that challenges you and takes you to a place within yourself that allows change and shift.</b> <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The music selections that I use in my classes have been fine tuned to enhance these shifts and changes. It is moving, inspiring, elemental, atmospheric, rhythmic and full of love. Just like the sequence of postures, the music has a beginning that creates an atmosphere. The song selections create more of a soundscape with natural sounds and less rhythm. This allows you to begin the journey within. All the students that come into the practice are coming from so many different places. The beginning selection of music and postures is designed to bring everyone together, set a personal intention and create a group energy. <br /><br /><br />As the pace of the class goes from the introduction into moving the body to generate heat and prepare for the flow of the practice, the music has to accommodate these changes. There is percussive rhythms introduced, the tempo is still moderate allowing for a build and there is more context to the melodies and harmonies. I tend to keep to the idea of textural soundscapes and interlude type of instrumentals here. The ultimate focus is to keep the students in a inward exploration.<br /><br /><br />The intention of the instructor is revealed towards the building and peak of the class, it is essential that the selections do not distract or take anything away from the ultimate goal of union between the breath, body and mind. This is where I find it the most challenging in having the appropriate selections. This is when the instructor has more liberty in song selection, and it can either make or break the class. As in most things in life, less is more. Your tempos can build but you should consider avoiding house or techno type tempos. I tend to keep my choice of songs more in the lounge or chill categories, where you can find steady tempo beats that don't rush but still allow for a great push. If your class has a peak, there should be a peak song as well. This does not imply a peak tempo, but a song that goes with whichever intention there is for the class. For example if I am teaching a balancing sequence as a peak, I don't want to have song selections that may be distracting, but steady and consistent with little to no vocals. <br /><br /><br />In closing your practice with cool down postures, the idea would be to allow for the attention to re-focus towards the inside. The final postures and songs should be set with the intention of achieving the ultimate experience in savasana. If you think of all your posture and song selections as a preparation for savasana, your experience with putting together a playlist will have a clearer intention and serve a greater purpose. The final song for savasana is the most crucial. In the end you have to trust that your song selections are not going to betray you but enhance and allow for a deeper experience in the asana. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>I have about 10 or so songs that I have come trust, check some of them out here: </b><div>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Savasana Playlist</i></span> </span></b></span><br />
<b style="font-size: 15px;"><i><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Om Prana by Rara Avis</span></i></b><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15px;">Featured on the album </span><b><a href="http://store.yogi-tunes.com/products/beneath-the-radar" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15px;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;">Beneath the Radar</span></a><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15px;"> </span></b><br />
<div style="font-size: 15px;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 15px;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Sol. by Ishq.</b></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: #783f04;">Featured on the album </span><span style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://store.yogi-tunes.com/products/orchid" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Orchid</b></span></a></span></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="font-size: 15px;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Shiva's Flute by Shaman's Dream</b></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 15px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: #783f04;">Featured on the Yang mix </span><a href="http://store.yogi-tunes.com/products/yang-bom-shiva" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Bom Shiva</b></span></a><span style="color: #783f04;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 15px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 15px;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Claire de Lune by The Philadelphia Orchestra</b></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 15px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 15px;">
<b><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">To Build a Home by </span><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Cinematic Orchestra</span></b></div>
<div style="font-size: 15px;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 15px;">
<b><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Vishranti by </span><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Dave Eggar Quartet </span></b></div>
<div style="font-size: 15px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #783f04;">Featured on the album </span><span style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://store.yogi-tunes.com/products/the-yoga-sessions-dave-eggar-quartet-mozart" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>The Yoga Sessions: Dave Eggar Quartet: MOZART</b></span></a> </span></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 15px;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 15px;">
<b><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Awakening by </span><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Benjy Wertheimer and Michael Mandrell</span></b></div>
<div style="font-size: 15px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #783f04;">Featured on the album </span><b><a href="http://store.yogi-tunes.com/products/anjali" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;">Anjali</span></a><span style="color: #783f04;"> </span></b></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 15px;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 15px;">
<b><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Lotus Heart by </span><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Desert Dwellers</span></b></div>
<div style="font-size: 15px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #783f04;">Featured on the album </span><a href="http://store.yogi-tunes.com/products/downtemple-dub-waves" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>DownTemple Dub: Waves</b></span></a><span style="color: #783f04;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 15px;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 15px;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Cave Dwellings by Liquid Bloom</b></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 15px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #783f04;">Featured on the Yang mix </span><a href="http://store.yogi-tunes.com/products/yang-prabuddhah-beat" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Prabuddhah Beat</b></span></a></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 15px;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 15px;">
<b><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Shanti (Peace Out) by </span><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">MC Yogi</span></b></div>
<div style="font-size: 15px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #783f04;">Featured on the album </span><span style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://store.yogi-tunes.com/products/elephant-power" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Elephant Power</b></span></a> </span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy-Light; font-size: 15px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #444444; letter-spacing: 0px;">Learn more about Jano Galindo, including his teaching schedule, at </span><b><a href="http://janogalindo.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">janogalindo.com/</span></a></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
</div>
Rara Avishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07374433871296236736noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2244735561773644503.post-53792153437237175112013-09-05T13:00:00.000-07:002013-12-04T22:59:43.967-08:00Into the Power of Music: An Interview with Deva Premal & Miten<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJScZFjQL7upIF6Aqnn9ZS8Je_Hsm4OBIK6bsRe2NFb0xhseZOhJ8nL9xEUxD11n_a7ihDyfmthA3F7tru9h-PI31aQ8ajL8zqLwNOaMSpqOIXp57GyZWRzURVV630Cz6uHiAWvyxQqfJv/s1600/dpm_0012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJScZFjQL7upIF6Aqnn9ZS8Je_Hsm4OBIK6bsRe2NFb0xhseZOhJ8nL9xEUxD11n_a7ihDyfmthA3F7tru9h-PI31aQ8ajL8zqLwNOaMSpqOIXp57GyZWRzURVV630Cz6uHiAWvyxQqfJv/s200/dpm_0012.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
As a part of our ongoing interview series, Yogi Tunes founder Alex King-Harris recently spoke with <a href="http://www.devapremalmiten.com/" target="_blank">Deva Premal and Miten</a>. Our goal for this interview was to broaden and contribute the conversation surrounding music as a healing force in the world. Deva and Miten both have a particularly potent and important insight into the power of music. <br /> <br /><b> Does music contribute your overall health and well being? If so, how?</b><br /><br /><b>Deva Premal & Miten:</b> Music in itself is an expression of the 'soundless sound' - meaning, beauty which cannot be expressed in words - but can be heard. Music originally arose as a spiritual experience and as such, contains its own integral healing power.<br /><br />Music moves all emotionally - whatever style it is played in. We all recognize the different responses to that of a baby's laughter, compared to that of a police siren, say.... so, we agree, all sound has power.<br /><br />In our case, we use music to enhance the sanskrit texts, known as mantra. Mantras are scientifically formulated sound healing formulas - discovered by the wise ones of ancient india, some 5000 years ago. Refined sound bites, basically.<br /><br />It's no wonder then, that fusing music with these powerful codes creates a strong response, or reaction. The mantras, fused with the music we play, create a sense of well-being...open-ness...not only in the one who chants, but also, in the ones who hear. <br /><br /><br /><b> Can you remember a time you experienced a profound moment of healing through music?</b><br /><br /><b>Deva Premal & Miten:</b> We experience intense and profound healing every time we sing. If we didn't, why would we bother?<br /><br />The music deva and i create has practically zero entertainment quality - it is not emotional, it's not going to get us in the charts-it doesn't claim to mend broken hearts or revenge love betrayed. It doesn't protest inequalities and political issues...<br /><br />This music was created in an ashram. It's another dimension... People don't live in ashrams to get famous or concern themselves with inter-personal relationships, or even matters of the world - at least initially. We weren't in an ashram to plot a career...so the music never had any of that essence in it.<br /><br />When our spiritual teacher, osho, died, we eventually left india and began sharing something of the way he'd taught us to play music, and what we'd experienced, personally, from playing this kind of music - which we did, with other fellow travellers on the path. Eventually the autobahns had to widen to accommodate more and more of those fellow travelers - there are so many of us now, all looking for our life's purpose - looking to make some kind of sense of this life we're living in the 21st century.<br /><br />Mantras have a potential. We've heard from people who experienced a shift in consciousness when hearing the music, without even knowing what the mantra was actually saying...so, there's a power, inherent in the sounds. No translation needed. Just to be open to their power seems to be enough.<br /><br /><b> What qualities do you feel need to be present in music for it to inspire wellness in the listener?</b><br /><br /><b>Deva Premal & Miten:</b> Music needs to contain the quality of pure intention. It needs to be free of any sense of ambition. It needs to have the quality of being nothing more than an offering to spirit - a gift that gives and asks for nothing in return.<br /><br />If that quality is there - if the musician approaches the mantras from this space, he/she will have an experience of well being, themselves - and that's really the point. If the musician is playing from the place of humility and inner intent, then the music will be received by the listener, and it will transmit the healing power of the mantras.<br /><br /><b>Was there anyone, anything or any experiences in particular you've had that impact how you choose to express yourself musically?</b><br /><b>Deva Premal & Miten:</b> Not really...we're not really kirtan singers, but we love kd and jai and snatam especially. We keep our ears open, but we don't consider ourselves proficient enough as musicians to attempt to actually emulate anybody...!<br /><br />We can tell you that we love the voices of Bombay Jayashree, Bobby McFerrin, the late Jagjit Singh, Bob Marley, and Blind Willy Johnson. The music covers a wide horizon ... we like that, it keeps things open and healthy and without borders, you can experiment unselfconsciously. Which is basically what we do when we record. 'A deeper light' is an experiment. 'Password' was an experiment. 'The essence' certainly was.<br /><br />Through early November - 2013, Deva & Miten with bansuri maestro Manose and keyboard wizard Maneesh de Moor are on tour in the USA and Canada. Tour details and tickets are available at <a href="http://www.mantrafestgiveaway.com/concerts/deva-premal-and-miten" target="_blank">BrightStar Live Events</a>.<br /><br /><b>More about Deva Premal & Miten</b><br />Deva Premal & Miten began their journey into love and music in 1990 when they met at the ashram of controversial Indian mystic, Osho. Their worldwide concerts and best-selling albums have since introduced millions of Westerners to the joy and deep relaxation found in spiritually based songs and chanting mantras from the Eastern meditation traditions. <br /><br />Deva & Miten have released a string of acclaimed CDs with sales exceeding one million, and their concerts have moved from yoga studios to audiences of thousands in concert halls, cathedrals and music festivals around the planet.<br /><br />
<br />
<br />Rara Avishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07374433871296236736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2244735561773644503.post-31611808562410105102013-04-30T15:53:00.000-07:002013-04-30T15:55:25.945-07:00Creating from Passion: the Maker of the Bamboo iPhone Case<a href="http://store.yogi-tunes.com/collections/physical-goods/products/bamboo-iphone-case" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFJpK6h9WhKAgQt5sDpQvOmL2XcggohQOIXF9_EX12cM8Pe8RG2vSycNmXORt058KOIEhZqrFV2QBPvz8-Ns5EsQI58hhnedgMEQQugGgsXNRD8iL455C8h3H0qynPOTtXnEIfYuAEcbB1/s320/yogitunesiphone-8.jpg" width="248" /></a><br />
<div class="p1">
When I was first turned on to <a href="http://mantrastyle.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: red;">Mantrastyle</span></b></a> I was stoked on both how cool the case was, how much it reflected the Yogi Tunes aesthetic. The magic behind these cases is SF based artisan/entrepreneur Grace Tai. Grace has created a cool niche and is indeed graceful in her approach to business.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Interview:</div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><i>What first inspired you to start making the cases? </i></span><b><br /></b></div>
<div class="p1">
<b>I wanted to create a business that was a fusion of two things that I love: fashion and technology. I am absolutely obsessed with my iPhone and have never been able to find a case for it that I felt really reflected my personality. I wanted something that made a statement and bamboo not only does that but it's eco-friendly and incredibly sustainable to boot! </b></div>
<div class="p2">
<i></i><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><i>How are the cases made?</i></span><span class="s2"> </span></div>
<div class="p1">
<b>The cases are CNC milled for great precision and detail - people are always surprised at how thin and light the cases are! We get the awesome engravings on the back by using a laser machine that shoots millions of tiny little lasers into the wood to create awesome and intricate designs.</b></div>
<div class="p2">
<i></i><br /></div>
<div class="p3">
<i>Did you have a specific background that helped you create your business?</i><span class="s2"> </span></div>
<div class="p3">
<span class="s3"><b>Some sales, some marketing, and a lot of passion!</b></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<i></i><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><i>Do you face any particular challenges in spreading the word about your creation?</i></span><span class="s2"> </span></div>
<div class="p1">
<b>Absolutely - the Internet is a big place! One thing I have noticed is that it's one of those products that once someone sees it, they absolutely love it. I've had complete stranger stop to tell me how much they like my case. It's just a matter of getting the word out!</b></div>
<div class="p2">
<i></i><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><i>You seem to have an underlying message that comes through what you've created… if so, could you talk about that?</i></span><span class="s2"> </span></div>
<div class="p1">
<b>Well, I wanted to create something that wasn't just cool, but also something that helped make the world a better place. One of my favorite things about Mantrastyle is </b><span class="s1"><i> </i></span><b>we get to donate a % of our cases to Freedom House, </b><span class="s1"><i> </i></span><b>a shelter that provides safety and rehabilitation for formerly trafficked women who have been rescued. Human trafficking has always been an issue very near and dear to my heart and </b><span class="s1"><i> </i></span><b>it's been a dream of mine to create a business that was able to incorporate this very important issue. What a great feeling to be making beautiful products for an equally beautiful cause!</b></div>
<div class="p2">
<i></i><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><i>I noticed you were selling your cases on </i><a href="http://scoutmob.com/"><span class="s4"><i>scoutmob.com</i></span></a><i> - can you talk a little bit about them? They seem like they have a really cool concept.</i></span><span class="s2"> </span></div>
<div class="p1">
<b>Scoutmob is one of our awesome partner sites - they feature an awesome array of products created by locals. You can search your city and buy stuff from people who walk the same streets as you - how cool is that? It's one of the great things about locally made products - not only are you contributing to your local economy, you are making an impact on the lives of real people, not huge corporations.</b></div>
<div class="p2">
<i></i><br /></div>
<div class="p3">
<i>Do you have any plans to branch out into other products, or perhaps other phones?</i><span class="s2"> </span><i> </i></div>
<div class="p3">
<span class="s3"><b>Absolutely; check out our site, we are already testing some new products out!</b></span><br />
<span class="s3"><b><br /></b></span>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span class="s3" style="color: red;"><b><a href="http://www.mantrastyle.com/">www.mantrastyle.com</a></b></span></h3>
</div>
Rara Avishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07374433871296236736noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2244735561773644503.post-17636733091023033752013-04-17T23:15:00.001-07:002013-05-08T22:00:27.447-07:00A Child’s Song - By Alan Cohen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Px2WV8L-gFSZqSTA_vgetyb6QlkuC01K1xp0QVLQMQZ7_hcie5KWsYIwfHDG_9lQTElYit82G6R-kK2vvd4c3NHfxApdF55_1v1QftcN4MihUhg3UMtGDoz7TLzHh3jxUcCS-DePx60t/s1600/tribe-alan+cohen+post.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Px2WV8L-gFSZqSTA_vgetyb6QlkuC01K1xp0QVLQMQZ7_hcie5KWsYIwfHDG_9lQTElYit82G6R-kK2vvd4c3NHfxApdF55_1v1QftcN4MihUhg3UMtGDoz7TLzHh3jxUcCS-DePx60t/s320/tribe-alan+cohen+post.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 17.99715805053711px;">There is a tribe in Africa where the birth date of a</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 17.99715805053711px;"> child is counted not from when they’re been born, nor from when they are conceived but from the day that the child was a thought in its mother’s mind. And when a woman decides that she will have a child, she goes off and sits under a tree, by herself, and she listens until she can hear the song of the child that wants to come. And after she’s heard the song of this child, she comes back to the man who will be the child’s father, and teaches it to him. And then, when they make love to physically conceive the child, some of that time they sing the song of the child, as a way to invite it.</span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 17.99715805053711px;"><br />And then, when the mother is pregnant, the mother teaches that child’s song to the midwives and the old women of the village, so that when the child is born, the old women and the people around her sing the child’s song to welcome it. And then, as the child grows up, the other villagers are taught the child’s song. If the child falls, or hurts its knee, someone picks it up and sings its song to it. Or perhaps the child does something wonderful, or goes through the rites of puberty, then as a way of honoring this person, the people of the village sing his or her song.<br /><br />In the African tribe there is one other occasion upon which the villagers sing to the child. If at any time during his or her life, the person commits a crime or aberrant social act, the individual is called to the center of the village and the people in the community form a circle around them. Then they sing their song to them.<br /><br />The tribe recognizes that the correction for antisocial behavior is not punishment; it is love and the remembrance of identity. When you recognize your own song, you have no desire or need to do anything that would hurt another.<br /><br />And it goes this way through their life. In marriage, the songs are sung, together. And finally, when this child is lying in bed, ready to die, all the villagers know his or her song, and they sing—for the last time—the song to that person.<br /><br />You may not have grown up in an African tribe that sings your song to you at crucial life transitions, but life is always reminding you when you are in tune with yourself and when you are not. When you feel good, what you are doing matches your song, and when you feel awful, it doesn’t. In the end, we shall all recognize our song and sing it well. You may feel a little warbly at the moment, but so have all the great singers. Just keep singing and you’ll find your way home.</span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 17.99715805053711px;"><br /></span>
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 17.99715805053711px;">-</span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 17.99715805053711px;">Reposted from:</span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline; line-height: 17.984375px;"><span style="color: #37404e; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Peia.luzzi">https://www.facebook.com/Peia.luzzi</a></span></span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline; line-height: 17.984375px;"><span style="color: #37404e; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline; line-height: 17.984375px;"><span style="color: #37404e; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Peia just happens to be an amazing singer!!</span></span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline; line-height: 17.984375px;"><span style="color: #37404e; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline; line-height: 17.984375px;"><span style="color: #37404e; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://soundcloud.com/peia-1/machi-pre-release-from-four">http://soundcloud.com/peia-1/machi-pre-release-from-four</a></span></span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline; line-height: 17.984375px;"><span style="color: #37404e; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline; line-height: 17.984375px;"><span style="color: #37404e; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">We hope to have her on Yogi Tunes soon :) </span></span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline; line-height: 17.984375px;"><span style="color: #37404e; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline; line-height: 17.984375px;"><span style="color: #37404e; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span>
-----<br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline; line-height: 17.984375px;"><span style="color: #37404e; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Alex King-Harris</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 17.984375px;"><i>aka Rara Avis</i></span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline; line-height: 17.984375px;"><span style="color: #37404e; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">CEO/Co-Founder</span></span>Rara Avishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07374433871296236736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2244735561773644503.post-16049276546865116062013-04-15T14:18:00.002-07:002013-05-08T21:57:22.893-07:00The Hidden Cost of Convenience<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeufQG6GvCRKMyViswnKi0BocXb20qlv-zu9Z2LwGRIe246RIcutnUh82vavDJE-tjHcuAo2itraqIFw4zGez13uoAsvJN9Dg9M739vKZOi5Ec-knIQrvaOCVOvN25yotdSVBQtPz3jueS/s1600/120725_the-cost-of-convenience_500_youanew.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeufQG6GvCRKMyViswnKi0BocXb20qlv-zu9Z2LwGRIe246RIcutnUh82vavDJE-tjHcuAo2itraqIFw4zGez13uoAsvJN9Dg9M739vKZOi5Ec-knIQrvaOCVOvN25yotdSVBQtPz3jueS/s200/120725_the-cost-of-convenience_500_youanew.png" width="167" /></a></div>
Ever notice how with convenience often comes hidden costs? It seems that with complete innocence we hunger to have our needs met in the most affordable, least time consuming way. However when we take a closer look at some of the services and products that fill our lives, we find hidden costs that put individuals, the environment and our future at risk.<br />
<br />
In the music world, this is unfortunately no different. Take Pandora Radio for example. Amazing service right? Right. Pandora has created something that very few other music services can duplicate... an automated recommendation engine that literally streams endless amounts of music that is strikingly similar to what you already like. It's free if you don't mind the ads, and very cheap if you'd rather have uninterrupted music. An excellent way to enjoy listening to and discovering music online and it works well for yoga teachers, massage therapists, and other wellness professionals as an easy alternative to spending time hand-picking music for use at work.<br />
<br />
However, as an artist, to earn a monthly minimum wage in the US ($1,160) via Pandora, I would need approximately 4,000,000 song plays. (Yes, that's four million). Yet, if I were to sell around 230 albums via Yogi Tunes I'd make the same amount of money. Now, I can't exactly live on $1,160 per month but there's definitely no way I can expect four million plays on Pandora per month. If I was getting that kind of air time my name would be Justin Beiber and I wouldn't care how much I was making off royalties because I'd have 9 super cars, 12 houses, a private jet, a super yacht and would make more in one hour than most musicians make in their entire life time.<br />
<br />
Yogi Tunes is a music service that has drawn a firm line in the sand around compensating artists and DJ's both for their hard work in bringing excellent music to the yoga community and beyond. We pay DJ's a fee every time their mixes get published and offer a profit sharing model for both DJ's and artists if their music gets used in our subscription plan. We then pay them more money for the retail sale of their music and try our very best to support independent artists and DJ's by marketing them and their music free of charge. Sure, we hope to create a revenue stream that allows us to create financial stability in our own lives, but we're always doing it with the creative people in mind who power our service.<br />
<br />
So the next time you're craving convenience, it's always worth looking behind the ease of use to make sure it's genuinely fair trade and good for everyone. It's not always the case that it's bad - I'm not saying to distrust innovation. Just asking (myself included) for some awareness around whether or not it's good all the way down the line.<br />
<br />
--<br />
Alex King-Harris<br />
Yogi Tunes Co-Founder/CEO <br />
<br />
The following graphic is an excellent tool for understanding the current state of affairs in the world of music royalties:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhctHKjZEkj4FJOUncCbMWE7z4OJXI-FA7biFu4Qb863UUDPgdxnY-ujZb-cFUZuwooSpjEI529oYWNiQEuDXJlQWKRzHPmRwJmAPY7H6A5GRZRnAkfgbsCBiSttW7UNRZ4_bkEUJ-mEvxJ/s1600/selling_out_550.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhctHKjZEkj4FJOUncCbMWE7z4OJXI-FA7biFu4Qb863UUDPgdxnY-ujZb-cFUZuwooSpjEI529oYWNiQEuDXJlQWKRzHPmRwJmAPY7H6A5GRZRnAkfgbsCBiSttW7UNRZ4_bkEUJ-mEvxJ/s1600/selling_out_550.png" /></a></div>
<br />Rara Avishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07374433871296236736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2244735561773644503.post-42489450503100738042013-04-14T16:42:00.001-07:002013-04-15T19:41:54.369-07:00Lookin' for Adventure?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkqOgAJZWGB9uj3BLNWtrM6dFkCB4AYMFj3h9_ylvwl4CeyJZ4BBNibYapvPgqUi4eMzKOZ8f9ZZFxfN3dCTU1sSKeD2odUfoWG5wWUV1oEBJ9tIl833icpcycHVW1qecepbPSFx1p_QFB/s1600/IGE_Logo_NEWS.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkqOgAJZWGB9uj3BLNWtrM6dFkCB4AYMFj3h9_ylvwl4CeyJZ4BBNibYapvPgqUi4eMzKOZ8f9ZZFxfN3dCTU1sSKeD2odUfoWG5wWUV1oEBJ9tIl833icpcycHVW1qecepbPSFx1p_QFB/s320/IGE_Logo_NEWS.png" width="320" /></a></div>
I have the absolute joy of living in one of the nicest, most progressive, chilled out towns anywhere: Ashland, Oregon.<br />
<br />
We are up in the mountains about 1/2 hour from the California border and life here is safe, peaceful, affordable, the city has an ordinance against billboards and large scale chain businesses, plus it has one of the nicest city parks I've ever come across.<br />
<br />
One of the reasons we moved here was the local Waldorf school that our now 13 year old son attends. It's very low cost for a private school, has the most amazing teachers and a philosophy about childhood development that we resonate with.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
One of the many perks at the Waldorf school is our son's teacher Kelly Shelstad and her husband Tom who are very gifted childhood educators. Since our son joined Kelly's class we've seen him truly blossom into a happy, healthy, content, funny, relaxed individual. One of the key things Kelly and Tom do is take the entire class on multi-day hiking trips. The first time they went on one it quite simply transformed the emotional and social dynamics of the entire class within a period of 3-4 days. They came back more themselves than I'd ever seen them, and the long term effects of Kelly and Tom's presence in our child's life has been truly a blessing.<br />
<br />
Tom has an amazing company called 'Inner Guide Expeditions' through which he shares his passion for the wilderness and love for humanity in two ways: transformational wilderness trips for teens in the Pacific Northwest and customized family expeditions all over the globe. Through personalized attention, heartfelt connection, individualized feedback, and outdoor adventure they create a foundation for awareness and transformation to flourish. They hike, play, share, reflect, and explore their way through some of the most beautiful wilderness in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.<!--EndFragment--><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM-TBwkvAZB9BUNN4eCLqb7JlG7OvwdrpydrXDRllv4fAkyuenXOercirt2xOWLia5F72TuQJzy_lOQXJncYuexDpTMWrbRrpzqWjh12yTqpJt68s2XLqrrb2optKQDZTdse0jikfkL-SW/s1600/P9150094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM-TBwkvAZB9BUNN4eCLqb7JlG7OvwdrpydrXDRllv4fAkyuenXOercirt2xOWLia5F72TuQJzy_lOQXJncYuexDpTMWrbRrpzqWjh12yTqpJt68s2XLqrrb2optKQDZTdse0jikfkL-SW/s400/P9150094.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<i>"Something astounding happens when electronics are forgotten and an “analog” rhythm of life emerges center stage - wilderness becomes adventure, challenge becomes insight, campfires become council, strangers become family." Tom Shelstad</i><br />
<div>
<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span></div>
In 2013, Inner Guide is providing custom family expeditions in Washington, Oregon, and a 105-mile circumnavigation of Mont Blanc through France, Switzerland, and Italy. The trips are custom crafted to meet the unique needs of each family from the design of the expedition, to the level of facilitation and location. These rare experiences, as a family in a wilderness setting, guided by skilled facilitators, with opportunity to connect deeply away from the day to day, are exquisite opportunities to turn towards the people that matter most in your life.<br />
<br />
If this resonates with you it's because it's really frickin' cool and you should definitely consider going to their website and booking a trip.<br />
<br />
You can do so at: <a href="http://www.innerguideexpeditions.com/">www.innerguideexpeditions.com</a> or call them at (541) 261-4959<!--EndFragment--><!--EndFragment--><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
--</div>
<div>
Alex King-Harris</div>
<div>
Yogi Tunes CEO/Co-Founder</div>
Rara Avishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07374433871296236736noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2244735561773644503.post-42594952095971127962013-04-08T17:03:00.001-07:002013-04-12T11:13:43.733-07:00Qawwali Music Explained: An Interview w/ Tahir Qawwal of Fanna-Fi-Allah<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/_FVWUpSJhdI" width="450"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
If any of you have ever had the absolute pleasure of sitting in on a late night jam session with <a href="http://yogitunes.myshopify.com/collections/vendors?q=Fanna-Fi-Allah+Sufi+Qawwali" target="_blank">Fanna Fi Allah</a>, then you'll know what I'm talking about when I say the air fills with a palpable sense of mysticism, devotion and a serious connection to the groove. While I am myself a well trained musician, i've often wondered about the under lying structure present that is capable of bringing to life such an amazingly intricate and yet delicately simple form of devotional music.<br />
<br />
To learn more, I sent my friend and band leader Tahir Qawwal some questions and was really inspired by the responses... read on for the interview!<br />
<br />
You can listen to their latest release here:<br />
http://yogitunes.myshopify.com/products/ya-mustafa-nur-ul-khuda<br />
<br />
And all of their releases here:<br />
http://yogitunes.myshopify.com/collections/record-labels-tabaruq<br />
<br />
<b>Can you briefly talk about the roots of Qawwali singing?</b><br />
<i>Musically speaking qawwali singing comes principally from the classical raaga tradition of the Indian subcontinent. All qawwalies are composed inside of a raaga framework which span both classical & semi-classical raaga's. Since qawwali singing is done in the high register, the texture of this singing is most closely related to folk & bhajan. Most of the vocal ornamentation in qawwali singing is contained in the Indian classical system, while a few special techniques come more specifically from Persian singing.</i><br />
<br />
<b>What are the general themes you are singing about? Love? Spirituality? Devotion?</b><br />
<i>Well qawwali covers a very vast subject mater, spanning over a thousand years of culture & sufi poets. Generally speaking the principal subject matter is ' Ishq ' divine love, the passionate & emotional relationship with Allah. The typical subject matter for expressing this sacred devotion within qawwali text is offered to the name of Allah directly, towards the beloved prophet Muhammad ( pbah ) & his family, sufi saints of the Indian subcontinent & simply to the beloved, called by many names like: Sajna, Mehraman, Dholena...</i> <i>The qawwali texts are in languages such as: Urdu, Persian, Punjabi, Seraiki & Purbi.</i><br />
<br />
<b>Can you describe how the structure of the music works? (how it's composed and performed)</b><br />
<i>The musical structure of qawwali is quite unique, yet much of it's arrangement has certainly evolved out of older Indian musical genres. The main body of the song is comprised of a central sufi poetic text which is divided into two melodies, the astai ( lower melody ) & the antra ( upper melody ). In addition to this principal text we have firstly the ' saazina ' ( instrumental intro ), ' alap ' ( wordless vocal intro ) & ' Dora ' ( poetic invocation for the song ). Once the main text begins there can be many improvised solos sung spontaniouslly by the front line vocalists, these improvised bits known as ' amad ' are passionate offerings sung to embellish the raaga even deeper. As well, our qawwali repatoir is completely traditional, the melodies being composed by our maters & their for fathers. Being the group leader, it is also traditional for me to add relevant poetic material to the song as spontaneous solo or call/response sections. </i><br />
<br />
<b>I've seen it performed many times, and it seems like everyone gets a chance to solo but how is the solo order determined, and how does the ensemble know when the solo is over and it's time to sing the chorus?</b><br />
<i>When it comes to ' amad ' solo parts, it is the duty of the advanced vocalists in the front line. There is certainly no order as impulsive passion is the way. There is though, a communal respect given first to the advanced singers. When it comes to how to start or finish, this is all empathic, as long as a solo is aesthetically within the feel of the track it all lines up naturally.</i><b><br />On behalf of the whole ensemble, how did most of you get involved? Was it different for everyone?</b> <br />
<i>Well, my beginnings in the qawwali field evolved directly out of studies in Indian classical music & my journey into sufism. When Fanna-Fi-Allah was created by Aminah Chishty & I back in 2001 we tried our best to build the group from skilled vocalists who were passionate about this musical genre. Qawwali is an extremely difficult & sophisticated form of music. Because of the perpetual musical training involved in our ensemble, it is treated as a very long term commitment for anyone to join the mob. Yes, it was truly different for each of our beloved members.</i><br />
<b><br />It seems like you guys are family and all share a common bond within the music… can you talk about that?</b><br />
<i>We certainly do ! Sharing devotional music has been a profound way to experience friendship. Keeping the peace within our crew hasn't always been easy, but now that were all well out of our twenties inshallah generosity & maturity will guide our way forward.</i><br />
<br />
<b>Are there particular challenges you face in touring with such a large group?</b><br />
<i>The most confronting challenge of touring as a large ensemble is simply the cost. After our first decade of touring professionally we all decided that it was time that we would only except gigs that were fairly paid, this has created some limitations for venues & festivals with small performer budgets. On top of this we typically accept one or two benefit concerts each year as well as perform in India & Pakistan without any concern for compensation.</i><br />
<br />
<b>Do you ever perform in smaller numbers? (duo or trio, etc.)</b><br />
<i>Traditional qawwali as passed down from our maters can only be accomplished with a group. There are specific rolls that must be fulfilled for an offering that is truly qawwali. Singing the sufi texts in a classical ( duo or trio ) is beautiful genre called Kafi. My other musical ensemble named Sufi Soul Sangeet is designed for this more subtle & soft traditional art.</i><br />
<br />
<b>Do you have any tips for people interested in singing Qawaali who might not have access to an ensemble to practice with?</b><br />
<i>First off, the guidance of a qawwali ustad ( teacher ) is completely necessary since the form is much too advanced to imitate. Most of the practice involved is purely classical training which is done alone. But when your ready for an ensemble give a call !</i><br />
<br />
<b>Is having a female tabla player unusual?</b><br />
<i>Yes, female tabla players in Pakistan seem to be presently almost non existent. Thanks to her heart felt dedication to the path & her initiation under qawwali great Dildar Hussain Khan, Aminah is proving herself exceptionally well in this field.</i><br />
<b>Can you talk about how, as a non-indiginous ensemble, you've been received by traditional audiences and/or venues?</b><br />
<i>Honestly when performing in Pakistan, since the traditional setting of qawwali is completely sufi in nature there is only kindness when we offer our sound. The virtues of hospitality & warmth come much more easily than cultural discrimination. That being said, we are very young in this path when sitting at the feet of our teachers & their many generations of qawwali history. Qawwali music is much more of a spiritual experience than a cultural display. As I've explained above there are many languages in qawwali, therefor even local Pakistani qawwal's have to study hard if they are to thrive.</i>Rara Avishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07374433871296236736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2244735561773644503.post-67642048157477566452013-03-17T11:27:00.003-07:002013-03-17T11:27:37.074-07:00<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.entheos.com/Recovery2point0/Play/" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="172" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAeoAAACECAYAAABf5GikAAAAGXRFWHRTb2Z0d2FyZQBBZG9iZSBJbWFnZVJlYWR5ccllPAAANRFJREFUeNrsfWtwXMd1Zg8eBAnwMaQImhRpYyBtZFHamMPEtmTZKw7jimJLcghaUmrtqjUGrl1HkV0mmKyYlFdaAOtkyyslS3DL4kabHxgksa2SLBPUy7ZkmwPKejsGqBctkSIHEl8i+BgABIj37D2Dbkyj0bf7PmfuDM5XdQuDedx7u++9/Z3vnNOnCUEgEAgEAoFAIBAIBAKBQCAQCAQCgUAgEAgEAoFAIBAIBAKBQCAQCAQCgUAgEAiEA4SwCxAIBAJRJBxllbMymv+RqBEIBAKBsMtHB7ZHwlXloahBTJsMdgob70WNLUzJahN7zSGdyZDX2T/TJNM9nSHp8anMofcGxl//xoHTaUrSGY6wM8VG3kjUCAQCgSgIXrizfnMZIVsMJopRIo54uX+DifumM5nXJ6bI8xfHpg5uf+aDQ1k+nyHp6WIhbiRqBAKBQOQNL91V32AQTwMBgrZIzMuvv1H5+eBbL1sj7gx5fzKTeX54YvrJLzzx/hOUrEXiDhxpI1EjEAgEwle8eGd9pCxEmo2X28zIuTpyHamJbCRVtRvIMoOYq2rXZ1/bwVj/CWM7SUZSb2e34dTh7F8TtT0wNpX5wVvnx/Z+s/v0ceOtKYG4M0EhbCRqBAKBQPiCl++qjxl/WowtJn4GJLz8+hvIyk/dQpZfdwMpr1nuyzlMDQ+Swbdfyarui689lyVzEZPTmV+fGp783p/97EQ3JWwZaSNRIxAIBKK0CRrIuHbLHaQ2dkdWQeuU8RB1aQ8bqnhqZEj63fLqZYYSn9kXKPEK43/VvkFh9ycfl5L2VCbz5ocjU9/78jMfPAn8TbeCEzYSNQKBQCB8JWiIMa+mBC0DkCYQKFO+XgCOWV23MfvXTLHDcc880zHvmBPTmRdTgxP/6z89d/Kg8e94oQkbiRqBQCAQrvDSXfVhg0zajZeN/PtAzKtjd2aJco5yHR4kFwySvPjas1myzAdWfuqPs272VcZfkbTBSADCBqXN49LE9GMPv3nxvseODp4F/qaEPZVvwkaiRiAQCIQbFQ0Z3B2Em+MMKrau8b55LmhQzOeSP55HiPkGkHatYUDAXx7gCj+2d9cchT2dIYNHB8Z3fu25k0/BV0wUNhI1AoFAIAJH0GFK0A3sPUgQu+qbD85T0EDMJx/bI03kKiTgfNfftWOeSx4MimMP3TvnfIcnp59t773Q/OTxoX7j31FOYftO1kjUCAQCgbBL0lAxbB/hplptMAhv7a1Nc9zKQSVoq4QN537C2BgmpzMnf3li+Bstr/T/1vj3MlXYPFn7QthI1AgEAoGwQ9JxqqRnSe6ae/9xjpsbFGlf4rumc5iDTNiiRwDa8N7eXXPa8m56/K+/9tzJH8DHlKwniI+ucCRqBAKBQFgl6d3Gn2b2PyjQusb7Z1U0JIm9t/fevCWI+QWIXV99z4Nz2tXX+d05sfX02NRPvvDE+39JyRpc4ePEJ1c4EjUCgUAgrJA0qOg4+78ufn/W1c0A5AwkDaRWCgCSBrLmE86AqI8ZbWQ4Pzq1/7Yn399lvLwkqOspL8m6HG8/BAKBQFglaSCwa/9bglxx0+2zn4ObGxRnZmKsZNoMbTn/4lNkvP8EWX7djaRsUVW2sApM74L34fPqirJrv3LNis8cG5h4/v1LE+P0p57XDEeiRiAQCIRlkr6u5Ydk6e9tzn4G6vmt++4oele3CiOpwyR96CAJR28mFUb7K8O12deMrBeVh668+cqam99Jj/3qxKXJMeLDAh9I1AgEAoGwTNIsaQySq97469uzirPUMZHuJ/3dj2cJGoiakfWlI73ZzyrKQqv/YM3itT96d/AFMn8JTddEjTFqBAKBQNgm6bfbvloy8WjLytboh2vufXg2Kxza3/Otm2f74cORyae3Pf3B3xgv08Y2THLzrV3FrFFRIxAIBEIkaSDoViTpuQBX97nk49lpXBCvhrg17wZfWll2zWfWVY89cXzobYmqRqJGIBAIhCckHSMzxUyy+Pd/9ziStACIyTOyFmPWa5ZUfKZ+xaIPfnVi+APi0frWSNQIBAKBYCQNZUFfMrbF8P9V9zxokNAWJGkJoKgLH7OGjSXV1S2rvLH/8tTz76bHYW1Ofn1rJGoEAoFAOMd/vn7lT40/18JrmCN9ZcPd2fehBChkdyNJ58CmbzGyBnUN/QMJZmWh0KJPXFH18X99Z+AXnKpmhG1bWWMyWfECLF+otxuj/2/hPosQrgavgST3utfYBuh7KboVGhHaFthW0L8MUZJblQfOPU1fw99D9G+v0EYEAmFfTUPFMag8lnV1//4DT2XfB/IBJV1s5UDzBegriOGzKmaHjb5iq28dvjD2z02/PPWQ8fIiySWYjRObyWU6om6gF042mLMBn0edQBAy0mADK6H77aODrF8DbZh2ElEQEzsPO5C1lScWaONmj9sC12MbJeeIh/uFvu/2+TqI14RvS9ij/UKf7ze2Lu4ec4N99NyYUcCwiTOUVgZw7IB74wC9r7uFc97OGTsNJBeL5I0g3XOuwyaTa8qMSli3eKfJb3tMzkO8BkRioIrHIZK2ddN+SVowUqF/Wrgxi/XDCu45h62+gNf6gGQM20L/b7JB0hHa92EgHCBpiMECoBKX3WUp4bdVazbM/s8vGxk0wJKc1XUbs3OkmfdgOHXYlmEC1csgG5z9/o1dt896H/a+cfEb//y79L8ZL8/Te4hlglt2heuIOsbdCPlAFx1oE157KQpw/WEg2OrBfuAawGLs8Tydd5q7Dl0e7ztO2xLLUzvgPtrjwmsA59uh+c52H/rJLWaVkQCRIPP9fDO0EZpRbEI8sTydR4peO9U9so9wyziaoMmHMcvq2HDA5N7fbOe+N4h6tt/50qBiyUwVMQNZrfz0LfOWuGQAAoMYLuyz0OocyHn1ljvmrZbFA4gW5k6febrD0upffL+deaYjW60NcHFs6o0vPvH+t42X54ztApkpNwpkzeqCFx1R8zfaTg9v/mIk6ji15nXKmbl9+zgVmRTUa5TuZxMddCI2BrJOOsCnXahnII4dFpRzklM8KYkHhLWF3ZubuLbp9rvToco+rtl/wo5yyRN6yNzwAUO90J8LnahFkbBTQm5heg+ENc9JIVS1WV/tpM+sVZKe9awAgW1s+aFUGcoA6hsW5VARngyFWl0LzpctxykaEWP9J2dIXGJoiMtdmu2bn8bGu8B/dWK4/Tsvnf0x2D5UVYMLHKqYTVkha7dEnaLWaK+Jm4khQnJxyDobZJEkc111C4GoY5SgY5p9d9LBxUnfRDmVriNPN4OQFWMj4YF6Z7H6HRaO1WZTYbfSNqiMyiC5vyOUWKwYFMVI1Ox+4XMVek2eI2bYbbKgilUCwcxDUUhVbXbtbI87BlHPGqPg8pYRjQziClNMhQ73Hc4pVxN1bYcAvSRpnkizatdQ+GAwiIpZXBUMYCXrXTR0er95c/b15cnM2bsPnPqLd9LjMPZcpGQN61lbKobilqjdqEYrhMSIfztxl/SUcdmGsESh8ElOfLyafddujDpM+6NZY/XvId7Fka2oXVU8UUUWHZpr20YHtpTHz6POOEjTY7fbaMtxzXeC5P42Myy2Su4b3fOtIlTRCBf3y8DHq9l3VfeUjqi3Orz/7Xh2ZIrUzEvB31f1HogKt2q6nthzecfps5olJ5iOBdC5vPnvsu9ffO1Zac1vIHRQsTxB8rDqXveapHWxd9lvrJA17wIHIwDc4IDXz43+6BsHTkMg+xwla8sucLdE3UUHKTdooDdKWEPWW108BG6J2m9EaR9EFaq2ifiX6KUiVrskpLueSdqWlM992kwJK6y4d5ss3lNzlvezqFYLBZmr3uwe94Ko80VADJuJu0TBML2eduPOUUrWJAD9ZXbdbB/fIGogjGwC2ebvH8ySk1gWU0XS8J13//5uS8li8BszF7nfZM17CpiSfvfBP9f+js9+t0rWZn05OZ0Z/vovTzW9mx5/n+QSyyxlgZdpzlNHDIc86MMuCyQc1ShN4rIdhUQDfeiiiv7Z7HMbUvQa7HTZdzBI7FOQYxs9TioP/dpOj9Wr6feIhX11WriG4QDcS2bx+s4iei66NZ+7zeZPU+MzofnebuGa9lrwwuzI033QYtIvdkk6zs53naEAmZsXFKAZCUHSGLiEGd7WuMd5ABGbxaSBwEF1+wFQuDxJQ9ves2gUwPmeFFzzsC++D0TA/pk7H/p0HVXXFWWhmr/cfMWXjZc1dIOiMpWUh5WiuSwgD2evBVXbEpDB0EvENcTWTryJ0dsht83c8XptHLuDmMdy01ShtBbovupVEJvOpckIrVej0hoCcD81mhhhCYKQKeYuzTVtkRiaac1vmn0+75iJx8GJR2e2fcxVCyRz+hnziQ7rDTJlhA4EZjcZ7N0H71bu28w97hQQMxYTxyCT207hFpl7HAwLcOmbAYwdFvdeyxlBHw8v+rzxZykl6mqwfYDDKVGHgk7UbFBts0BsfqjJQpG0aurPTmI/NuwluaVtqBeda3hrAcmCTVXpUgyuByyQtS7jZVtAvDN2zzuIz0Y+yTptY7xJW3gmdQmNfqjpdruehpdmMr0jjHSsqmneda0idDMAeaniwqB+vcRV9zwwn0Sf7rB9zrLYu5hIJ+Ikp6prt8z025KKstq2G2r/hCPrJVRVlxcLURMLriU/BsO+ArQTSEGVRZogNqZX+EjWnRa+G9eQdBPxpviIF4Nyr4KsdXkSugx7O9Pe/FJaEQmxuDGQSp2odf0TlqjXBFGHDMJEPUvAazWdsiBw5iHEPbPrqctZp6bX3pZTpjC9ymk50TOKY0CWOKhgLwCudFa0hQE8AGMO1s+Wufd5t7aZEmd9xPfdH9Qu2UrVdDUl6kUcUYeKgajTRO2OipXA4KAjhV4SjMQkK2U5dQZHOwmO25XFJtMO22KF9Arp/m40MfjSBKGCzhiVjTk6VR33yWhrceAVmIcX76yPMNEDpMjITOcS1k21sgodWa691f3wByQq2w8YGE5g9jvera0ySlhBmKwHY0n5xs+uq97AETVzf5cVi6IG6BLUIkU+MOwmajdrUxG1RRVfd2Tp+wzdOem8Azo3cmMB2+a123uhQOftqTP5TbuF59zr62tX3cvVdCh3r6zeknNl61zCfPy4pm6jq3iyzJXMAISmIj8rWGdCoE5LmZrF4nm3tpmqzrXrltnXf1q/DKyexZSoF1OiLjfjZCtEnXL4mVPobjwnRJ0KyKAQ0xBBGwmGm9gKWjXXwralnye0a+6x3RrjI6nxMEQL0Ka45JwTFu/7VMCuT6oA55p0MN7oEssaiLceQJH4rcTL5UTNGZSrqMrTqVyRlFk98BsePZbdoM61HeLWJaG5Ve+rTaaBjaQOu/IESFX1bebaio9v87kAm1ZX3cwRNShqpfu7LKAPjtfoC8h56Fyr7UXSnzB47dAMfMkAn79KVetijEFU1bLcjU6Lv0WidgYrROlVrDouMRgcGcIvzLi9o6JyPaNJDKvQKFzYl1gcRAVWrtOUqF3EqYEQxdg0T5xOMTkyJH0fjqVqNxSCEQ2jcFX5xz6zdsmVAlkz97cjoiZF9CAHGXGN2tpDiieeqJsq1xbw89cZEs0KJdWluQfjeW6LbGoYLvuZn/EmoennGPEmb6FFcv86qoRXxql83hU7+NYrrk8yW/fbYta2zgXtxq3Ot2vOMd9218YhxTmrap1f4Nz8y67LGSB/Wr/s0wJRm2Z/I1HnD7rZ/MWipsMaMkoVCUl0urhenTaJ028D0K7qR1iHzhunU9VuY9Wi0chqEjhDKEfUy6+fcS9byYQetjhfGlzWbuPLWQVfvcyxsaCa3+wGk4pEO9UxIUGPGQmruO9dvWLRtWTG5V0lIepQ0IlapTp7i/Rhj2na5XRxjUJAV9ChWEgiQfRzaMMOjap8zqkWXe1up2QtRLgZc3SJZRHivAiKLAzjZtnWUIiu351dL5q6h1WJXTzZWHUb13hQtMSpol6lIEy3K3WN9JnHt/n+lOHiq8/OGhKsbetqKj5OyXkRt7GEssAT9SbFZ8kiHQh0ccv9JdSWriJqi64ylZky1pGhiuS9RERCMqim7fdh2OWYo0ssc1pVsZnML2Pa6rShv74jEmHqnKlpgFWX8DlFoZKggHcty4wNP8H3qQi+j1miXGVZqPq2yNJ6TlUDaVcUC1Gr3IadRToY6FyhxUJuurWfe0lxhSZ0BtI2F/diPA/nv8PEU4Dw5tm06unSJZY5KS0akahpV5UKy0KhTTJCszpl6TRXFlNFhk6nQPlNlm7hJq7Oq3n+e5+4YnGdoKp5og4FlahVSiRJitP1HSP6lcGKxe2tMziKzeORdNHepMYoaSzA9UiQ0q8mlg9jx4l3IqEZn3TrsosQY9vtbp+vUCjnfalas2EegeiQXSnrwbuVZO3V2tJOEr907mc3Gd9WoHPXszbVRDbOvremuqKWI2qmqMuDrqhV0xnainQgiJUQuW3RfN5dZNfGSj3zmMN70u851bKSpcXqcSqkMIgonku7z6ZXiWUxwQhLezH+hbj7kblfh23OKwZif2PX7dk61jzxwfuwbOQZi/W/vV58Y2afG5Wf66aEuVbzmrnfzCji216/vPIaSs6LOLKeF6cOElG3Kh4a19ZkgMntUBG1RWd0FKPHww1R61yjO3w8722SdhTrM1IIhBXE6TSzOknUoQerRVB2SwwAt163UIZ69njVOe5AZbJlHHu/eTN55c+uym5A3laS0hh087KHHLjPa3wgf7tKX6noz56YZ6hUlYeqKTFXcFtgFXVcoaZ7SWFWkfIKOlWVKpF2FFNbeOim32zSKPIuzcDsF8nEhfcwicxe/x0g5iGpJhf3so5Udao6LjxrOvK3o6hnMr7XbLBMPH6huk6nfu0bEIsUJJkv8H07T1FzWePMUFlZVb5BQtSBjFGDku5QkPTWEhgUdFY4tiO4ilrXbl2Vs7hPhq1oMCQIwqrBqVrWVLdOtQ46N3VUcU+ETdS0pyh3OEc5X4SWNSAcFGDR7TMv7apdb/oZPw9bMFTK6MbU9Lya32UBeGDMlHSC5NZFLlbESmiAK6W2iAOrm3anNEaKH0lljaimHYsCM5JOE+/WTW/XKHKzevLiNC7b60yb4efbPja7X95FPOxybrFTqOK5TpeirMiDAaKb4qVyffOJe7zr/4t1Sz/KEXS5oKizqrqiANeogQ40qjmqbq1aO6izMBiHTR5uPv4coRuc/0qLx06V0CCYWsDn3am4h2L0vvCqf2RJan6paSvhDnbf81gh/DZKnyF4prfn+fpGqIJtJOqysF4vItNEjQKz8aSZzJ0THSVzp3B5kkDGsLSyLOqEePwAX/RDhn6H87Wr8xCjBrL1uvLZyqryakrO5WaK2i1Rs8HJbIoRe4ijlNRiRO1KbCf64gFeI068dU/22lRjxQJdUlwfKU5YuQZRjbJJEPWqW5BU5pULc4fk2H7dR14v1eg2cTJCnylVtj4bY9h4E9Vc+ybiT9gmSQ0AM0HSIlw7PxLIZpHJEEkF6cJglYbo7CSlBQ0O4+QhhaL2hKhbiPsVYlJUkbQTXOQeEUxYqSqVIOZFLRo8JOoGiZpfKIgoVKodAIHuIf7nVezUiJPd1MPQLBj1vV57STIBuoiq6mGgpv2e7+wnnMTJMzlSLuO2QCSTsfq4m40NSqi1Ikkjihx7NATjRQZ4XBj0UwSnZFkBy84H9bySkmM++i2luS8a6OZpBbIgA9zeqpWmTj62INMtQiYb8UpRO7Ewg7ZKVMKCKomaWMViLM4slo0ofaSI2tXZSNznXYhJZG15eF6dzjOvI3NjwvB6UwEEwXZS2BBTO1HHx/dJ1H7JGl8qt3exq2mPyLpMRtZuiXord1OxLG6Vm5DFZYKknvssPBioWhBW0KkgalZJzClpRARS1M3h9orogvRsJMnc6ZodRJ1fwqZCtRZYze+UELLKOCpZrL9LXgMIktrcqmnYhxdLbBaYrKUo8/ih1k2nYoUGEIhiglXDsktDxHEX5xCXHGuhh4uaiD6W20Lyuz642X1hxaBJ+KX+J6YzA4W+WODyNpu+dMbCgh86DPcdLsqbODOfpOe99jpG3Uv0pffAyt29QAYS3cMZKaK26Op41xXpNYpYvK/tqGozuJlTjXOnzclad306AvCsWVHKvoUy/mhf32zGPV94oyqP1bzM1DRMeTqRh9i0rhqa3zBT+0fSYxfI3Hy/ea/9SCbrskDWzSQ/ywCWAklgW4rrvBOaYzlRd+ICHElSnHXV/cJWTX+AJ28fyc8a4Spjr11j1KfycSJ8Kct8VfNae2uT1ChgK3J5Ab6WtgwVeXCLq2qUmxWa+bezoxckBD0HfmV9J4g+aWw3Kf3EqyS2JfDwujRqiqhjx05UdaMN1b4QASGA7UQdCgiCJ29/IQ+ekdQ6UJW89FJJbjBR0+/tvdezBLLxgCei8aVbp0aGJJcnu01zrzN+EzVgp2bACoKVm69BRIUYtqOgiLpstwydNtSxFcUvLnmYQG6WGki6dQHixHyue+kjM0PUg5zqy4fr++p7HpS6fY8ZJO1lcZNClUO1CpmiPj08eVQg5nkk7TdRA3TxIxiEOkr88dC5KCMl0o5iagsPXWzdSTUtL5PKxO8iSavvUV3YbSF48qQ0PU0ys/cyKx3qd9lNcHnLSm5C8pjTUqFm8Hu9aSv9pVqNjK9axvr/4tjUBUFNTwuqOi9EbcUlBWqhtYQfEF0S1qYiakvSpTotRkWddLhfVXaMHfc3JpHZAxgyurCbbhppSWI6k3N9swzp6oh/CVZAanXx++e9DwTdl/iu58cb0SjqZdff6PoYuulfqjh5De1rnszPj84SNZDzFN2m862oCVUWukL8QZhCUShyi5WQ0bGlyK6NlQI1Tok6ofE8WFHVcTI/iSyFXKzFTs11W5DTREencoqaJT2B69sP9zcQ2nUtP5SSNLi8/UKh1tfOqfoTpv3B1DhvUPzm7OWjAklLyTpfJUSTRD89IQhTKPxquy7JpVise12BjViRXZuYy/aqoIslW1HVqKadQ1eRbCFNEwVk/rir7+CsoubIwmtVzUhaVJ9Q0MRPktapar+XwVQZCfyynnyOwK9PjZyghCwj6Vn3dz5rfbdrBq5STi7TDfjF4k3otTD4FZOxtU3zudss3U6NkRDRqG7ekEiR/C39WgqwEnZbaNNEM9MZ8rpIKis/dYunB4HkMTGWCwRtd640xLZvePSYaca4lCwV06O8iMfr1tE2/R3ndh9JzYQdLk1MXzg5PHmZ5OLSkwJZk3wragZd7eBStXJ102m2lVBbiimE0aAZ6N0SY1Jj2Oyw8RlOyXJmWOo8eQspuSwzmck8Dy8gmYkRy/Lrb/DsAFcZJC0mjwFJO0kcW3vb17N/7cSWC+n6VhkJrE+gz5l7/P2hiaOcmp7ktrwnk8kGP90C7XFSelModAN2QxF5EnSJOo1F0o64ps8TxJsSnXscnEOYYLa3V0iQhevJm0PSsI1OZmbd32xqFMSovVCbQNL8ylhgDDglaV69qoqIiIBjqqZ8LXeRUKaL5Zsdl88D4A2Jl89cfpPk4tM8UU+RAiSTObVyYyX2oOjKAxaLcaKLvUaL5NrpDAqv4sG6WgINFgw33XQvhBo6T16EWF80o6jJ+pb9fU8YDJCt+32BIxbV0pOW1O+tTfNI+u22rzomaTeGw8XXnjX9rNxFnFpVxU1lHPD9wvfH06mhIxxRT9CNEXVBkslkVq5OmZWalZsgejdosbRXZ3S0BPz8Yxpjot1DYkxpyHqHhffQ7e3euNTFq+F+aF0AfTE9OZ15Cl7wbtiViuUndQAi4qdhwT6BpEdcFCCp4RLc7FYuu6AgzRoXBoCqipvKOFhNiRrawfrk+OD4myeHJ0c4kh4ztnH62pGijjj8zK2V6+UUiqAsGNGkaW+xqOqUhqx1RFhotGgGda8XR+jUeCCiQt9FbRC9W0QCdm38Gm9SRF8MpZSniRI6+GcuTUw/yd4483QHJaENjsgaSBpc3gxARG/sut0VSc8YDrdwRG2vkAmoeTMlX+2KqDfYPh642tnveNX9m7OjbwhqepxujmPUER8fciv1eTtKaDBKagbdFlI8iS2tGtXZEVAPQbPGiNhJvF8+Uue63lFANb1QiJpdB50nr6NAz2C+DNvpLz7x/pPM/c2TB0veckrSsC9Q0lPc6lxOAGTKGw2TJvsDAgSXO2SFi0bGuW4zonY+Fc0sqQ2qrJkBzk80isanM5d/9O4AI2qepJmaLkjBE7dWbpyU1hSKJgsEVyxQGVoREjwXuO6cEsS/pK1OzT0eJvLVtRIE4SWsePKCamR6oqiBDMamMj+YUasnZtUgJG9ZLX4ikjSQ1bsP/rknJH31PQ/MeU+mzoGcow8dzLrcYfnMa+59mGxs/dHs3G3IwJZlgLsp8FIjWSZTpaZ5LwWcC3PhH02Pv3lqeHKY5JLIxkjO9T1JJLW+KwJw8zArt1lDXr2kNJb2Y/GyHo0XoakI2sISAzsU6vVQQMhGl91rJcnRDRIaIwHIuk7igUkht/piYPYo7gX2DG4v0fZPv3l+dO8n1yy5h6lPlvAEpKcrSgIqkY9JA0mDmlZlVMNa0KplJqEONsSlrbim4fiyta3B0ADCPtz6lez/xx66N0vm8753/Q0GudqLe8N5ycqHQtvNYuj8OZ7k5pAbarqb5OZNj3NEzStqEjSiBrSR+bE5ERCvrifeuyULRXBNCoKLU4JrL/B5QvZ9N1G764GAtii8HkExslQuTSvTBr3wHnUR8xioLJkQk8j8uxYqA5OQ3BoEraWoqr/Vfeb4wTsiTy8qC93G1CcQHRA2kIoZ+YhTsBhx8i5ev6EqgAJtAFJliXLQFpHU4VztZqPLsuJh/6dN3N6gptlv4FzYHGtDSb/33AfDJyghA0mP0s00Pg0oC8jNY2WgLLX6vAmNat5NClf8JUoVR7NF8mrSqOYDpHDhizBtS4Pi3tuaJ0NCVeksIhA1Lmfp//On61+vk8uCkH8yuwDEhyOT/1em+GQLaZiRtN8Q3deg2nULY6zi4tVQDU3cBxC53fnUtVvmt/vY3l2mrn7eOOArsj1yZOBnJBebBhV9mW6jxCTjO0hEzVRmm4UbvaPEBgsVWTeT/MfLWimxskElafF3TYrrx+J++c5qjwptkd1z+SJpdr3TNr6L8Bc7iT604GVyWVDi3lmyvuunJ7onpjMvZAmRi+lCXFUkMiDvfJO0V4DYuRjnvuqeB7SEzyt48buw+pdZJTLoO9ZX0KcsYQ/U9KNHBo+QXKb3qAlJ2ybqmOZzr1dLAlevbipK3IE6iwX4PoIBebNiAI9TReh3G2L0OC3cgGLXFQwkr0ow202JM5KHfm3WkHRXnknaLgHnYwGOID4XW/J4zixfREeupZZcxlT15MlLk9/jyYcnMh75dG27hei2Z8VXeLIG13Rd4/3afQHpiq5zcJurMr3rGu8jMk+FRE3LiHpats+yAPazlVhhR4EHmZiwxUkuntVBCeKijXMEsqhXGCkRus99xHv3WYzuW0ZqTkisixoeScXxjtO+8oOw43T/u00G1zRVUttJYfIdOi3eDylSfAhLno1m7tnYR++zTIDO2aonb1+e+i+fZD31H39+ontsKvNTeAOIjBEQEJmdxTDyBVCxqsxy+ExW8ERG1qB6IfnMTFmDcbJRWKoT+keVbAe/YQlxQOh8bNpQ00claho2Pj4tRcjiIG6GJFUlXqPBwoORpoSQsnhTFgIhh23frSGxJB3wuxySTYQep5GoE6x2Encu2LiCMHmFuZ+4K+rBypbu0PRbgg7KhSbBHo3B1UTy4/rWPd9+QTVuHNAYuFuJ8zXC3VwTQDtxNzMAjJWWArTNbGwCobao7Ybaa//kY0t/C28CaW3+/sFZ8mLFS2AVq4IQ89uvzGZx8wTLTw3jYaW2OBggokoG9zQjcchAh8xwfhoXEP17xr5VpUKBoNnynvD9nm/dPGtU/EXy9N/29I/2U2K+ZGwXjO2csZ2nY+2IiqyDStSEDvC6mCaLMerIqpiImlnWzcRaWdFeeh366Ou0oITDJLfmNfzdphmQ2KpRXhX+sNMWaEc3JVJ+E9vC7s06ol8uku1XN382n2gm5omCaZK/2Q1I1HON1x4L96gbI6pQbTMDEHU5cMwzX/rY/asWl/8VvAkxalCaTGWDEr2aWxULyGe477CpolVVJbOyuhWU6uQXsZDFguFcIG7OvgfubnDdq4h07jE2ZMlaF3eH9oCKhuxu3Rzx33/gqVk1DXFxdi4HT438fNcLH/6MKudh+myfp0QNntch+tmUGVcFmahZtq5uEAZS0cWZio2oRVXaSPx39fdSlZ7wkSTy1RZGeNCWPSR4buQwfUDNVH++AoJI1NYNKB6bHRp9QSPqWVVtbEufvyOSrCwLZZmGz/AGhaqbW10o8ETtBKB+YUoX1ADnK4/Bil3DhsFhlfj5/oLfAFEDYM3prz138u9PDU9eomp6gFPT8HeQvu/K9d1AXTVMpQ3Q9zdxlufWPAwk7ObtFj7fwpHMTguDYtrkAUtRRWoHK0yUaYQzLrx88CL0emwh3k0Z6SK5edL5JLMIvbbb6F+vYnPMu9BJgl8cp4P2Qzf3TEWp0Zmvc+dDTCmTe4B/7q2izsTAjnLXOqQgM/asHhKeNfhtG/G39jlLdkxJxgW+XU48NIVumxkHVBrb4gc/+5Eb/sOV1c8yAgM3LlOIoFZVCVQLGbwrHgwGCBcw9f2/e87vffTo4DtkJi49RMn5PN0GqMJWqmmvFB+iMGCLOUSEAYR3D/ODLxscUiR4Vd4iXHtEA4gf3Hs5tc/ak+YIGoFAOFfV1T+59aPfvrKm4r/DB3zMFcC7cxEzgKxwlnAmJqxxLu8JTk2fIzmXN6jsUZ2aRqJGIBAIBItVLza2pb9oqOtcWlmWDUjz8WpZ5vRChmjI8IlskOX95Wc+eIjkanmzBLJ++neAkveETk0TenEQCAQCgciKt/7LUy99bl31trJQaPnoqWNkvP9EdtnJskVVZPVNt5P0oYNkIt2PJM2RNMyXZqEBWB3r6788tWdoYnqMU9OXqIoGD+AQyc2dniYWcqiQqBEIBAIxi6MD42N1yyt/e9XyRV8KhUjVSOpwNmkLEq6QrOeTNKjovs7vzpL0/3i1f++hc2PnqJoepSQ9QEka/sJULBaXnrZyTCRqBAKBQDBkS1gmT46cW1dT8eo14arsJGaITYtkfelor+Ns61IiaT4jPnF44F9/fHTwXZIrasKTdJrYiEsjUSMQCARCRdaQDHXhpnXV52qXVHxeRtaQ7QxucVDcCwHQ3mu/k8i2XUbSjx0dfOT7r1/4LVXKQMaQ0T3IETW4vFlc2pLLG4kagUAgECqE9h8fOnLD2upzH6mu+CNG1pBUFo7OzIyF2DWQd6lng0NxlY9+ddfs/xCPTv3TfXNI+h96zr9KSXqMkvQQJekB+pq5vG2RNBI1AoFAIJTK+kmDrD/1kSXn1lZXZGtmXDrSO5tgBgCFDUtLDvQeJFMjgyXVAWCEXLPrYXLFTbfPvgcq+lTXP8pIepIS8QglZubuHqTEPUYsZHgjUSMQCATCNmE/lbp05NqVVan1Sys/WxYii8DdDSoaYtXgCq4M12Zdw9MTY1kiLwXA1DRwdS9Zf3X2f/AkvHXfHVmDBACJYz95b+hxg6RfoQQMJH2ZErNI0nxc2jZR4zxqBAKBQMgA86srQFiCcDa2Zd/6xKpPfuWaFQ+Xh8iyrNKrWZ6dZw1lOBmgPvexh+4t2kQzUNFXffPBeW2Cgi+s4hjL7v7FB8MnOCXNT8NilcdY8pi2+hgqagRi4QHKVcaJtWU1vQbUy/4bMlM57ozF38Tp70A89OLlC46aplt2KtGrH14+19s/+szWDTWfrSwLXZExFPS55ONZAlv2e5uz6hqIbu1tTdkLCYt3wHeKAWB0rG+4O2t4sBri0K4PfvhANh7N2nF+dOrUrhc+3Pvi6ctwb7O1pVniGJD0BTK38piloiaoqBGIhTnAFuoZZ4tP2Kl130pm1hVoo68Zmuk+/CJvtrobLGGZxttGyhGsclm2zKixwdyklY98YcOuyLLKO1VK1M7qU4Uk6HW3NmXXkubXppZ5Bn5zdvTgt7pPd1HiZfOkWUxazPDmi5pMu70ICESxKsaYyWes9nfbAh58M7TtKwt4beysMsWIeiclTUbSu31uByxKAouTWFmFD8l6hqyzbnBjW/FXm6/43JevXva35aHQUvZlcQlKnrBhSlNQXOJwfhBXFwkazg8qjfHrWoOr+19+N/DIP7118XWBpIcFkh6kSvqyVySNRI0oZuzmlBC/clqEftZArK9XXqpEnST+rm6nI2o74wsjal6FRymRdhHz1fHsAO6NlPBenFPyCXysLJE1xKyXGBuQ8/LrV1Wt+84nV/+Xq1csmmPoAAnCms88YQMgCe3ia8/OIcJ8AgyJ2tids+tri8bEicf2zHn/2OD4m//11x/+6NTw5DDJJY3x7m5G0mwKFotJe0LSSNSIYkYrkbtKRbJoWqADcCkQtVcAgmZrNG7FR8cVX8BWQZX1Yk5dL//2plU3fSmy7J5li8rqrRA2ECO4l4G0B996xTelDWoZpo8tu+7G7F9ePTMFfeZpQ+13Pz7HPQ9rSf+/Ny8+8ujRwSOcih4nOXe3qKJHKIG7jkmLqMB7D1Gi6KZkEcGuWPCI0HshiV3h2vgjlLAynGKE/yf+z6EL3cbW+z8/s+a2m9ZWf3VxRWgNfBmUM2yikgXChNfsfyBMIGxYnWuk7zAZNv7ajWvDPmFed3Xdxmy5z5rIxtk1tUWAsu9P/nhesRYg6J/2Xfr5P/Scf40SLq+iL5NcTJqp6GH6/jhxMQULiRqxELGC/tXFSGPc97x2kbO1tNPEXjIUW1Pc6u9YG1JkvmvXLuzuy0kbI5wB5QV5mq3BLjPe8tUvYlu9uDZBIesM93qKKshxRmbfeensY8bfn/7djWtuvWld9VeWUMKecXk/N6twoWAK736eiRmD6r5jzgGBuCdHhmZVOFtmc5Hx/ao1OZXOJ7GZAY4/+NbL89SzQNCvUrJlKnqMkvMIycWkL9GNFTKZJLlFNjJedzq6vhHFilZi7vqGgbGHDoybTQZ2FsdOUMu4kRLNTm5AteI+76EktVU4t0ZKQn3GVkf302lyrsfpdyHG10HPi3DEsN2EBGFfO+h30rRdSdonF4l113eY9mWMM1Zi9JhNJsduoH1IBAJqom2IScaXKP1NlNtnmPZ5jMx3fbO+gf3Xm5BnC93HfvreNvo/6+vd9HtRgSxZv8Tp+SboucvuE/h9F71PNtF97aTv8WD7aqOfdXAGBOGucankTPBx60oy4wqHrPAaukEMu+a7N675QnT14s/XLim/TqaAgWCXX39jVvlaIVs7ANc6EDuQM7yWKXRYO/qF0yOvSgh6nCPpYYGcR6iKHuNUd8YPkkZFjSg1ROigupuYJyCFKQGH6eDPBs12+n4P9/4eur8dJkQdoQPxVmHfEWogpCTGwzYyN8Etxf12Hz0mS8phWc8HhHMllATiEiOCkZcdNFODYrNAqgfoOdWbEJJIbhGOvGXK+wBHummBDGVISQwB8RzE9rfSz7bR/zspiR+gxsEek2P0mZxvL+2XtGCk7JO0n+0LyHwLZ+SwNsbp70olTp7hFGSGIzk2txhiuZfvf/ks9P8vPreuekPTdeEv1S+v/GR1RdlqppCZ0mYAwq6qXZ91YQOR867rmrqNszFm+C3M0+aVd/Y94+9Y/8lZ5S0DqOd3Lo6/2XVs8NXnZoqW8AQ95/w5Fc0IepTkpl7xYQBfLSIEopgVtWxwB5Lulige/ncylcwGYD6T/DgloHoJYTRzxKvbt6i4WoUBjxB5IhUjZH7aUoySiEwF8udhR1HLVB47Nn9eYdonaYXKPSAZX5h3QtaPbJ9hSR/IkuJ07Ze1KWPifWH7Ej9Tna9Z37B9pSWGFX8v2Zm2ViwoE9Q1SzZbwqnravr/4m1XLft3n99Q8+lrwov+MFxV/tF8nOCF0amTxwcn3hPIeZrMj0MzkmaqmalopqD5WLQvrm5U1IhSgzjAwmDZSAk3Rea7jRvpXxmRJjnCZkS9h1ND4iC/gx6f/99s3+z9DnoOrRIDIyn5zX567LDkOPtNjtNuU1WbuWL7TIyNsKKNSdrfUUGdxuj7KZPjJ6jhYwWNnFq22yYrYOebJOZx5U7aF42S69Zlcvwu2sZwCT6HZsp6nCO+JYys9x8bGja2d4zXj9Ytq1xx8/rq+j+sXXKtobavXVpZdkWNsbk5GVDMQ+PTF44OjB89kh4/+XRq6OjJ4ckR4fx4BT3BKWjZNsoR9JTQXt+BRI0oNSRJLjbcQomRuXQjdOsl5sVS2Pd4cm2RkGtUIOUIycWIdecXI/Pn9KZsEE5MMCy8JCm+fVsk77P3um2QpO58AQM2zs3K/ojkWhGb3+/WXEdich/1edDGYgTvClfFehdzantx39DE0L/8buCssf2WqnHgpfJb65bWrVxcXrNhaeUVH1lSDsQdylAvTUbwBn84Mnnhg6EJKN2ZeeTI4FGORHnjgT+nSSIkwQmkPMqR8zjJTbnKK0EjUSNKHUxVRjlSZAQcVhB1m4R0uqh6YhWsZGo6YvP8IsR5FnDYQ0LmyW+bQFJpj44d9pioIg77y4/9R/BRm0fWGU5l82R9mRIxbFV0W8y9XsRtlc/0XYLML3Cll3F/YWPzuQmZS9gqcp4SzmVcIGmm+se49ye53xWEoJGoEaWOtIIUU0ReJIUoyDtOybmLDvxA2k0uVGyQMn/5ODhfdrWVzM1AD9K1Defp3imm61gMCnuCku4oycWy5xA097qCqWthCwmbjKhlBM27uccERT0hKOcpMjcGnSlkRyJRI0oVEYGYAb0OVRD8PklyLmsgNTF7mO1b52aNCt93AnYuUZP92HH1NtD2JEguWU2Fbu7YSU0b+fMF78YmxX432Wx/A/GviEmvhXPy4jouJIUdoqQXIvOzq1kCGiPmSuF/kajLNEQ9rSBqnqz596ZM1HMmCJ1YhvcRokQR5wb1FKd+EiQ3jcsOGDED4WwzIbUEUbvVY0SdiGUV+7n9ydBoY1+McPosfp+5/rcoiD8sIda04nzDNpU7P2faD7B7JqZQ7ux8vVhGNExK34UuKl0+ds0yq9niFnCvQLwZ1nQ+R7d+up012T6UvMd+c47uiy0/mSa5sp/DZK7LO6/Z3AhEqaOVPkitks+a6WfHJQNghD6sx00Gxzgxzz4+TvfboVDxsO8ek8976OcRySB2QEHuYjvZdCbZvthCFqp9iu3NSM45SvefkRAs23+DhHDYXPSMyTWRzZnex+0zZrFv2DHiJtehR/g/Q49hpX8ZEZudr9l1jinuSf6ejUn2lSHBDDP4Db5oClPTbNEPyBDPLvxB7y1YQQ2SymAOdq2xrRG2WvoZbKvo96FCIdQir6H7hJg4c7GLce/AAl3fiGIFU3Q7BHUXoQ91G5GvMQxKaSsdgHuoQuzjFBqrTiZDJ8lVQ5MB9r2ZEnkPVeEpek476LmIhVDC3Hmbkb8I2M92Sjw9JFddrY7ur8nGoJ+gCjxGCbGbDm5sP/toX+3hPAFNJFegJUH7bwXJVeySkVs7Pb9m+r1urs/b6Hsy4icmqpZdQzbdje2vju6rTbguCZKbYscUfi+37xUSz8FWuv8IvfZpuu8Wur82k/OtM+nrOhM1rbsHFoLSJmRugpj4mv1fJnxXtj9+v6r/SbGoZix4gihWRE0G8BSxnk3Nk0OKqOfNMpXVSKytW8zm4rLCG0kij2fydaqTJkQdUbSrgft9F3eMGLFXf9tsP+z4SU3/9ZKcW5xdG7P2MPd4iuTmHLPj8DXXdX3D9hcjc2uHJzVt5K81O66qr2Jkbq1vs/tEty/WL2Jd+Qb6u3Z8rLUcZYezMiavEQhECeMAsR/bRiAQCAQCkQcAQfdgNyAQCAQCEVw1HcduQCAQCAQimGoaMnPD2BUIBAKBQAQP4PLuwG5AIBAIBCJ4gEzdVoI1nREIBAKBQCAQCAQCgUAgEAgEAoFAIBAIBAKBQCAQCAQCgUAgEAgEAoFAIBAIBAKBQCAQCAQCgUAgPMH/F2AAzatqcbuzmo0AAAAASUVORK5CYII=" width="640" /></a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
A 3 day, free, groundbreaking web conference on <a href="http://www.entheos.com/Recovery2point0/Play/" target="_blank">going beyond addiction</a>, created by our good friend Tommy Rosen (LA based yoga instructor.) </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
As someone who has and continues to personally struggle with addiction, I am humbled by how it has impacted my life. My soul yearns for transformation, but my body sits often alone, isolated...</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This program is truly a blessing - awesome offering from Tommy and a ton of great international speakers.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
--</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Alex King-Harris</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
CEO, Yogi Tunes, LLC</div>
<br />
<br />
SEE BELOW FOR LIST:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.entheos.com/Recovery2point0/Play" target="_blank">RECOVERY 2.0: BEYOND ADDICTION CONFERENCE SCHEDULE</a><br />Sunday, March 17<br /><br />12 PT / 3 ET – Sat Dharam Kaur– Beyond Addiction: The Yogic Path to Recovery<br />1 PT / 4 ET – Elisa Hallerman – Maintaining Sobriety, Achieving Balance and Healing Families<br />2 PT / 5 ET – Rolf Gates – Meditations from the Mat – Along the Road to Recovery<br />3 PT / 6 ET – Dr. Marc Lewis - The Addicted Brain: Insights From a Neuroscientist and Former Drug<br />Addict<br />4 PT / 7 ET – Beverly Berg, PhD - Recovering Couples: From Dysfunction to True Love<br />5 PT / 8 ET – Nick Ortner - Emotional Freedom Technique and Overcoming Addiction<br />6PT / 9 ET – Noah Levine – Take Refuge: The Buddhist Path of Recovery<br /><br />Monday, March 18<br /><br />12 PT / 3 ET – Bruce Alexander – The Globalization of Addiction<br />1 PT / 4 ET – Chelsea Roff – Starving for Love: Recovering from Eating Disorders<br />2 PT / 5 ET – Sukhdev Jackson - Women in Recovery: The Graceful Path of Recovery<br />3 PT / 6 ET – Anna David – Sex and Relationships in Recovery<br />4 PT / 7 ET –Guru Prem- Finding the True Path of Recovery: Moving from the Head to the Heart<br />5 PT / 8 ET – Dr. Dan Frigo – Hazelden Turns 64: Best Practices of In-Patient Treatment for<br />Addiction<br />6 PT /9 ET – Christopher Kennedy Lawford – Recover to Live: Kick any Habit, Manage any Addiction<br /><br />Tuesday, March 19<br /><br />12 PT / 3 ET – Rainbeau Mars - Food, Drugs and Fear: A Survivor's Tale of Recovery and Triumph<br />1 PT / 4 ET – Guru Charan - Meditation and Transformation of the Addictive Mind<br />2 PT / 5 ET – Mastin Kipp - The Daily Love and Recovery<br />3 PT / 6 ET – Durga Leela - Ayurveda: The Ancient Science of Living and Recovery<br />4 PT / 7 ET – Trudy Goodman - Insight: Vipassana on the Path of Recovery<br />5 PT / 8 ET – Akahdahmah Jackson - Spiritual Healing: Living in Connection With a Higher<br />Power<br />6PT / 9ET – Dr. Gabor Maté – Understanding the Roots of Addiction<br /><br />Wednesday, March 20<br /><br />12 PT / 3 ET – David Wolfe – Profound Recovery Through the Food You Eat<br />2 PT / 5 ET – Guru Singh - A Master Yogi's Eye View of Addiction and Recovery<br />3 PT / 6 ET – Ashley Turner – Addiction, The Body and The Chakras<br />4 PT / 7 ET - Arnie Wexler - The Last Bet: A Life Beyond Gambling Addiction<br />5 PT / 8 ET – Dr. Howard Samuels – The Landscape of Drug and Alcohol Treatment Today<br /><br />Thursday, March 21<br /><br />12 PT / 3 ET – Jennifer McLean - The Sacred Chamber - Connecting with Your Highest Self<br />1 PT / 4 ET – Gabrielle Bernstein – May Cause Miracles<br />2 PT / 5 ET – Ron Tannenbaum and Kenny Pomerance – InTheRooms.com: A Look at The World of Online Recovery<br />3 PT / 6 ET – Nikki Myers – Yoga and 12 Step Recovery<br />4 PT / 7 ET – Kia Miller – Yoga and Your Relationship With Food<br />5 PT / 8 ET – Jamie Huysman – Caregiver Burnout and Compassion Fatigue</div>
Rara Avishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07374433871296236736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2244735561773644503.post-67301850751347825462013-03-12T13:47:00.001-07:002013-03-12T13:47:53.493-07:00Mix Your Own Playlists Like the Pros!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhatyaBprc_dUgJXfSnEAYyUAE4uN2IzBrfeRqNIfrunXqtNWJdVM07zU_Mj8IYLvrnMMhZlPexjw0PhWt9HgzFsjW-08-QNip1bgdOAQpI0O-Ns73iux1TdMwLLw1Am5diA8OdJy8ebhUO/s1600/girl+dj.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhatyaBprc_dUgJXfSnEAYyUAE4uN2IzBrfeRqNIfrunXqtNWJdVM07zU_Mj8IYLvrnMMhZlPexjw0PhWt9HgzFsjW-08-QNip1bgdOAQpI0O-Ns73iux1TdMwLLw1Am5diA8OdJy8ebhUO/s320/girl+dj.png" width="230" /></a></div>
Ever had the feeling when listening to your yoga music, or preparing a yoga playlist for class, that you wanted to be a DJ but weren't sure how to do it? Maybe you love making playlists and wish you had a bit more freedom to end songs early, combine two songs for a long period of time and in doing so create a seamless flow?<br />
<br />
Thankfully software engineers have been busily creating a variety of easy DJ tools for beginners that integrate with iTunes.<br />
<br />
For mac users, there's DJay - a very affordable, easy to learn, flexible DJ platform that allows you to do all kinds of fun things. <a href="http://www.algoriddim.com/djay-mac" target="_blank">http://www.algoriddim.com/djay-mac</a><br />
<br />
For PC and Mac users there's also Mixx: <a href="http://www.djmixersoft.com/" target="_blank">http://www.djmixersoft.com/</a><br />
<br />
If you google 'easy dj software' you'll get a host of links come back at you, many with free trial offers so you can check them out. In general, go with software that looks elegant, and simple. There's no need as a beginner to have a piece of software that looks like the cockpit of a 747. 2 decks, a crossfader, some EQ on each deck and a big red record button will have you mixing like a pro in no time.<br />
<br />
Tools like this focus on ease of use and integration with iTunes, so that you can quickly access your downloaded music and instantly begin enjoying being "in the mix".<br />
<br />
The <a href="http://www.yogi-tunes.com/#!yoga-teachers/c1ase" target="_blank">free teacher resources</a> we've been offering come in really handy once you begin your career as a yoga DJ. Long nature recordings and ambient drones can be layered onto existing songs, used as intros, outros, bridges between songs, and overall are excellent tools for getting the most out of your playlists.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Rara Avishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07374433871296236736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2244735561773644503.post-30137534181751565432013-03-06T15:54:00.000-08:002013-03-06T15:54:02.574-08:00The Origins of Dub Kirtan All Stars<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieBi32UkWEiMLO8EcqVdV6bNYshDZktMGnK9mPPno_VFjHrmc1VPMacaofR5Tg27tsd8GlgZ0wFQYUegmNe6mFnZk7UDbKN0ZK5qHnhgZA8EhD_GzRxxCeYiqmkbvkCQsRNT8x5m_M5Jr7/s1600/dub_kirtan_all_stars_subsonic_devotion_ep_cover+copy.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieBi32UkWEiMLO8EcqVdV6bNYshDZktMGnK9mPPno_VFjHrmc1VPMacaofR5Tg27tsd8GlgZ0wFQYUegmNe6mFnZk7UDbKN0ZK5qHnhgZA8EhD_GzRxxCeYiqmkbvkCQsRNT8x5m_M5Jr7/s200/dub_kirtan_all_stars_subsonic_devotion_ep_cover+copy.png" width="200" /></a></div>
Greetings Beat Seekers and Sub-aholics,<br /><br />I have something a bit different for you, something I think is a little bit special. After 2 years of honing the live band and building a catalogue of music to perform, the ‘World Music’ meets ‘Electronic beats and Bass’ project that I’ve been nurturing with me ol‘ mate David Starfire is now ready to see the light of day. It’s called the Dub Kirtan All Stars.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.yogi-tunes.com/#!dub-kirtan-all-stars/c194j" target="_blank">Grab a free download of our new EP here</a><br /><br />The project came about from both David and my long-standing love of Middle Eastern and South Asian music in all its many forms. I still maintain the finger blurring speed rhythms of the middle East’s darbuka players are the original Jungle/Drum n Bass beats J When I first moved to London Dance music (EDM) was going off and there was a slew of bands and producers that were mixing up Electronic beats and Asian instruments, many of them 2nd generation Asian kids who felt as much part of modern British Dance music culture as they did their Asian roots. Bands like Asian Dub Foundation, Fun-Da-Mental, Loop Guru, TransGlobal Underground (which is where we first saw the phenomenal Natacha Atlas who features on David Starfire’s new album) and Talvin Singh (who went on to collaborate with Bjork) <br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4-4zzHsVcQ" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4-4zzHsVcQ</a> <br /><br />and many others… were all cranking out often political Asian fusion beats that verged on punk in it’s intensity, and directly confronted the idea that to be British meant to be any one skin color, religion or anything else. It was political by the very fact that it was happening in a slow-to-change British establishment surrounded by the children of the colonial empire who were growing up in Mother England unafraid to claim the rights they should have as British citizens regardless if whether they looked or sounded like the royal family or not. <br /><br />I would go and see these bands play and producers DJ (Talvin’s legendary ‘Anokha’ night at the Blue Note in Hoxton Square was one of the best examples of London’s melting pot futurism even to this day) and at the same time I’d visit the Southbank Center and see the finest traditional Asian musicians play purist classical music, blown away by the intensity of them both. By some unfathomable chance I even had one of the brothers from the esteemed Qa’wali dynasty of Salamat Ali Khan (RIP) in the studio in London after a meeting via a mutual acquaintance at a concert they did in London. Even tho Massive Attack had just remixed Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, I have to admit I hardly knew who he was at the time, but the sound that came out of his mouth when we pushed the record button floored me. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rqKylpnSaw" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rqKylpnSaw </a><br /><br />But as time went by I ended up firmly ensconced in London’s Electronic world and other than the odd concert down at the Southbank Art and Music festivals, I fell out of that scene as I grew in different directions musically and had little time for anything else. But in an odd twist of fate the music re-entered my digital bubble thru a side door - via my practice of Yoga. I took up Yoga to help me manage the touring DJ lifestyle which = long hours, little sleep, perpetual jetlag and adrenal rush after adrenal rush (of many different sorts), all in between being cooped up on planes sitting down for abnormally long periods of time. The physical practice Yoga worked a treat as a DJ lifestyle mitigation tool, but unbeknownst to me I had ended up practicing in a traditional Indian lineage, Satyananda yoga, and with it came the traditional call and response chanting called Kirtan….. Full circle. I have to admit I wasn’t into it at first, and at my South London yoga center kirtan was mostly held on the weekends when I was away DJing so, it was a slow start for me. I had become so accustomed to electronic music that when I did hear Kirtan chanting backed by minimal acoustic music, I would hear Bass drops, smokin’ beats and trippy synths buzzing in and around these circular mantras that repeated endlessly like a looped up vocal sample in a rave. But over time as I studied a little more of the Yoga philosophy and got to understand why they chanted the names of the Absolute, the Divine, over and over again, I started to catch a vibe. It was a way of getting beyond the ego, of losing your shit just like losing yourself in an amazing electro, dubstep or Classical tune. And when one of my Yoga teachers asked me to start a Kirtan project, his request brought me to revisit my love of Asian music and it was from here that the seeds for the Dub Kirtan All Stars project were sown. Soon after David (who is a seasoned East/West fusion Electronic producer) and I set a date for a ‘friends and family’ gig in Los Angeles and started feverishly making beats and jamming with our mates who do actually sing and play this stuff. <br /><br />You see, neither David or I can play eastern Instruments, or sing like those masters I used to see at the festivals in London, but we can control swarms of musical robots via our music software and it was from this foundation that we built up the DKAS, a group of people who are steeped in both their traditional modalities and in the 21st Century digital world. <br /><br /><a href="https://vimeo.com/24537224" target="_blank">https://vimeo.com/24537224 </a><br /><br />The ‘Subsonic Devotion’ EP is the first fruits of this project. It’s sweet and sexy, and heavy and driving by turns, and features the voices of the incredibly talented Chaytanya and Arjun Baba. Both singers are steeped in the traditional modes of their art but have been to their fair share of raves too, so we’re stoked to have them grace the DKAS project. I hope this will offer some fresh vibes to fans of both the traditional Asian music and fans of future Beats and Bass Music. <br /><div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Again, if this is something that interestes you, <a href="http://www.yogi-tunes.com/#!dub-kirtan-all-stars/c194j" target="_blank">grab a free download of our new EP here</a>.</div>
Rara Avishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07374433871296236736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2244735561773644503.post-72055339941530816572013-03-04T18:52:00.000-08:002013-03-04T18:52:26.413-08:00Music & Silence<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgScIHsbWbMCYRrGxWYdJC_XdJjdad6F1ACkqeira-_TFGhhZ57J2LN0m-5oiA6mysJy-mtSBCK6tFxJCK5gClYBbFZvmWgFZDKJiQmbuFqcjOqNQjhU5YXhqDqFKOeZXe8txmXDzH1JXTy/s1600/yogi+meditate+music.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgScIHsbWbMCYRrGxWYdJC_XdJjdad6F1ACkqeira-_TFGhhZ57J2LN0m-5oiA6mysJy-mtSBCK6tFxJCK5gClYBbFZvmWgFZDKJiQmbuFqcjOqNQjhU5YXhqDqFKOeZXe8txmXDzH1JXTy/s640/yogi+meditate+music.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="p1">
Music & Silence</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Is there really a conversation to be had regarding the value of music as opposed to silence? I'd rather think of them as mutually supportive, and in fact deeply connected. Music is simply an elegant way of marking space within infinite silence through the passage of time.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
The real question is does the right music played at the appropriate volume help you go deeper into your asana? Deeper into yourself? </div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
If the answer is yes, then you've come to the right place! With our help you can enjoy listening an incredible array of inspiring music while you practice yoga.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
If the answer is no, then consider practicing without music, or listen more carefully to what might not be working. Is the music fighting for your attention as you try to listen to your teacher? Perhaps the music is too busy, too loud, or not the right intensity level for the pose you're in. Bad acoustics in the room? Very common in bright, hard wood floor studios which are acoustically speaking not ideal. If so, just like in asana, adjust, breathe and approach your edge again until you find the balance between tension and release, rhythm and silence.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
I've personally found that music helps me better enjoy the silence left after a deep embodiment practice. It's as if the symphony of my own inner voices come to a close as the music ends and we both participate in a mutual silence that is truly golden.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
I'm going to take a wild guess and state that there is most likely nothing in any yogic text that speaks against practicing to music. Therefore it's truly up to the individual to decide for themselves what works best, which is huge part of yoga to me.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Also sometimes people have an initial experience that turns them off, closing them down to future opportunities. Not everyone has learned the skill of playing supportive music for yoga, so if you're referring to a time when someone bounced a booty hip hop track during savasana, then yeah that might not be the best argument for music vs. silence.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
If you have however, experienced a beautiful flute melody or tabla rhythm during a cool down series that transports you deep into a state of pure samadhi then you're pretty much a yoga music junkie (like us) and we're here to support your fix.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
In my personal practice I often spend time in silence… but when I practice with others I love how the right music connects us and brings us closer together. A commonality we all share without having to activate our thoughts and casual conversation in order to be present with one another.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
---</div>
<div class="p3">
Alex King-Harris (aka Rara Avis)</div>
<div class="p3">
Yogi Tunes CEO/Co-Founder</div>
Rara Avishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07374433871296236736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2244735561773644503.post-26724696276990942692013-03-01T15:47:00.003-08:002013-03-01T15:47:31.084-08:00iTunes Pt. 3: Where did my songs go, and who's this 'Unknown Artist'?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha_FYFweK4Ms2zlPf1GaVxrmZ8dNK0Urvdlp4gxZxAN9ANnIK5bn8yrCQ72LY2oS32JWEc2MeSv4K8o50-Ar9kqat8QgYYj56a74x4_A0zhNZxGYw7Z5O1-X7OipbHvP2HcAcAkuZ2gP6S/s1600/Apple+Grey.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha_FYFweK4Ms2zlPf1GaVxrmZ8dNK0Urvdlp4gxZxAN9ANnIK5bn8yrCQ72LY2oS32JWEc2MeSv4K8o50-Ar9kqat8QgYYj56a74x4_A0zhNZxGYw7Z5O1-X7OipbHvP2HcAcAkuZ2gP6S/s200/Apple+Grey.png" width="162" /></a></div>
iTunes can at times be unforgiving. The reason is that iTunes isn't exactly masterful at handling songs coming to it from different places. If all you ever did was download music from the iTunes store you probably wouldn't notice any issues. But in reality, we get songs from everywhere these days. Shared from friends, purchased at cool sites like Yogi Tunes!, imported from CD's, from other people's iPods (used to be easier), etc. The end result is having a library that in industry terms is 'fragmented'. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The experience many of us have with a fragmented library is clicking play on a song and an exclamation mark comes up (!), along with an error saying iTunes can't locate the song. The other thing that happens is you have a ton of songs on your computer that live in the 'Unknown Artist/Unknown Album' folder... a digital dumping ground for anything iTunes doesn't know what to call because it's missing the all important 'meta data' or name of the artist and album from which the song comes.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
To help with prevent these issues, there are several important tools to be aware of. The first tool is in the iTunes preferences panel. Please refer to '<b><a href="http://www.yogi-tunes.com/#!blog/c1mkp/posts?pageToken=CgkIARjhiODA0ScQ1_XR8ZrjuZMf" target="_blank">Working with iTunes Part 2</a>'</b> if you don't know how to find your iTunes preferences. When you get into the iTunes preferences, click on the Advanced tab and look at the options '<b>Keep iTunes Media Folder organized</b>', and '<b>Copy files to iTunes Media folder when adding to library</b>'.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
These two options are often responsible for helping to create a lot of mess on your computer. Let's say you just downloaded music from a friend's thumb drive (<i>heaven's no, that's illegal!</i>). You probably did this by copying the music on to your desktop, then adding the songs to iTunes by dragging and dropping them into the iTunes library. If these two settings are turned on, iTunes will first create duplicate copies of the songs, and any song that doesn't have an artist name or title, will be copied into the Unknown Artist, Unknown Album folder in your iTunes Music Folder.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7bCW6swZysw-R2nqOyFl0YTS4eb61NMQ3gjfDqX2Mmg9ek6wwgThETH1np7zzE3TJU6kK5_iU8xcWUVYRc8l6ZLvRZQkwepacj-xwlybL1tEpXWYuOnpcEs5CaeNUxzBgVovP2FbSEgOw/s1600/iTunes+Settings+Screenshot.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="87" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7bCW6swZysw-R2nqOyFl0YTS4eb61NMQ3gjfDqX2Mmg9ek6wwgThETH1np7zzE3TJU6kK5_iU8xcWUVYRc8l6ZLvRZQkwepacj-xwlybL1tEpXWYuOnpcEs5CaeNUxzBgVovP2FbSEgOw/s400/iTunes+Settings+Screenshot.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This can create a mess because not only do you now have two copies of each new song you just got from your homie, but one of them is no longer identifiable because it's in an anonymous folder.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Yet these two options <b><i>do</i></b> elp if you're aware of how they can work for you. Let's say you've just purchased music from Yogi Tunes and downloaded your new tunes into your downloads folder. When the download is complete and you unzip your purchase, drag and drop into iTunes. If both of these options are turned onhed iTunes will make a copy of the files and placed them neatly in folders by Artist and Album name. All of our downloaded music has the correct information stored in the songs, so that iTunes knows where to put it in it's own file system. As a final step you can then DELETE the original files in your downloads area! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For those of you who have messy iTunes libraries, and tons of duplicate songs by Unknown Artists, there are several third party tools available for cleaning up your library. <a href="http://www.lairware.com/songsergeant/" target="_blank"><b>Song Seargant</b></a>, and<b> <a href="http://www.tuneupmedia.com/" target="_blank">Tune Up</a> </b>are two that I've had recommend to me, although I've never tried to use either they both get good reviews from users. They remove duplicates and track down artwork and song information for music on your computer that is missing these critical items. Of course no fix it software is perfect, so there may be some left over fragmentation, but after reading this article and spending a bit of time cleaning up your computer you should be far better off than you were before!</div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
Rara Avishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07374433871296236736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2244735561773644503.post-73620598115735479292013-02-27T17:45:00.002-08:002013-02-27T17:45:48.302-08:00The Next Big Thing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivdN-ezdtNpB_8P3rvyYZa2Ghy7B0H-Yo67hZeCoGxATbAbBjolAUI6wOpYTP0aq2QEd1JbnIczD_VdeE2YtlQvB339LQEAHM-k3EiYUNmdcXy8FXbYH0pZd9Lvl0LotIpmXVJJdJY_naH/s1600/shopify.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivdN-ezdtNpB_8P3rvyYZa2Ghy7B0H-Yo67hZeCoGxATbAbBjolAUI6wOpYTP0aq2QEd1JbnIczD_VdeE2YtlQvB339LQEAHM-k3EiYUNmdcXy8FXbYH0pZd9Lvl0LotIpmXVJJdJY_naH/s200/shopify.png" width="200" /></a></div>
Well it's hard for me to keep a secret, so I might as well stop trying and go ahead and bust it out. Our newly revamped download store is almost ready!<br />
<br />
The new store works on a very cool platform called Shopify, which is a popular e-commerce platform anyone can use to sell their products. While they don't support downloading music, we've been able to accomodate our online sonic needs thanks to the amazing developers who built our first store, Tekked. Tekked is a New York based development company that has created something called Audio Salad, which is a content management system for selling downloadable music.<br />
<br />
The new store is a lot different from the old one. The biggest change from last year is that when the store opens, our music will be available worldwide. Last year we painfully sat by and received email after email from hopeful yogis all over the world asking why they couldn't purchase music from us. This was unfortunately a limitation put on us by our then distributors, but since moving away from those kinds of deals we've been able to remove the boundaries and open our doors to everyone.<br />
<br />
We've also simplified browsing a lot. Rather than have a ton of music genres to peruse through, we've decided to use our amazingly talented DJ's to hand-pick albums for recommendation. Aside from that and some featured areas for yoga related styles like chanting, we wanted to come out of the box with a spacious approach and see what arises. What we're really looking for is feedback from our beloved community on ways they'd like to browse. Ideas that we haven't thought of so that we can shape the shopping experience to be something truly fun, time saving, intuitive and unique to Yogi Tunes.<br />
<br />
Also, we have a lot of amazing new music that's come our way lately and we very much look forward to growing our catalog by continuing to discover and select music that we feel resonates with our beloved community. That being said, if there's anything out there we don't have that you think we might like, please feel free to let us know.<br />
<br />
Finally, we need beta testers to shop in the store before we release it to the general public, so if you have a hankering for buying some music from us and wanna get in before the red ribbon is cut please fill out our <a href="http://www.yogi-tunes.com/#!beta-test-signp/c1z" target="_blank">beta test form!</a><br />
<br />
--<br />
Stay tuned for more about the store launch date!<br />
<br />
Namaste to all :)<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Alex King-Harris (aka Rara Avis)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">CEO/Co-Founder</span>Rara Avishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07374433871296236736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2244735561773644503.post-54251175784494180762013-02-26T12:01:00.001-08:002013-02-26T12:02:48.027-08:00The Power of Limits<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Power-Limits-Proportional-Harmonies-Architecture/dp/1590302591" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHCsvHDCdUc7IvNajD6p9TgzbfvRipHpefBfxBg1XiqYWvq-9ehPwucCwcXWmJ1V5BDCYpyKnwi2IY14WyxJOnOs8Gk512t0czEDyoHt5UW2LfjS84gZg0WwVUKZePKqm4HWKmF0y4j4d9/s1600/power+of+limits.png" title="" /></a></div>
There is an idea within music that can be found both in nature's limitless designs and in aspects of human ingenuity. It is that when limits are created, ultimate freedom can be achieved.<br />
<br />
While at first glance the two words freedom and limitation seem to be in opposition of one another, upon further study one finds that this is not the case. Such is the subject matter of an amazing book by architect <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Power-Limits-Proportional-Harmonies-Architecture/dp/1590302591" target="_blank">Gyorgy Doczi titled "The Power of Limits: Proportional Harmonies in Nature, Art, and Architecture"</a><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What Gyorgy reveals in his book is something I studied heavily in music theory at college. When no boundaries or limitations are placed upon something, it quickly looses it's meaning, and it's ability to communicate something of value to the observer. In the case of music, if you take away all the rules, you remove the musicality of what it is you are trying to express. Such was the case with the 'free jazz' movement. Jazz itself is full of rules, and thus provides the learned musician with an incredible language from which he or she can express a multitude of improvised melodies, harmonies and rhythms. The moment one strays from the rules, the music often ceases to be enjoyable.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In the case of classical music, where the rules are so strict that classical musicians often fear improvising, there is also something lost. If you look at the history books it was the Church who first decided that improvising forms of classical music was not only illegal, but reason for excommunication. They decided what the voice of God was going to be and no one else.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Why am I blogging about this? Because it relates very much to teaching and practicing yoga. When I first learned yoga, my teacher taught me the forms and always gave me the freedom to explore them as I saw fit. So much so that my personal practice outside of class was of equal value to my time spent in class. I was lucky enough to learn in a small group so that his attention was closely divided among his students. This gave me an intimate understanding of the forms, and allowed me plenty of freedom to explore improvising with them.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What I see when I tour to yoga events world wide is something I like to call the McAsana. Yes folks, it's the same concept as going to a McDonald's anywhere in the world and ordering a burger. The idea is that it's the same no matter what. With deepest respect and gratitude for the widespread movement of yoga, I also yearn for and wish to see an expression of it that encourages learning the rules and then knowing when to break them. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Such is the case in the music only classes I love DJ-ing for the most. Music only classes are a space for people who have a strong personal practice, teachers, etc who want to simply drop into some deep, perfectly mixed instrumental music, go on a journey and do some yoga. No instruction, only improvisation. This is a balancing practice to the need for learning forms, which of course is vital and will always be an integral part of yoga.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So next time you're at a yoga festival, take a look and see if they're offering a music only flow - consider going and seeing what it feels like to simply practice yoga in the company of other yogis to some nice relaxing music provided hopefully by Yogi Tunes!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Rara Avishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07374433871296236736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2244735561773644503.post-10996939981039357642013-02-25T10:40:00.001-08:002013-02-25T10:40:03.227-08:00Working with iTunes Part 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha_FYFweK4Ms2zlPf1GaVxrmZ8dNK0Urvdlp4gxZxAN9ANnIK5bn8yrCQ72LY2oS32JWEc2MeSv4K8o50-Ar9kqat8QgYYj56a74x4_A0zhNZxGYw7Z5O1-X7OipbHvP2HcAcAkuZ2gP6S/s1600/Apple+Grey.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha_FYFweK4Ms2zlPf1GaVxrmZ8dNK0Urvdlp4gxZxAN9ANnIK5bn8yrCQ72LY2oS32JWEc2MeSv4K8o50-Ar9kqat8QgYYj56a74x4_A0zhNZxGYw7Z5O1-X7OipbHvP2HcAcAkuZ2gP6S/s200/Apple+Grey.png" width="162" /></a></div>
So this article is less about the downsides of Apple and iTunes and more about the upsides! We're going to cover listening to music in iTunes, how it works, tips and tricks to have iTunes work for you, rather than against you.<br />
<br />
<b>Playback Options</b>. iTunes is capable of crossfading songs, which is handy when you're putting together Yogi Tunes playlists of your own. All of our subscriber mixes download not only as a seamless 90 minute mix by the DJ, but also as the separate songs that make up the mix. That means you can mix and match songs as you please and create your own mixes. In order to have songs transition seamlessly from one to the next you need to turn on the 'Crossfade Songs' option.<br />
<br />
To do that, open the 'Preferences' window. In Windows it's under the 'Edit' menu, on a Mac it's under the 'iTunes' menu. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwbtTb-byq7L6otyAqjWM6mw6E5rky6FRBd9bluMzNkdEdK5yaL_ZuCOr5FyOEnOqpDn5HiX4wUDlUUFNRj-Vcwoys9_K351tTUAlSBJLpNzgCjU7YcgSnpNoVpDDf3uF36OUq8b8M5JuQ/s1600/Playback+Preferences.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwbtTb-byq7L6otyAqjWM6mw6E5rky6FRBd9bluMzNkdEdK5yaL_ZuCOr5FyOEnOqpDn5HiX4wUDlUUFNRj-Vcwoys9_K351tTUAlSBJLpNzgCjU7YcgSnpNoVpDDf3uF36OUq8b8M5JuQ/s320/Playback+Preferences.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
In the preferences window, there is a tab called 'Playback'. Here you will find the 'Crossfade Songs' option. Turn it on, then set the amount of time you want songs to spend crossfading with each other. If you're unfamiliar with the term crossfading, it simply means slowly replacing one song with another. This effect creates a seamless mix for your playlists!<br />
<br />
Under the Playback menu you'll also find the 'Sound Enhancer' for increasing the quality of those crappy old mp3's you have in your library. Note that Yogi Tunes mp3's are three times the quality of what you can purchase on iTunes, so you don't need the Sound Enhancer turned on.<br />
<br />
Another cool option is 'Sound Check', which is a handy effect if you're finding songs in your playlist vary a lot in volume levels. Turn this on and iTunes will scan your library to adjust playback volume. Note that with large libraries, scanning takes quite a bit of time and can suck valuable resources up on older computers. It does run in the background, but can slow things down a bit.<br />
<br />
You can now close the Preferences window and feel the excitement of having learned a little something about how iTunes helps make the playback of your downloaded music a little cooler.<br />
<br />
Finally, with the latest release of iTunes 11, you can create a mix on the fly from your main music library using the 'Add to Up Next' feature. If you click on a song once, you'll see a small grey arrow pointing right at the end of the song name. Click on that arrow and a small box of options pops up. The first option 'Add to Up Next', will play that song next without interrupting your current song. If you have the Crossfade option turned on, voila! You're DJ-ing on the fly, just like the pros.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHvgMI4UoDzC2aBATqkahtkwSqnjiPyizYndfeQaqoBc2TuoA-aP5oDOSM-xcPpX65t8ER0k75siIClkesPyK_2TSvasT4i06Qk5oHinkQZU4vuZKwi4FRiAHj2SZ7DkY_v_-zTe8eY_Kr/s1600/Add+to+Next+feature+iTunes.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="92" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHvgMI4UoDzC2aBATqkahtkwSqnjiPyizYndfeQaqoBc2TuoA-aP5oDOSM-xcPpX65t8ER0k75siIClkesPyK_2TSvasT4i06Qk5oHinkQZU4vuZKwi4FRiAHj2SZ7DkY_v_-zTe8eY_Kr/s320/Add+to+Next+feature+iTunes.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />Rara Avishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07374433871296236736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2244735561773644503.post-77136926346745482452013-02-22T16:26:00.001-08:002013-02-22T17:07:14.758-08:00What's an RSS feed and why do I care?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuZrAYJW5bCDrCy9510RD6wosflgJBIuqP82ol7-81IcBPRk87OuYXanHkbWH8TPStFCLSU_tFHQfsldgy3IxGpOmUjozkbOBC8J2pS52MAS9zCXFDaxeYbOGW7LjVYsDE3DQ5ryVFMJV_/s1600/rss.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuZrAYJW5bCDrCy9510RD6wosflgJBIuqP82ol7-81IcBPRk87OuYXanHkbWH8TPStFCLSU_tFHQfsldgy3IxGpOmUjozkbOBC8J2pS52MAS9zCXFDaxeYbOGW7LjVYsDE3DQ5ryVFMJV_/s200/rss.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="font_7" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #4a4a4a; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.4em;">Every once in awhile on the internet somebody contributes something of great worth to many people. If you've read the </span></span><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Hacker-Ethic-Linus-Torvalds/dp/0436205505" style="color: #4a4a4a; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.4em;" target="_blank">Hacker's Ethic by Pekka Himanen</a><span style="color: #4a4a4a; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.4em;"> then you know that many of the greatest innovations online come from the hacker community. </span></span></span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="font_7" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #4a4a4a; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.4em;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="font_7" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #4a4a4a; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.4em;">Contrary to the main stream media's view, hackers are simply a group of enthusiastic computer users who passionately support innovation, freedom of information and the creation of things that make people's lives better.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="font_7" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #4a4a4a; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.4em;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="font_7" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #4a4a4a; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.4em;">One such hacker is the late <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaron_Swartz" target="_blank">Aaron Swartz</a>, a brilliant hacker who was a founder of the popular social news and entertainment site <a href="http://www.reddit.com/" target="_blank">Reddit</a>, was also a huge contributor to the creation of the RSS feed. </span></span></span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #4a4a4a; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.4em;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #4a4a4a; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.4em;">RSS feeds are an automatic way to receive news and blog content using something called a Reader.</span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="font_7" style="border: 0px; color: #4a4a4a; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="font_7" style="border: 0px; color: #4a4a4a; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Recommended readers are:</span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="font_6" style="border: 0px; color: #717070; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 19px; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a dataquery="#Link1u90" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2244735561773644503" style="border: 0px; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="color_3" style="border: 0px; color: #b51212; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Google Reader </span></a><span class="color_14" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">(Webapp)</span></span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="font_6" style="border: 0px; color: #717070; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 19px; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a dataquery="#Linktaz" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2244735561773644503" style="border: 0px; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="color_3" style="border: 0px; color: #b51212; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Reeder</span></a> (Mac/iOS)</span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<a dataquery="#Link1w7w" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2244735561773644503" style="border: 0px; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="font_6" style="border: 0px; color: #717070; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 19px; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="color_3" style="border: 0px; color: #b51212; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></span><span class="font_6" style="border: 0px; color: #717070; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 19px; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="color_3" style="border: 0px; color: #b51212; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Feedly </span></span></a><a dataquery="#Link1w7w" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2244735561773644503" style="border: 0px; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="font_6" style="border: 0px; color: #717070; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 19px; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">(Firefox/Chrome/iOS/Android)</span></a></div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<a dataquery="#Link1h55" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2244735561773644503" style="border: 0px; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="font_6" style="border: 0px; color: #717070; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 19px; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="color_3" style="border: 0px; color: #b51212; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="bold" style="border: 0px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></span></span><span class="font_6" style="border: 0px; color: #717070; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 19px; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="color_3" style="border: 0px; color: #b51212; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Netvibes</span><span class="color_14" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> (Webapp)</span><span class="color_3" style="border: 0px; color: #b51212; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></span></a></div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="font_6" style="border: 0px; color: #717070; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 19px; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="color_14" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><span class="color_14" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a dataquery="#Link14yg" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2244735561773644503" style="border: 0px; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="color_3" style="border: 0px; color: #b51212; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">FeedDemon</span></a></span><span class="color_14" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> (Windows)</span></span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="font_6" style="border: 0px; color: #717070; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 19px; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="color_14" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="font_7" style="border: 0px; color: #4a4a4a; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Google Reader is probably the easiest to acquire and setup. It's web based, requires no installation, and all you need to access it is a Google Account. (Not a Gmail account, just a Google ID and password). Once you've done that and navigated your way to your Google Reader home page, you simply click the large red SUBSCRIBE button at the top left of the page, and enter the feed URL we've listed above.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="font_6" style="border: 0px; color: #717070; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 19px; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="color_14" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="font_7" style="border: 0px; color: #4a4a4a; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></span></span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="font_6" style="border: 0px; color: #717070; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 19px; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="color_14" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="font_7" style="border: 0px; color: #4a4a4a; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Most readers work this way, in that you find the SUBSCRIBE button or option, and enter the feed URL. Once you've done that you can set wether or not you want your Reader to notify you via email every time a new post comes into your feed.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="font_6" style="border: 0px; color: #717070; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 19px; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="color_14" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="font_7" style="border: 0px; color: #4a4a4a; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></span></span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="font_6" style="border: 0px; color: #717070; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 19px; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="color_14" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="font_7" style="border: 0px; color: #4a4a4a; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">If you want to read more about RSS Readers, check out this great article @ LIfeHacker:</span></span></span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="font_7" style="border: 0px; color: #4a4a4a; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a dataquery="#Linkeuq" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2244735561773644503" style="border: 0px; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="color_3" style="border: 0px; color: #b51212; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">http://lifehacker.com/5856652/five-best-rss-newsreaders</span></a></span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="font_7" style="border: 0px; color: #4a4a4a; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a dataquery="#Linkeuq" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2244735561773644503" style="border: 0px; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="color_3" style="border: 0px; color: #b51212; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></a></span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="font_7" style="border: 0px; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="color_3" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">If you'd like to subscribe to our blog via an RSS reader, here is our feed URL:</span></span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="font_7" style="border: 0px; color: #4a4a4a; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="color_3" style="border: 0px; color: #b51212; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #717070; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 22px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 30.796875px;">http://yogitunes.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default?alt=rss</span></span></span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="font_7" style="border: 0px; color: #4a4a4a; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="color_3" style="border: 0px; color: #b51212; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #717070; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 22px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 30.796875px;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="font_7" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="color_3" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.4em;">Sadly, Aaron Swartz recently took his own life due to the immense pressure laid upon him by the federal government in a trial regarding copyright </span><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">infringement</span><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.4em;">. Thought I never got the change to meet Aaron, I feel very much in alignment with his ethics, morals and values and was very sad to hear that he had decided to leave us. If you'd like to get a sense of his character, please watch this <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fgh2dFngFsg" target="_blank">awesome video of him giving a talk about internet privacy and </a></span><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fgh2dFngFsg" target="_blank">government</a></span><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.4em;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fgh2dFngFsg" target="_blank"> control</a>.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="font_7" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="color_3" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.4em;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="font_7" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="color_3" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.4em;">--</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="font_7" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="color_3" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">Alex King-Harris (aka Rara Avis)</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="font_7" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="color_3" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">CEO/Co-Founder Yogi Tunes</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="font_6" style="border: 0px; color: #717070; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 19px; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></div>
Rara Avishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07374433871296236736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2244735561773644503.post-80223598781860689132013-02-21T11:53:00.000-08:002013-02-21T11:53:00.143-08:00Working with iTunes Part 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqQU9Di2hv84pf-H5E22qVC969WpHWXCZ-Qnd9-yiI9VmsVLk_TlUrit8GUKot4Wq13SbqzleBC2b9xaH6omTVLNyk702ksC9R-Uxt5pvhxZYl4OD9eT2xg_Ykk025u85s-S0xYjBJpsxK/s1600/iOS+6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqQU9Di2hv84pf-H5E22qVC969WpHWXCZ-Qnd9-yiI9VmsVLk_TlUrit8GUKot4Wq13SbqzleBC2b9xaH6omTVLNyk702ksC9R-Uxt5pvhxZYl4OD9eT2xg_Ykk025u85s-S0xYjBJpsxK/s320/iOS+6.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
We get a lot of questions concerning using iTunes, because let's face it - we all use it! Or at least the vast majority of us use iTunes often coupled with an Apple mobile device such as an iPad, iPod or iPhone.<br />
<br />
First off, let's deal with why Yogi Tunes doesn't currently offer an easy way for people to download and listen to their purchases directly on their Apple mobile device. Apple works very hard to ensure that it's both very complicated and expensive for other music services to access their devices. Currently, no other music service is able to automatically and permanently download music to iTunes on any device, mobile or otherwise. Apple wants to keep it this way and is always working towards a world where they control the user experience from bumper to bumper and everything in between. <br />
<br />
Now don't get me wrong, I LOVE Apple. I've been a user since before the internet was around, but as a small business owner trying to get music out to my beloved yogis, I must object to Apple's desire to remain in control of it's ecosystem.<br />
<br />
For a time, PodCasting was a viable option, but the release of iOS 6 (Apple's latest mobile operating system), PodCasting must be done entirely through Apple. If in our case, it's a paid service we're offering to our subscribers, we must give Apple 30% of our subscription revenue!<br />
<br />
The other option for us would be to develop a mobile app that only streams and temporarily downloads music to Apple mobile devices (Spotify, Pandora, etc.). This is an expensive option that has certain drawbacks. Only the biggest music services have pursued this path as it's rife with issues both legal and technical.<br />
<br />
To sum it up, we don't always get what we want. If you own an iPad and don't own a computer, you can thank Apple for why you can't download music from us. While there is currently no easy solution to this problem, you can rest assured that we spend a considerable amount of time, energy and creativity looking for an affordable option that will give users the experience they desire.<br />
<br />
-<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Alex King-Harris <i>(aka Rara Avis)</i>CEO/Co-Founder Yogi Tunes</span><br />
<br />Rara Avishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07374433871296236736noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2244735561773644503.post-61518460985635407222013-02-12T20:55:00.000-08:002013-02-12T20:57:33.477-08:00Here We Are [dub mix]<span class="rapidblog-summary"></span><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<span class="rapidblog-summary"><a href="http://www.yogi-tunes.com/?utm_source=YogiTunes&utm_campaign=697535038f-Sonic_Weekly_01_31_13&utm_medium=email#!interchill-give-away-2/cysp" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju_dMoZHs9-h_K-yDKWgQUu7gBweSlCaiCfG0avyldVXsPUGN1ba93HY0Nv_w7LrrF0ajVmlrCwLKFkG518_CySYHn7owF6lFiadeQrT8ZGHmaAjnRYNwgPHD7NOfxz_Wjb5mgTp1IsLA/s320/Here+we+are.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span class="rapidblog-summary">
London-based Spiral System's tune "Here We Are [dub mix]" features Lottie Child, who also sings on the new Spiral System album that is called "Be" and will be released on Interchill this summer.<br />
<br />
Want this free sonic gift, courtesy of Interchill Records?<br /><a href="http://www.yogi-tunes.com/?utm_source=YogiTunes&utm_campaign=697535038f-Sonic_Weekly_01_31_13&utm_medium=email#!interchill-give-away-2/cysp"><br />Click here</a> to redeem your free download...<br />
<span class="font_5"><span class="color_15"><span class="font_7"></span> </span></span></span><br />
<a name='more'></a>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11052063812418889026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2244735561773644503.post-90483926617643037232013-02-11T20:32:00.001-08:002013-02-11T20:39:24.781-08:00Free Song from Interchill Mix<span class='rapidblog-summary'><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.yogi-tunes.com/?utm_source=YogiTunes&utm_campaign=ff11f7de29-Yogi_Tunes_Interchill_Give_Away1_27_2013&utm_medium=email#!interchill-give-away/c1zud" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipN8aKhcJ4aTO3pb8tDKXRJZMAcB_dPY_4pJL_cZdCiHkwaqS7M4DZqDLc45GpoEsjbRo8OWwovJb3NG6nxJtKvTwqUVR9Vgjrlpvr0nFsDJMNPqDS_SQ_Kl4JFKP9x8QTt_N8HMks7cI/s320/Hibernation.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Hibernation is Seb Taylor's electronic downtempo project, with a distinct sonic palate that includes stand-up bass, muted trumpet, brush drums, glitches, womps and warm subs. The hibernation sound is crucial listening. <br />
<br />
Seb brings a lifetime of musical experience to his production, composition and arrangements, and it shows. Listening to hibernation conjures up future memories of dark smokey jazz clubs, bladerunner cityscapes, parallel universes, dreams half forgotten and epic nights. <br />
<br />
This is music with spirit, narrative and detail. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.yogi-tunes.com/?utm_source=YogiTunes&utm_campaign=ff11f7de29-Yogi_Tunes_Interchill_Give_Away1_27_2013&utm_medium=email#!interchill-give-away/c1zud" target="_blank">Click</a> to get a free download from the mix.</span><a name='more'></a>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11052063812418889026noreply@blogger.com0