1. Why are you a musician?
Music has always been the language I have used to express myself in ways that words cannot describe. And because it is a language that transcends culture or identity in a way that creates emotional feelings in a way like no other artform.
2. Who are your musical inspirations?
Tracing it back, I would say The Beatles’ music that integrates Eastern mantras and instrumentation. I also love the way Ry Cooder’s fuses world music traditions. In the chant world, I love what Jai Uttal and Jahnavi Harrison are doing to broaden the genre.
3. What is your practice routine?
When I’m recording or performing I usually spending 40 mins several times per week singing to Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. His vocals are some of the most beautiful and ambitious and I follow him as best I can for as long as I can to improve vocal control.
4. Why did you make this album?
Mantra Americana
By Madi Das, Dave Stringer with Bhakti Without Borders
We wanted to make an album that blends Eastern and Western influences in a way that appeals to modern audiences. Something that could be enjoyed by fans of World or Americana music alike. But our songs also get straight to the hooks so we don’t lose listeners who may have the patience to stay for a long intro.
5. What were the biggest obstacles in making this music?
The pandemic. Unlike my last album were we got all the musicians into the studio, for this album we had to recorded my parts in Australia and Dave and the band in America. We overcame this by recording into a shared ProTools sesson that was saved into Dropbox. We also used Sessionwire so we could remote listen and guide recording artists.
6. Who is featured on the album?
In addition to me and my fellow artist and producing collaborator Dave Stringer, we’re joined by the Bhakti Without Borders band, which includes vocalists Allie Stringer, Tulsi Bloom, and Justin Michael Williams, as well as our drummer Patrick Richey, bass player Corbin Jones, and guitar/banjo player James Harrah.
7. Where may we find you online?
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