I wanted let you all know about a new recording of mine called “Karmapa Khyeno” that is out on Bandcamp, iTunes, Amazon, and CD Baby. You can stream all of the tracks right here on my Bandcamp page.
A little over a year ago, what was just the tiny spark of an idea is now a five song EP, and my first ever recording in Tibetan. It was also my first real DIY project. I recorded everything at home, both in Tunisia and in NYC. Aside from the mixing and mastering (which was done expertly by the incredibly talented Kane Mathis) these recordings represent a lot of trial and error, a lot of experimentation, and finally, a lot of time alone with a simple home setup, a bunch of cool instruments, and a hope to make something beautiful.
From my earliest days I was exposed to the melodies of Tibetan chants and mantras, quite possibly more than any other kind of music. Of course this had an influence on me. I can even remember sitting at the piano and figuring out the notes to the traditional melody of the mantra Karmapa Khyeno, finding it strange and wonderful that something I associated with meditation halls and incense was also there in the black and white keys. I always sensed a real depth to the mantras and was moved by them.
Maybe because they were so familiar, because they felt like home, but I think it was more than that. I think that most Tibetan melodies originate from an intention to access one’s own depth, and to sing from that place. It’s about a certain kind of solitude, a certain kind of stillness.
On “Karmapa Kheyno” I wanted to share that musical landscape that has always existed within my mind, painted by the sounds and images, and the nomadic spirit of my own experience of Tibetan culture.
I chose to use instruments like banjo, mandolin, and even electric bass in order to find my way as deeply into that landscape as I could. That place in which there is a very particular synthesis of intimacy and vastness, a cradled silence that echoes.
Having grown up in the US, and like many, having had a mix of cultures and perspectives shape me, in the end I can only share my own little window into the beauty I see, from wherever I happen to be looking. In some way this recording is an attempt to share the Tibet that exists within me.
The songs are based on mantras as well as on poems by H.H. The 17th Karmapa, to whom the EP is dedicated. H.H. the 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, is the head of the Karma Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism, and is, in the opinion of many including my own, one of the great spiritual leaders of our time.
H.H. Karmapa is also well known for his beautiful artwork, and the cover of the EP is a calligraphy I requested him to do of the mantra (which is also the EP title) “Karmapa Khyeno”
“We need to let the heart lead. Compassion is indispensable; it is the single most important factor we need if we are going to have any real success in protecting the environment, in creating a just society, or simply in living wholesome, happy lives. “ – H.H. The 17th Karmapa
Although this EP could be seen as a Tibetan Buddhist recording, it is also something made with the simple intention of creating songs which allow one to linger in a quiet, open space, somewhere where the contemplation of matters of heart is encouraged.
Most of the time I think music should stand on its own, and often trying to talk about it feels futile and can take us further away from the meaning, but in this case I thought it would be nice to include a bit of back story.
Thank you all so much for your support. Without you I would not be able to make this happen. When you buy and/or donate towards an EP, an album, or download a song of mine you are contributing directly to the creation of more music. You can’t imagine how humbling and heartening it is to be given the opportunity to produce projects such as this. I’m truly grateful and I hope you enjoy the new songs.
Kesang
P.S. If you decide to get the new EP and you find that you’re enjoying it, please do leave a review. Thanks!
