mindswimmer

picture yourself in a dimly lit basement.  blacklight and incense saturate your senses. memories of conversation over a home cooked meal inform your mood. you are at ease but anxious to discover what comes next.

that’s when it starts – a simple melodic line floats into your awareness. instruments and voices join the chorus, and you embark on a journey without idea of where you are going or why – and it couldn’t be more exhilarating.

the music of mindswimmer is a singular expression. inspired by investigation of worlds inside and out. nothing is sacred except the guiding principle to follow energy in the present. contradictions, insecurities, and joy are exposed nakedly for the world to examine, giving them resonance and weight.

it is at once liberating and distinct – elements of spiritual jazz, qawwali, spoken word, hip-hop, progressive rock, and electronica dance in hypnotic amalgamation. traditional song structures give way to spontaneous, raw expression. the players lock into one groove, play with unified voice, and tell one story.

the path began when each person chose to deny their very creative essence. despite touring the world, winning awards, and exhibiting in exclusive venues, each person set aside ambition for security. keyboardist/synthesist prashant vallury founded a law firm. vocalist/percussionist natasha kohli started an online marketing firm. synthesist/guitarist steve dobias was a video game sound designer. drummer antoine johnson worked as a video editor. synthesist/vocalist simeon viltz works in youth mentorship.

in short order, though, security became a burden. each member craved a return to the creative life and began a hero’s journey to make a career of their passion. the following years saw them start projects that tested them.  with each challenge, an understanding of true collaboration emerged that guided their next steps.

their measured and tempered responses to challenge effected drastic changes in the collective mindset. projects ended, ego was set aside, and creating uninhibitedly became the sole directive. any ideas about style, form, and substance of composition were discarded.

this journey of the mind, heart, and soul led to the combustible and unpredictable nature of mindswimmer’s identity. the music inspires examination of your mind’s darkest corners, where the greatest rewards are manifested, tranquility is attained, and the beauty of life is celebrated.

this is an open invitation to join us on our path. all are welcome. set aside your notions of what a musical experience should be and connect to what can be. celebrate the beauty found in the interplay of darkness and light, and in all shades in-between.