Astrud's Kirtan CD

So many beautiful people over the years have asked if I had a CD available and the answer has been no, but someday.
Last year my mom’s health was on the line and my family went through a lot. She is doing well now, so I knew this year I would try my best to commit to fulfilling my dream and not waste anymore time, as I continue to be reminded how short and precious this life is.

This CD will be an expression of pure Love and Gratitude.

I sing Kirtan, a form of Devotional music that originated in India.  
Kirtan stems from the Bhakti Yoga tradition, another form of Yoga. It is a Yoga practice that drops us from the intellect to surrendering to the heart through the power of sound and vibration, awakening a feeling of devotion! Each Kirtan or Mantra provides what a dear teacher, Russill Paul, calls a “deep issue massage”.

 Bhakti Yoga reflects our love for the Divine, for each other, our relationship towards our work, our families and simply how we show up in the world. All are affected by this practice.

 It awakens the spirit of unity. Yoga means to yolk, to unite.
Kirtan has the capacity to dissolve feelings of disconnectedness. By chanting these sacred names we connect ourselves to the greater good, to the Divine and to each other.

The language Kirtan is sung in is Sanskrit, an ancient language created by the sages to awaken us from the inside out. This is NOT a religious practice; it is universal. It does not require one to believe or not to believe in a higher power, and you don’t have to practice Yoga. Each Kirtan is like a song of gratitude. It is an expression of Love and Devotion and brings a sense of peace to the heart and mind.

 I have been singing Kirtan since 2001 and led my first Kirtan in 2002 in India and have been singing ever since. Nearly five years ago Astrud and the Cosmic Caravan was birthed. It was a year filled with loss on all fronts, and I found myself at Jai Uttal’s Kirtan Camp in the Bay Area. The experience cracked me open in the sweetest way. I was humbled by the love and encouragement of the community, as well as the time and support I received from both Daniel Paul and Jai.

 I knew I wanted to gather a group of like-minded people on this path of Devotion and chant regularly. I sang Kirtan with others for years but was very intimidated and downright terrified by the thought of starting and leading something on my own—and not having any formal musical background at all made me feel less than adequate.

 I was also reminded that this music does not stem from a place of ego but rather from an attitude of Devotion. I learned that through the art and practice of Bhakti Yoga. Kirtan was inspired by intention, devotion and surrender, and the practice springs not from musical chops but from a deep place in the heart. In the Bhagavad Gita, chapter 18, sloka 47, it speaks of “the importance of doing your own dharma imperfectly rather than to excel at another’s dharma perfectly.” It speaks of how the Cosmic law decides when you are ready and after you have received lessons from classes and experiences and are ready for the next phase of your development, you don’t hesitate. You move forward.

 Music and I have always had a special connection. As a newborn I slept in a guitar case instead of a crib; my last name was given to me by an amazing drummer, Paco Castillo; and I was named after the Brazillian singer Astrud Gilberto, whose music and voice was constantly heard in my home, and my brother was named after Aaron Copeland a great composer. My mom was singing in a night club in Costa Rica when she met my co-creator whom I never met. I was raised by my stepfather, a famous DJ at KSAN in San Francisco in the 70’s.

Music has been my refuge as it has been for so many of us. 

Whether it be Kirtan, rock & roll, punk, jazz, classical, drum & bass, or exotic music from around the world, the gift of sound and vibration can be absolutely healing and transformative. I discovered that chanting to Krishna is an experience of peace and tranquility. I have longed for this my whole life.

 I am honored by all the beautiful and talented musicians who have played and traveled with me over the years, and I’m excited to be collaborating with some new and tremendously talented people on this CD. This will be a community endeavor and, with your help, I promise to deliver to you something that will elevate the spirit, awaken a sense of joy and open the heart.

 The funds collected will go towards:

the producer, studio time, mixing, mastering, musicians, production of the CD and art work.

Again, I thank you for joining me on this musical journey and for any support you are able to give.

 If 1000 people give $18 I will meet my goal of $18,000.00.

Hari Om…
In Love and Service,
Astrud