I’ve never seen bios written in the first person, but for me, today, it would feel a bit inauthentic writing it any other way.
I've been blessed my whole life, without knowing how each experience would lead me to who I am and what I feel at this moment. There have been moments of doubt, that somehow my life wasn't part of a loving, thought-out plan. I was born in Sydney Australia, raised with ballet, gymnastics, British-pop and a bizarre love for ancient hymns care of the Anglo-private schools I attended. There was a certain spiritual magic when I was young, a taste that sort of dwindled as grew I older, until there came a time as a teen when I forgot about magic at all.
As many Australians do, I found myself backpacking after leaving school. I traveled through Europe, Nannied in Switzerland, having fun, sort of, but more just eating lots of croissants and becoming addicted to being a solo entity. It felt mundane then I went to Morocco and finally, India. I found magic again. Ruined for life, I returned to Australia where I officially became a monk in a Vaishnav ashram. It wasn't as heavy as it sounds, although it was heavy. I hated it, I loved it. It did, however, lay down the foundation for which I would later draw my greatest inspiration. There's no way anyone can do a life justice in few words, the colors, the textures but what can I say? I left the ashram, moved to NYC, formed the punk band Baby Gopal and then later joined Shelter, traveled the world touring and putting out records, relocated to Los Angeles, studied Classical Indian dance, Capoeira, yoga, got into raw foods but still did not feel 100% expressed or seen as I am. It wasn't until a huge part of my life abruptly came to an end, that I found myself on my knees and for the first time in ages, ready to feel. I profess to hate pain but begrudgingly admit it was the knife that laid me raw. Suddenly all the rituals, philosophy, bhajans and dance took tangible form. I began to realize with absolute gratitude how much I owed my teachers, most notably past Vaishnav saints and my Mohini Attam Guru. I've always been physical and aural, so the combination of dance and song is my connection to that which is most precious to me. It is my bliss, my greatest love affair.
These days my music is a fusion-child like me, a cultural bastard. I am torn between a love of Indian classical, light bhajan/kirtan, rock and electronica and strive to find the perfect combination depending on my mood. This new chapter has lead me to the most amazing artist company and collaborations. I wish to thank my many dance and music teachers, fellow musicians and collaborators over the years, some whose greatness I didnt appreciate fully. DC Hardcore, the Swedish invasion, Krishnacore, Brit-pop, the songs of Bhaktivinode Thakur, Narotam das Thakur, the voice of Jagjit Singh, the poetry of Mirabai and the gift of Vedic culture given so freely by Srila Prabhupada and my own diksa guru, Hrdayananda das Gosvami. Thank you for being so hands off. You allowed me to grow on my own and find my self. Thanks to the few who have broken my heart, you've unknowingly steered me closer to my truth. My vehicle in this life song and dance, increasing the moments of bliss until they form one thread of devotion. I only pray, and it's probably ego speaking, that my song might even touch at the heels of those whose music I adore.
For this latest chapter I must thank Taal Dance Company whose collaboration is the sweetest form of female companionship. Astha, Neera, Meena, Monica, Jaya and Meera, who fully embody the Goddess potency in all her different flavors. And through the community to such greats as Cheb I Sabbah, Karsh Kale, Punditz from whose music I draw great inspiration for choreography. To my brother and sisters, niece and nephew, Em, Lindi and assorted Aussie girlfriends, long time Eastcoast and Euro buddies (where my Belgium girls at?), kuli-friends, Ashtanga yogis, LA West and Eastside crew, Chord, Aditi Design, Carrie Grace Costume Design, Laksmi Photography, my extended family of friends and well wishers, such an odd mix of people who are somehow coming full circle around the globe and making perfect sense.
And finally, to my parents who've showed me of what metal good people are made.
|
