About
Sometimes when you wait, it gives you time to grow and flower into something much more beautiful then you had ever imagined. This is the case with Yoko Dharma. The last 5 years for this Canadian born recording artist has been full of growth opportunities as she has patiently been waiting to record her RnB debut album "Freedom Reign." Now her album is almost complete! Producer Marty Rifkin is working on this album with Yoko, bringing "Freedom Reign" to life and helping Yoko manifest her vision into the world. Marty has recorded with Jewel, Bruce Springsteen, Elton John and numerous other well-known artists. The culturally diverse world music influences drawn on to make "Freedom Reign" album, stem from Yoko's passionate love of world music and unique world instruments, which are all a part of Yoko's intriguing sound. Her motivation to break through cultural barriers using music as the conduit for positive global change and peace, is a call to action and transformation of one's mind, which is given to the listener through Yoko's conscious lyrics throughout the album. Steeped in the basic human qualities of love, compassion and awareness, Yoko draws from the deep rooted wisdom that Tibetan Buddhism has given her in her life and reflects this in her songwriting. Between Marty Rifkin's expertise and Yoko Dharma's strong message and powerfully sweet voice, I have no doubt that Yoko's debut RnB album will shake the globe, stirring international fans everywhere!
Yoko started singing as soon as she arrived in this world. Born deep in the lush mountains of British Columbia, Yoko is a small town girl from Nelson. She was raised surrounded by musicians and artists. Her mother is a singer and her father a guitar player who both write music. As a child growing up she would often create fantastic shows for guests when they would visit, stepping onto stage in public at the young age of 13. This was when she also began to write her own songs. From disco bands to African dance troupes, Buddhist Mantras to touring with her own original RnB/world music and opening for Jan Arden, Yoko has a captivating musical and performance background. Yoko has also studied African, Modern, Afro Cuban, Salsa and Balinese styles of dance.
In 2007 she co-produced and recorded her first album " Yoko Treasury of Jewels." The album received amazing reviews, being happily received by Yoko's fans. It also was chosen as "editor's pick" by Peters on CD baby. "Her voice is a bit like Madonna's, that is to say, she is fully capable of pure enchantment. Yoko's entrancing voice is a pure pleasure to listen to." ~ Writes Peters at CD Baby. This album reached beyond the Buddhist community spilling out to many of Yoko's fans internationally who are not Buddhist but fell in love with the album. "Treasury of Jewels" is sung in Sanskrit and Tibetan, it is comprised of traditional Tibetan mantras and chants made into beautiful, engaging world music songs.