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!
Growing up as a Tibetan Buddhist in the west was a slightly different childhood then most Canadian kids have. This had a profound and deep influence on Yoko from an early age, especially when she started adapting Tibetan Buddhist meditations and practices more seriously at the age of 13. This definitely makes Yoko unique in the way she writes music and in terms of what she has to say based on her own understanding. This seems to spill out to people because many of her fans resonate with what she is singing about . Her ability to connect with the listeners weather it is on stage or through a recording is profound because of some basic truths she sings about which transcend culture, race and religion. Essentially, the science of the mind, the truth of all phenomena and some fundamental human qualities that we all posses like love, kindness and compassion. This is why so many people relate to her music and I think this is why she can move people so deeply, because somewhere inside they also know these truths or have had similar experiences.
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.
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.
Yoko's east meets west approach to creating music has people who hear her spell bound. You don't meet an RnB recording artist who writes from a Buddhist perspective and integrates world music into her sound every day! Yoko thinks outside the box and has something to say. She has a vision far too big for boxes and a heart that promotes freedom. Yoko continues to just be who she is, embracing all the aspects of herself including those closest to her heart and shares this wisdom with the world. Yoko has a clear vision of what she is creating through her intention to help others. She hopes that the music she creates will make an impact and really help people, because she says, "that's all that really matters." As she continues to help people one song at a time, Yoko is now diving into the music video realm. She knows that through images and music together you can have an even greater impact on people. Yoko's motivation is to use her music videos to promote positive messages and change in the world. "Great things are made up of many small things," she quotes. Yoko believes that with the help of many people, we can do great things that benefit the earth and all beings. After Yoko releases her debut RnB album she will amp up to film another music video for the title track of her new album "Freedom Reign" and go on tour. If you like Yoko's music and would like to help her music flourish, look for her on Kickstarter as Yoko will be raising funds to help complete her upcoming endeavors. You can sign up on Yoko's mailing list to stay connected or even just tell a friend about her music.