Anup Jalota’s spiritual album, Aum Sweet Aum, unveiled 20 floors up!

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The spiritual music landscape is forever transformed with the release of Aum Sweet Aum, a groundbreaking album that brings together the legendary Bhajan Samrat Anup Jalota, the innovative minds of Aashish Rego and Pandith Somesh Mathur of Samsara Sounds, and Grammy-winning vocalist, Darlene Koldenhoven. The album was formally unveiled all of 20 floors above at Jalota’s residence on August 23—an aptly ‘high’ launch for music aimed to set our spirits soaring!

This collaboration marks a new era in spiritual music, blending tradition with contemporary artistry to create a novel auditory journey. Launched by Shankar Mahadevan, this is a significant milestone in the spiritual music landscape, offering a meticulously-crafted experience designed to guide listeners on a journey of spiritual awakening. Each track on Aum Sweet Aum is infused with themes of peace, prosperity, healing and divine connection.

One of the album’s most notable elements is the inclusion of the Paranjoti Academy Chorus, led by the renowned conductor Firdause Wadia. The choir’s performances, particularly on tracks such as Aum Shivaay Namah and Mahamrutyunjay Mantra, add a layer of divine resonance, elevating the album’s spiritual ambiance to new heights. These tracks stand out as profound sonic experiences that transport listeners to a realm of sacred introspection.

The album’s global appeal is amplified by the contributions of a diverse ensemble of musicians. Ivan Mendez brings the Native American flute, while Miguel Vargas adds the Chinese Dizi and Western flute. Percussions by Luca Giacobbe enhance the rhythmic compositions, transcending cultural boundaries.

This album was recorded by Sanjay Sharma and mixed by Smitesh Joshi at Shzaam Studios. Its visual representation, crafted by Meghna Gupta, complements its spiritual essence, providing an experience as impactful as the music itself.

This album is a first-of-its-kind spiritual collaboration that bridges the gap between Eastern and Western musical traditions, offering a listening experience that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.

Padma Shri Shankar Mahadevan, who launched the album, expressed his joy at “being part of this spiritual endeavor.” He said, “I am very grateful to be part of the launch of this album, which is not just a collection of music. It is a journey into the soul, a true celebration of spirituality through sound. The collaboration between such diverse and talented artistes has resulted in something truly special, and I am honored to be associated with it.”

Anup Jalota also shared his thoughts on the collaboration, highlighting the unique blend of traditional and contemporary elements that define the album. “Spiritual music has always been a powerful medium for conveying messages of peace and unity,” he said. “We have created something that I believe will touch the hearts and souls of listeners across the globe. Working with Darlene, Aashish and Pandit Somesh Mathur has been an enriching experience, and I am proud of what we have accomplished together.”

Rego and Pandit Mathur echoed these sentiments, noting the album’s potential to reach a diverse audience. “Our goal with Aum Sweet Aum was to take ancient Vedic wisdom to the world in a language they understand, hence the lyrics are both in Sanskrit and English” said Rego. “We wanted to honor the rich traditions of spiritual music while also incorporating elements that would appeal to contemporary listeners. I believe we have achieved that balance, and I am excited to share this album with the world.” added Pandit Mathur.

In a music industry dominated by commercial interests, Aum Sweet Aum is a project driven by artistic integrity and a deep commitment to spiritual expression.