Our first creative offering is a work titled “Morning Waves”, a mesmerizing piece featuring Hidayat Khan on sitar & vocals along with Tejas Vinchurkar on bansuri (Indian flute). As Amit describes, this song is “a soothing fusion of ocean sounds, the strum of the Sitar, and the ethereal melodies of the Bansuri, allowing the composition to transport you to a place of inner peace and relaxation, making it the perfect soundtrack for your mindful morning rituals.”
For this piece, instead of making the typical music video with multiple scenes edited together, I decided to take a simpler, minimalistic approach and to go with one single continuous shot from the Oregon Coast. One of my favorite filming techniques with drones is to capture really long, slow, steady shots that continually unfold and reveal a stunning landscape.
To me, this is a practice of presence. Of being present. And of focus. It’s an invitation to center oneself, as if you are standing on a shore staring at the waves, listening to the sound of the ocean, soaking in the hypnotic beauty of it all, without saying a word.
“A soulful meditation track that transports you to the banks of a peaceful river. As the gentle stream flows, its melodic whispers harmonize with the chorus of nature's symphony.” ~ Amit
I’d like to invite you to behold the beauty of one of my favorite waterfalls in the PNW: Falls Creek Falls
The trailhead for this particular waterfall hike is about 45 minutes from my house in southern Washington. And the hike through the forest and up to the falls takes an additional 45 minutes. Once you reach the falls, you’re treated to cascading water flowing down in three separate tiers, the highest of which can only be seen by climbing further up (or by flying a drone!) It’s a very rewarding excursion that is at the top of the list for when my more adventurous friends come to visit.
So when Amit sent me a 15-minute mantra underscored by the sounds of a rushing stream and birdsong in the air, my mind was transported back to this special place that I've shared with so many friends.
I invite you to set aside a little time in your day to rest and reset. As Amit sings this peaceful meditation over you, let’s fly slowly over the falls and end our journey with a walk through a redwood forest illuminated by dappled sunlight.
Namaste.
This is the third collaboration that I’ve done with Amit. This one is a bit simpler, featuring five minutes of calming music with eastern textures and two long-play aerial shots of a wintery forest near Mt Hood in Oregon.
Here are Amit’s own words inviting us to enter into this particular creative moment:
“This enchanting composition invites you to leave the chaos of the world behind and immerse yourself in the pristine beauty of the snow-clad wilderness. Whether you're looking to unwind, meditate, or simply find an escape to a place of relaxation, "December" will take you on a journey of serenity, where time stands still, and the soul finds solace.”
A simple cinematic meditation. Filmed one early morning in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest in Washington State.
“‘Day Dream’ is meticulously crafted to create a harmonious blend of sound, each note resonating with purpose and emotion. As the pianos weave their gentle melodies, the bansuri adds a layer of depth and serenity, guiding you through a landscape where every moment is a gentle embrace of calm. This piece is perfect for those seeking a musical retreat, whether for meditation, introspection, or simply a momentary escape from life's distractions.” ~ Amit Inderdeo