Anyone else feel rushed all the time? Like there are just not enough hours in the day? The song “Ganesha” from exceptional composer/singer Paul Avgerinos is like that Energizer Bunny track you’ve been searching for. It’s the song that replaces the caffeinated coffee, without the jitters. Avgerinos, who enlisted the help of vocalist Emma Kiara for this multi-faceted, vibrant song, has himself an enviable sound. “Ganesha” is riveting and one of 2021’s best New Age and ambient tunes.
BANDCAMP: https://paulavgerinos.bandcamp.com/track/ganesha
Avgerinos might not be keen on creating songs that halt things, but rather, massage the way we listen to music. A quick Google search of the word ‘Ganesha’ reveals that this is one of the most widely worshipped and best-known deities in Hinduism. Personally, I wasn’t familiar with this and as I started to listen to the song, I became enamored with the tones and the colors that seem to be emerging from the electronic music bed. Kiara’s voice, which is beautiful, is rich in tenor and harmony. Avgerinos’ voice, too, is strong but very approachable. He has a friendly way about him, and together they intertwine each other. The song has a bit of a sacredness to it, but I don’t want to infer too much. It’s not an intimidating song whatsoever.
Leaning a bit more into electronics than I was expecting, “Ganesha” triggers a joyful, almost euphoric emotion. The dewy grooves are enchanting. If you’re not familiar with a mantra song, it might take you back just a bit. Don’t be dismayed. “Ganesha” is warm and reveals layers upon layers to fall into. If you close your eyes and really engulf yourself into the moment and listen to what’s happening between the voices, then it’s easy to escape. If that has been a challenge to you in the past, I still think that Avgerinos and Kiara have such delightful voices that you want to keep listening. I found myself falling down the rabbit hole, so to speak, and felt weightless in the quest to be fully immersed. It’s a wonderful, satisfying feeling. In other words if you’re seeking mindfulness and balance, “Ganesha” is an excellent starting point. Modern listeners have to train themselves to really be in the moment. “Ganesha” makes it easy to really lock-into those vibrations and flow.
Avgerinos graduated from The Peabody Conservatory of Johns Hopkins University. His 2016 album Gracegarnered him a Grammy Award for Best New Age album. A prolific composer and artist, Avgerinos’ 2021 discography includes PEACE and a Spiritual Warrior Workout with Deepak Chopra and Kabir Sehgal. “Ganesha” is actually from his 2019 album Devotion. The verdict? “Ganesha” is a surprising thrill and epic amalgamation of sounds and movement. I feel replenished and comforted. It’s an impressive coda that channels angelic voices and vibrating tones to create a masterful listening experience. High marks indeed for Avgerinos (and Kiara) on their wonderful song, “Ganesha”. They should be pleased to hear that I definitely slowed down, and really listened to the words and felt the sounds.
Claire Uebelacker