Michael Mantra

Michael Mantra (1950-2014) creates Ambient music. More than that, he creates tools for “brain hemisphere synchronization” (after synchronizing the mind and the body, Mantra’s work claims to release endorphins - part of the human body’s natural pharmacy which work at the level of opiates). Mixing modulating high and low harmonic tones (low deep drones and high resonating harmonics) with didgeridoo, ocean waves, rain, water, birds and other natural sounds and instruments, Michael creates a perfect ambient soundscape for the ultimate relaxation trip.
Mantra attempts to create sound structures that “induce a meditative state that synchronizes brain wave frequencies” or, more simply put by Mantra himself, create “Brain Hemisphere Harmonic Healing”. From the early cassette only releases “Sonic Transform” with John Now and “Sonic Satori” to the CD release on Silent “Sonic Alter” and the brilliant follow-up “Sonic Continuum” with Silent Records contributor Rod Modell, Mantra strives to keep the Ambient “ethic” of the early 90’s “chill out” vibe alive.
According to the packaging on his release “Sonic Transform”, “Sonic Transform is an audio tool for transform negative yin emotions to … positive yang emotions.” This statement sums up what many envision the Ambient “chill room ethic” to be.
Stricken with cancer, he passed away earlier this year.