NEW YORK, NY. (Top40 Charts/ Decca Records) - Already a runaway hit overseas, Chant -
Music For The Soul debuted at No 9 on the UK pop chart, alongside
Madonna and Duffy, and bested the likes of
Amy Winehouse and
Leona Lewis. Not surprising given our hectic lifestyle, Chant -
Music For The Soul is a much-needed growing phenomenon, featuring traditional chant from the 12th and 13th centuries. In the on-going quest for spiritual bliss, the CD is a must-have, and arguably the most peaceful listening experience imaginable. On June 10th, Chant -
Music for the Soul will be available digitally on iTunes, followed by a physical in-store release on July 1st.
Chant is the ultimate in relaxation and stress relief - the perfect antidote to our fast-moving modern world. It has proven to heal, calm and also give strength; its power is timeless. Dr. Alan Watkins, Senior Lecturer in Neuroscience at Imperial College London states, "the musical structure of chanting can have a significant and positive physiological impact ... studies also demonstrate that such practices have been shown to lower blood pressure, increase levels of the performance hormone DHEA as well as reducing anxiety and depression."
Chant - Music for the Soul was born in an unexpected way. Earlier this year, Universal Classics & Jazz in the UK placed ads in various religious publications encouraging various choral groups to submit demos for consideration for a major recording contract. Word reached the monks of the Cistercian Abbey Stift Heiligenkreuz in Vienna, who applied via a clip they had posted on YouTube. With their rich and evocative sound The Monks were the easy favorites. Billboard recently reported, "It's a pretty safe bet that very few of Universal Music's recent signings count Pope Benedict XVI among their fans. But the pontiff is a definite admirer of the latest boys in the hood(s) to sign globally to Universal Classics."
"When the Monks sing, the chant opens our hearts. We hope it purifies our souls and helps us regain clarity, light, strength and peace. Where there is chaos, we seek to restore order. Where there is emptiness, we try and find meaning. And where there is sadness, joy can return." - The Cistercian Abbey Stift Heiligenkreuz.
