Michael Kolasa was instantly drawn to the sound of Indian Music and spirituality at a young age when he first heard the music of the Beatles and fell in love with instruments like the Sitar and Sanskrit Chanting. His interest in eastern religion and philosophy sparked a journey into the nature of Spirit, which continues to excite him today. Michael grew up on Long Island New York and when he was 14 his family moved to the dessert in Arizona. Michael’s mother, an artist and his father, an athlete, made music an important part of their home. At an early age Michael was turned on to The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Pink Floyd, The Who, Jethro Tull, and especially the Grateful Dead.

At 16, Michael ventured from home to follow the Grateful Dead, where he learned to play guitar in concert parking lots, as well as experienced an alternative way of being and thinking that would influence the rest of his life. Michael’s extensive travels took him all over the world and eventually he ended up back in New York in 1987 after completing a Masters Degree in Organizational Psychology. Michael worked for a music management company who managed such acts as 10,000 Maniacs and Cowboy Junkies. It was in New York that Michael started writing music and joined a band called Raw Youth. In a short time Michael’s music was widely recognized by local musicians such as Vernon Ried of Living Color, who produced their first demo, which led to being the first band, signed on Irving Azoff’s new label Giant Records. Raw Youth recorded their first album Hoy Digitty, produced by Michael Bienhorn (Red Hot Chili Peppers) The song Tame Yourself ended up becoming the title track for PETA’s Animal Rights record, which included other artists such as The B52’s, The Pretenders, Michael Stipe and KD Lang. Michael has always understood the healing power of music, the importance of raising consciousness though music, gratitude through giving back, being of service, and supporting a good cause.

Michael left Raw Youth in 1991 and moved to Los Angeles, California where he became interested in the power of sound, healing, and spirituality. After receiving a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology he began working with individuals, children and families, using music, Yoga, and meditation as tools for healing and transformation. During this period Michaels interest in Spirituality and his longing for God led him to the most important event in his life, meeting his Guru, Gurumayi Chidvilasananda. It was through Siddha Yoga Meditation that Michael fell in love with chanting, devotional music, and mantra repetition and began studying Indian Music in its traditional devotional form through the guidance of his Guru. Michael immediately began to chant and play harmonium for the Siddha Yoga programs and events and continues to do so today. In the fall of 2005, after returning from a spiritual pilgrimage to Brazil , Michael became deeply inspired to begin writing music again. It was during this time that Michael befriended Kirtan artists such as Girish, and David Newman aka: Durga Das, who inspired and encouraged Michael to create chants in his own unique style and personality. After writing a few songs, Michael played them for one of his oldest friends, record producer and songwriter Desmond Child, who fell in love with the music and encouraged Michael to make a CD having Girish produce it. With the help and kindness of Thomas Barquee, Hans Christian, an amazing group of talented musicians, and the grace of God, the CD, All MY HEART was recorded. Michael’s intention was to create an eclectic musical sound with Sanskrit mantras that would be widely accessible to a diverse population turning them on to the power of sound and words and how they create our reality.

Michael is currently living in Scottsdale, Arizona where he is a certified 3HO Kundalini Instructor teaching at different Yoga studios in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area as well as privately. Michael also offers sound healing sessions through the use of the Sacred Gong and is available for both group and private sessions. Michael also performs Kirtan Jams on a weekly basis (see Events page) and is planning a US tour for the summer of 2009 in support of ALL MY HEART. Michael continues to practice as a Licensed Psychotherapist in the state of California specializing in Trauma, Anxiety, and Depression. Michael sees clients on a monthly basis at the Amrit Davaa Wellness Center located at Golden Bridge Yoga in Los Angeles.

10% of the proceeds from ALL MY HEART will be donated to Amrit Davaa World Health to help support their mission to bring medical supplies and attention to sick children around the world.