Episode 15: East Forest

On Nature as musical instrument, pauses as assets, honouring the elders, everyday ceremony. Includes a bonus track of Ram Dass x East Forest.

Derived from the German translation of his last name, East Forest (aka Trevor Oswalt) creates a hypnotizing brand of music for old souls that blends achingly emotional wordlessness, ambience and contemporary classical touches with a touch of pop sensibilities and electronic flavors. Based in Boulder Utah, Oswalt performs internationally and is armed with a live show that is continually evolving; sometimes performing solo, sometimes with a string section, and often with theatrical elements and cinematic projections. With experiences offering music in a hospice, as well as backpacking explorations throughout the wilderness of the world including the Amazonian jungle searching for spiritual answers, his music is a connected journey that's been dubbed "a revelatory excursion in sound" (Under The Gun) that invites listeners to "go on a journey of self discovery" (Earmilk). He's been featured on NPR's Second Stage and Tiny Desk Contest, and shared the stage with artists ranging from Trevor Hall to Crystal Bowersox (Amer. Idol), Bluetech to Moby. His 2016 collaboration with MC YOGI, Ritual Mystical, went #1 iTunes Electronic, #8 Billboard Dance and #2 Billboard New Age.

EAST FOREST's newest release, "RAM DASS" is a full length album releasing in collaboration with the acclaimed spiritual teacher. In June 2018, East Forest was invited to Maui to record brand new teachings from Ram Dass. After capturing these words of wisdom East Forest returned to his studio to compose the soundtrack to beautifully support each songs' subject. Covering topics such as dark thoughts, nature, the soul and so much more, these songs are full of inspiration. The album will release in four "chapters" throughout 2019, culminating in a full length release on August 9, 2019. Trevor Hall and grammy nominated artist, Krishna Das are among the featured artists who make guest appearances on the 14-track album.

1:45
How Trevor began making music to recreate the feeling of infiniteness from experiences with Psilocybin.

10:35
Recognising plants and fungi as tools that are there for us.

12:19
Work with Ram Dass on album

13:52
Maharajji Neem Karoli Baba. Ram Dass. Krishna Dass.

15:25
Chapter 2, Your Guru. Ram Dass. Relevant teachings. Love everyone. Tell the truth.

17:38
What it was like recording with Ram Dass. The Spiritual Whitehouse. No one is on the outside.

22:28
The importance of witnessing and honoring the elders.

25:59
Ram Dass' Trust and Devotion. Loving awareness.

28:16
Live concert as an opportunity for ceremony. Planting seeds in people's consciousness.

31:10
Building bridges. Making things attainable for anyone.

33:55
Forgiving himself. Being ok with it all.
Ease. Maybe there's really nothing to do. Being conscious is enough.

35:55
It's all sacred. It's all prayer.

38:15
Meditation courses scored by East Forest.

38:47
I am loving Awareness track closes out the podcast.

SHOW NOTES

eastforest.org
Cultivating Spiritual Intelligence Audio Meditation Course
Art of Attention Audio Meditation Course