“Ocean of Light: Music to Soothe the Soul” By Ilka de Gast
Review by New Age CD and New Age Notes Radio Staff
Are you familiar with overtone singing? I thought I was and wasn’t particularly a huge fan. “Ocean of Light” by Ilka de Gast is a game-changer, not just for overtone singing, but possibly for the whole fabric of music to soothe the soul.
Ilka de Gast, PsyD, is a California based singer-songwriter, sound healer, Qigong and meditation teacher, researcher, and licensed psychologist, hailing originally from the Netherlands.
Over the past 30 years, Ilka has worked with sacred sound healing modalities from around the world, including the ancient art of overtone singing (vocal harmonics). She teaches meditation, Qigong and sound healing classes online as well as in person in the San Francisco Bay Area, CA, and leads sacred sound retreats internationally. Ilka’s meditation music is featured in Dr. Joe Dispenza’s advanced meditation retreats.
Along the way, after studying overtone singing in London, and participating in a communication research project with dolphins, Ilka discovered that overtone singing could bring a magical sense of calm to both animals and people. Ilka began creating and recording her own musical creations in 2021, combining the other-worldly sound of overtone singing with her singing voice and a variety of other instruments such as Native American flute, to create soothing, relaxing, meditation tracks. On her musical journey, she’s had the pleasure of working with some amazing musicians such as Tommy Graven and producer Hank Kalleen who are featured on this, her 11-track debut album, “Ocean of Light.”
Ilka’s musical inspiration comes from the powerful, expansive Pacific Ocean. She spends many hours on the cliffs of the Bodega Bay Headlands, connecting to Source and allowing melodies and ideas to flow through to her while enjoying the stunning vistas, the company of whales and seals, and pelicans flying overhead.
The album, “Ocean of Light,” opens with the ethereal “Spirit Eyes.” Along with the soulful flute of Tommy Graven, we have the beautiful vocals and vocal harmonies from Ilka. The song is a tribute to Ilka’s departed cat, and a reminder to look beyond this earthly life with our “spirit eyes.”
Overtone singing is an ancient technique whereby one person creates two vocal notes simultaneously, a base note, “fundamental,” and high bell-like sounds at the same time. “Ocean Waves Overtones” is a perfect rendition of this technique. Here, we are taken on a mystical, meditative sound journey where we are invited to effortlessly experience a state of deep relaxation.
Relaxing guitar and flute (Tommy Graven), along with Ilka’s amazing vocal performance in “Sophia’s Song” transport us to an equally blissful place. The song is a tribute to Ilka’s daughter. Just gorgeous, and if you don’t feel the tranquility seeping in gently here, you most likely never will.
Ilka learned to play Native American flute for her performance on “Abalone Skies.” It’s not bad. Her other-worldly vocals atop a soft, droning bed lead us further into a state of serenity. Very nicely done.
Some other highlights: “Desert Dance” is a “worldly chant” song, which brings life force energy right to center. “Harmony Chant” is a favorite with its soft Koshi chimes and the masterful incorporation of the ancient sacred chant, “Hun Yuan Ling Tong,” which translates to “transforming all disharmony into harmony.” Sweeping orchestral harmonies (Hank Kalleen) along with Ilka’s ethereal vocals, make “Soul Shimmer” memorable. This is really beautiful and another favorite, if one could even choose such things on this album.
“Light, Sacred Connection” speaks to the eternal connection between us and our departed loved ones. The vocal performance over soft synth pads is one of the most soothing you’ll ever hear.
This amazingly beautiful album closes out with the very peaceful and gently expansive “Healing.” Light and delicate with harp and beautiful vocals we are reminded here that we are the light, we are souls at our core, “pure and true.” We are encouraged “to let go into love, let go into healing.”
I encourage you to get this album for a deeply transcendent, meditative, and unforgettable experience.
Release date: February 18, 2025
Official artist website:
https://www.globalsacredsounds.com
Listen/get it here: https://linktr.ee/ilkadegast