Los Angeles based Kirtaniyas are a global Kirtan collective from London (UK), Hilo (Hawaii), Hamburg (Germany) and Gainesville (Florida). These energetic, multitalented twenty-somethings grew up in a Vedic culture of song, dance, philosophy and devotion between ashrams and temples both in India and the western world. Lead vocalist Vijay first met electronic music producer and mridanga drummer Nitai in 2003 in the sacred village of Vrindavana, India while studying devotional Indian folk music known as “Kirtan”. This rare traditional art form is an ancient call-and-response devotional mantra chanting practice, that originated in the Indian subcontinent over 5000 years ago. Joined together with his musically gifted wife Sarasvati, soulful vocalist, Rasika, and drummer Nitai, Vijay formed “Kirtaniyas” in 2009. The four have since travelled the world to over 15 countries infusing new life to these ancient chants with youthful spirit and energy. Early 2012 saw the release of the long anticipated first album called “Heart & Soul” through Silenzio (Europe) and White Swan Records (USA). Funded largely by the groups growing fan base, the album debuted at #11 on the iTunes World music chart. All the band members are multi-instrumentalists accomplished in traditional Indian style vocals, Harmonium, classical Violin, Tabla and Mrdanga drums, hand cymbals, bells, gub gubi and electronic music production. They have collaborated with artists such as Cheb i Sabbah, The Polish Ambassador, MC Yogi, Jai Uttal, Kula Shaker, DJ Drez, Hiatus, SaQi and others.