Sudama Mark Kennedy & Joss Jaffe Release “Wave Navigation,” the ASMR-Driven Second Single from Upcoming Album Whale Dreaming, Today

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Los Angeles, CA – February 9, 2026 – Following the streaming success of their ASMR cat-purr project Purrfection 44, which was editorially playlisted on Spotify, Apple Music, and Pandora, Sudama Mark Kennedy and Joss Jaffe return with “Wave Navigation,” the second single from their forthcoming album Whale Dreaming, out February 16. The song’s video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Z-hCi-FhWY is especially captivating and was directed by Martin Ball.

Built around the playful calls of whales, along with many classic ear tickling ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response) sounds like waves, shakers, bubbles and more, “Wave Navigation” blends authentic marine mammal vocalizations with an intimate global ensemble to create a buoyant soundscape for relaxation, yoga, meditation, and gentle focus. Instruments on the track include ngoni, tablas, bass, sitar, tigerwood shakuhachi (a type of bamboo flute), and nylon string guitar, flowing together with spacious ambient textures and ASMR tinglers that engender feelings of calmness and well-being.

“With the popularity of the ASMR purrs of my cat Nunu on Purrfection 44, it felt natural to sonically dive into the ocean adjacent to my home of Santa Barbara,” says Sudama Mark Kennedy, a musician, poet, and healer whose work centers on sound as a vehicle for joy and peace. “On “Wave Navigation,” and truly on the whole Whale Dreaming album, the whales really guide us; the human instruments and sounds are there to follow, support, and celebrate their exuberant songs.”

Billboard Top 10 New Age artist Joss Jaffe, who brings tabla, ngoni, and ASMR sensations to the track, adds, “We wanted “Wave Navigation” to bring a pleasant form of paresthesia, a sensory response to stimuli, yet still soothing enough for a massage room, a slow-flow yoga class, or a long exhale after a busy day.”

Slated as an early taste of the full Whale Dreaming project, “Wave Navigation” continues the album’s core concept: a deep-listening, oceanic journey where whales are treated as ancient teachers and primary voices. Across the album, real recordings of belugas, humpbacks, blue whales, and orcas, are interwoven with sitar, shakuhachi, didgeridoo, ngoni, guitar, bass, tablas, zither, and subtle sound design, creating a meditative world that supports spa environments, energy work, breathwork, and contemplative listening.

“Superpod” Single & Whale Dreaming Key Details

  • Artist: Sudama Mark Kennedy & Joss Jaffe
  • Single Title: “Wave Navigation” (featuring whale vocalizations and ASMR sounds)
  • Single Release Date: Out now as second single from Whale Dreaming (campaign dates: this Single – February 9; full album – February 16)
  • Album Title: Whale Dreaming – Sudama’s twelfth album
  • Core Sounds: Whales on “Wave Navigation,” elsewhere whales and dolphins (belugas, humpbacks, blue whales, orcas, fins, blended pods)
  • Primary Instruments on “Wave Navigation” ngoni, tablas, bass, sitar, tigerwood shakuhachi (a type of bamboo flute), and nylon string guitar
  • Vibe / Keywords: ASMR, happy, relaxation, peace, world, yoga
  • For Fans of: ASMR, new age, ambient, sound healing, world devotional music, yoga and spa playlists

Whale Dreaming as a whole was recorded as a kind of underwater raga with Sudama’s sitar, shakuhachi, and didgeridoo and Jaffe’s ngoni and tabla carefully arranged around the marine mammal recordings rather than playing over them. The result is a gentle, flowing sound world designed to entrain listeners toward stillness, emotional release, and subtle transformation.

Call to Action
“Wave Navigation” is available on major digital platforms including Apple Music, Spotify, and Bandcamp, arriving today February 9, with the full Whale Dreaming album releasing February 16. Listeners are encouraged to add “Wave Navigation” to their relaxation, study, yoga, sleep, and sound-healing playlists, and editors, curators, and wellness professionals are invited to feature the track in ASMR, nature, world, and meditation collections.

# # #

About Sudama Mark Kennedy
Sudama Mark Kennedy is a musician, poet, and healer whose twelve albums span kirtan, folk jazz, spoken-word, world jazz funk, and meditative soundscapes, all unified by a focus on healing-intentioned music that brings joy and peace to the listener. He holds a BA in Creative Writing from Princeton and an MA in Shamanism and South Asian Religion from UC Santa Barbara, and has spent three decades pioneering energy medicine and sound healing as professional modalities. His viral cat-purr raga Purrfection 44 (The Meow Mix) has garnered hundreds of thousands of streams and editorial playlisting on major platforms.

About Joss Jaffe
Joss Jaffe is a Billboard Top 10 New Age artist, producer, and multi-instrumentalist known for his work in meditation, world, and devotional music. On Whale Dreaming he contributes tabla, ngoni African harp, and spacious ambient production, helping bridge authentic nature recordings with contemporary wellness and world-music aesthetics.

To listen to Whale Dreaming please go to https://soundcloud.com/artizen-records/sets/whale-dreaming/s-jP5TXA6oBUp (press only, no public sharing).

Whale Dreaming Based on Sea Mammal Vocalizations, By Sudama Mark Kennedy, Joss Jaffe and Steve Miles Out Today

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Santa Barbara, California – Whale Dreaming is the new collaborative release from Sudama Mark Kennedy, with Billboard Top-10 New Age artist Joss Jaffe, and Steve Miles, Sudama’s trusted studio partner who has mixed and recorded every song he has ever written, is a deep-listening oceanic journey built entirely around the vocalizations of whales and dolphins. Following the success of their cat-purr ambient project Purrfection 44, which was editorially playlisted on Spotify, Apple Music, and Pandora, they now turn to the songs of belugas, humpbacks, blue whales, orcas, and dolphins as the core voices of a 10-track instrumental album plus a spoken-word finale.

Recorded as a kind of underwater raga, Whale Dreaming layers real marine mammal calls with Sudama’s sitar, shakuhachi flute, and didgeridoo, woven together with Jaffe’s ngoni (African harp), Indian tabla, and spacious, healing ambient soundscapes. The result is an expansive, flowing sound world that naturally supports spa environments, massage, energy work, slow yoga, breathwork, and meditation, yet also rewards focused, audiophile-level listening.

The release day focus track on the album will be “Blue,” which features some of the most compelling and deeply relaxing ASMR sounds of the album. The deep sonorous vocalizations of the Blue Whale are deep in the bass range and are calming, mysteriously stimulating and meditative sounds.

For new age, ambient, and world music media, the project sits at a unique intersection:

  • Authentic ASMR-style nature recording
  • Global acoustic instrumentation with strong Indian, Japanese, and African colors
  • Proven streaming appeal from Purrfection 44’s editorial placements (Spotify, Apple, Pandora) and Jaffe’s Meditation Music chart success

With his background in sound healing and shamanic studies, Sudama approaches the whales as ancient teachers whose songs can gently entrain listeners toward stillness, emotional release, and subtle transformation. Whale Dreaming is ideal for editors, reporters, and curators seeking spiritually grounded, nature-centric music that genuinely stands out in the crowded wellness and ambient space.

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Please go to any of the links at https://push.fm/ps/whaledreaming to listen to the album.

Sudama Mark Kennedy & Joss Jaffe Release “Super Pod” Today, Dolphin-Driven First Single from Sea Mammal-Inspired Album Whale Dreaming

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Los Angeles, CA – February 2, 2026 – Following the streaming success of their ambient cat-purr project Purrfection 44, which was editorially playlisted on Spotify, Apple Music, and Pandora, Sudama Mark Kennedy and Joss Jaffe return with “Super Pod,” the first single from their forthcoming album Whale Dreaming, out February 16.

Built around the playful, high-frequency calls of dolphins, “Super Pod” blends authentic marine mammal vocalizations with an intimate global ensemble to create a buoyant soundscape for relaxation, yoga, meditation, and gentle focus. Instruments on the track include ngoni African harp, shakuhachi flute, and Indian tabla, flowing together with spacious ambient textures and ASMR-adjacent details that highlight the dolphins as the lead “singers.”

“After living inside the purrs of my cat Nunu on Purrfection 44, it felt natural to listen even more deeply to the ocean,” says Sudama Mark Kennedy, a musician, poet, and healer whose work centers on sound as a vehicle for joy and peace. “On ‘Super Pod’ the dolphins really guide us; the human instruments are there to follow, support, and celebrate their exuberant songs.”

Billboard Top 10 New Age artist Joss Jaffe, who brings tabla, ngoni, and expansive ambient production to the track, adds, “We wanted ‘Super Pod’ to feel happy and uplifting yet still soothing enough for a massage room, a slow-flow yoga class, or a long exhale after a busy day.”

Slated as the first taste of the full Whale Dreaming project, “Super Pod” introduces the album’s core concept: a deep-listening, oceanic journey where whales and dolphins are treated as ancient teachers and primary voices. Across the album, real recordings of belugas, humpbacks, blue whales, orcas, and dolphins are interwoven with sitar, shakuhachi, didjeridu, ngoni, guitar, bass, tablas, zither, and subtle sound design, creating a meditative world that supports spa environments, energy work, breathwork, and contemplative listening.

“Superpod” Single & Whale Dreaming Key Details

  • Artist: Sudama Mark Kennedy & Joss Jaffe
  • Single Title: “Super Pod” (featuring dolphin vocalizations)
  • Single Release Date: Out now as lead track from Whale Dreaming (campaign dates: this Single – February 2; full album – February 16)
  • Album Title: Whale Dreaming – Sudama’s twelfth album
  • Core Sounds: Dolphins on “Super Pod”; elsewhere whales and dolphins (belugas, humpbacks, blue whales, orcas, fins, blended pods)
  • Primary Instruments on “Super Pod”: Ngoni African harp, shakuhachi flute, Indian tabla, spacious ambient textures
  • Vibe / Keywords: ASMR, happy, relaxation, peace, world, yoga
  • For Fans Of: New age, ambient, sound healing, world devotional music, yoga and spa playlists

Whale Dreaming as a whole was recorded as a kind of underwater raga with Sudama’s sitar, shakuhachi, and didjeridu and Jaffe’s ngoni and tabla carefully arranged around the marine mammal recordings rather than playing over them. The result is a gentle, flowing sound world designed to entrain listeners toward stillness, emotional release, and subtle transformation.

Call to Action
“Super Pod” is available on major digital platforms including Apple Music, Spotify, and Bandcamp, arriving February 2, with the full Whale Dreaming album releasing February 16. Listeners are encouraged to add “Superpod” to their relaxation, study, yoga, sleep, and sound-healing playlists, and editors, curators, and wellness professionals are invited to feature the track in ASMR, nature, world, and meditation collections.

# # #

About Sudama Mark Kennedy
Sudama Mark Kennedy is a musician, poet, and healer whose twelve albums span kirtan, folk jazz, spoken-word, world jazz funk, and meditative soundscapes, all unified by a focus on healing-intentioned music that brings joy and peace to the listener. He holds a BA in Creative Writing from Princeton and an MA in Shamanism and South Asian Religion from UC Santa Barbara, and has spent three decades pioneering energy medicine and sound healing as professional modalities. His viral cat-purr raga Purrfection 44 (The Meow Mix) has garnered hundreds of thousands of streams and editorial playlisting on major platforms.

About Joss Jaffe
Joss Jaffe is a Billboard Top 10 New Age artist, producer, and multi-instrumentalist known for his work in meditation, world, and devotional music. On Whale Dreaming he contributes tabla, ngoni African harp, and spacious ambient production, helping bridge authentic nature recordings with contemporary wellness and world-music aesthetics.

To listen to Whale Dreaming please go to https://soundcloud.com/artizen-records/sets/whale-dreaming/s-jP5TXA6oBUp (press only, no public sharing).

Sleep To Live Well Foundation Partners with NorCal’s Legacy Mental Health Organization, FAMILY PATHS, and Launches Embracing Sleep Wellness Family Guide

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San Jose, California – December 2, 2025 — The Sleep To Live Well Foundation (STLW) is thrilled to announce its partnership with Northern California’s noted mental health and family support organization, Family Paths, which has been serving the community’s needs for over 50 years. Sleep To Live Well supports Family Paths’ mission to empower and strengthen families by offering Sleep Wellness education resources to their clinicians, program services teams, and the hundreds of parents and children they serve.

“We are pleased to announce that Family Paths is our inaugural community partner, given their exemplary 50-year+ legacy of strengthening families. We expect our Sleep Wellness resources to augment their efforts in fostering resilience, particularly among children,” said Scarlet Nickhol, STLW’s executive director and chief marketing officer. “Furthermore, we consider ourselves privileged to collaborate with Family Paths Executive Director Barbra Silver before her retirement this year, following her 27 years of service at the organization, thereby incorporating this dimension of support during her tenure.”

“Family Paths is honored to be the first community partner to help launch this important resource with the Sleep to Live Well Foundation,” said Executive Director Barbra Silver. “Over the past 50+ years, Family Paths has worked to empower and support parents and children and give them tools to heal from the impact of trauma and stress. Understanding the importance of sleep as a source of resilience and improved health is aligned with our goal of strengthening families.”

The timing of the partnership is fortuitous, as it comes just as Sleep To Live Well is releasing its guide to help parents combat the CDC-declared public health epidemic of insufficient sleep, which is adversely affecting the health of millions of children and adults in the U.S.

Embracing Sleep Wellness: A Family Guide To Transforming Sleep Resistance Into a Nurturing Ritual, authored by Dr. Roger Washington, MD, FAAFP, with Scarlet Nickhol, MPP, MBA, is an essential 64-page guide to establishing Sleep Wellness in the household. Family Paths will utilize the guide and other STLW materials in parenting programs and with the children it serves.

“The mental health clinicians at Family Paths, led by Clinical Director Rene DValery, are the perfect conduit for our Sleep Wellness Screening Protocol and Digest tools,” said STLW Founder and Medical Director Dr. Roger Washington, a family physician of 35 years. “For too long, our healthcare providers have lacked proper training and resources to assess sleep quality as an indicator of health and wellness—physically, mentally, or emotionally. With our screening kit, they have a method to quickly evaluate whether inadequate sleep contributes to the health issues they are observing in individuals and families, along with guidance to prompt Sleep Wellness practices.”

More on the Family Guide for Transforming Bedtime
Created for Sleep To Live Well by Stanford-trained physician and sleep wellness advocate Dr. Washington (aka “Doctor Bedtime”), the family guide, Embracing Sleep Wellness, provides actionable strategies for parents and caregivers to address children’s bedtime resistance, create nurturing rituals, and support lifelong healthy sleep habits. With practical advice for parents, tips for managing bedtime for different age groups, and a focus on emotional resilience, the guide is poised to become a vital resource for any household.

Key Features:

  • Easy-to-follow steps for fostering Sleep Wellness at any age
  • Guidance on recognizing and honoring sleep cues
  • Rituals for creating a calm, secure bedtime environment
  • Solutions for families with multiple children or challenging schedules
  • Section for adults to “unlearn” bad sleep habits and model healthy practices

“Our goal is to break cycles of sleep deprivation and empower the next generation with tools for resilience and well-being, especially among youth experiencing stress and trauma,” says Dr. Washington.

What People Are Saying About the Family Guide
“Simple, practical advice that actually works—made bedtime way less of a struggle at our house.” – Parent of 6 and 13-year-olds.

“We needed advice on how to reframe bedtime so that sleep is not a punishment.” – Parents of three children.

About Family Paths
Based in Oakland, CA, Family Paths has been helping families thrive in Northern California communities since 1972 by providing Mental Health Therapy, Parent Education, Parenting Support Services, and Community Outreach. Through therapy, peer support, trauma-informed care, classes, education, and a 24/7 parenting helpline, Family Paths fosters emotional well-being, resilience, and self-sufficiency for children, parents, and families. They have tracked measurable change and meaningful outcomes among thousands of families they have served, including parents who are more patient with their children, increased parenting confidence, improved child behavior, and better stress management.

Website: www.familypaths.org

About Sleep To Live Well Foundation
Based in San Jose, CA, Sleep To Live Well is a health education nonprofit dedicated to advancing public health by promoting Sleep Wellness as preventive medicine, with a focus on children and families facing adversity. Part of its mission is to develop, produce, and distribute evidence-based educational materials, including this parent guide and the children’s book Doctor Bedtime’s Sleep Magic SuperPowers for Super-Sleepers, that are grounded in trauma-informed care, behavioral science, and decades of clinical expertise. Both the family guide and children’s books are available on Amazon, with all proceeds supporting its charitable book programs.

For Community Outreach, please contact
Scarlet Nickhol, MPP, MBA
Executive Director, Sleep To Live Well Foundation
Email: info@sleeptolivewell.org
Phone: 1.888.395.7794
Website: www.sleeptolivewell.org

Together, we can make Sleep Wellness a gift for every family.

Holiday Film A Heart Full of Hope Premieres at the Fine Arts Theater in Beverly Hills

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Produced by Nicole Mendez (MNITF) and Suzanne DeLaurentiis Productions
BEVERLY HILLS, CA (November 10, 2025) — The spirit of the holiday season came alive last week at the Fine Arts Theater in Beverly Hills as cast, crew, and special guests gathered for the red carpet premiere of A Heart Full of Hope, the latest uplifting film produced by the Nicole Mendez (MNITF) and Suzanne DeLaurentiis Productions.

The premiere drew an enthusiastic crowd, with attendees enjoying a festive evening of holiday cheer, heartfelt storytelling, and cinematic celebration. A Heart Full of Hope delivers a heartfelt message of compassion, perseverance, and the gift of second chances — themes that align beautifully with MNITF’s mission to advance organ donation awareness and support transplant patients and their families.

In attendance were the film’s stars, Chelsea Rose Cook, Juliah Taylor, and Sebastian Armani, as well as director Dale Fabrigar, and producers Nicole Mendez, and Suzanne DeLaurentiis.

Guests at the premiere walked on the red carpet, posed for photos, and shared warm holiday wishes as they enjoyed the debut screening. Following the film, an intimate reception, with sandwiches by Fat Sal’s, cannoli by Bug & Bears, and drinks by Booze & Brews, gave attendees the chance to celebrate the production team’s efforts and the film’s message of perseverance and hope.

“A Heart Full of Hope is more than a holiday movie—it’s a reminder that even in the darkest times, kindness and faith can light the way,” said Nicole Mendez. “We’re proud to collaborate with MNITF to highlight a message that resonates far beyond the screen and will bring awareness to the importance of living kidney donors,” added Suzanne DeLaurentiis.

The film recently had success on the film festival circuit, winning at the Cannes World Film Festival, Los Angeles Film Awards, and the Accolade Global Film Competition. It was also a finalist at the Bright Light International Film Festival and an official selection of the Glendale International Film Festival. A Heart Full of Hope is now available to watch on multiple streaming platforms.

The 2025 MNITF Holiday Gala Shines Bright at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel

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An elegant evening produced by Nicole Mendez & Suzanne DeLaurentiis Productions celebrates philanthropy, entertainment, and the Mendez National Institute of Transplantation Foundation’s life-saving mission
Beverly Hills, CA – November 6, 2025 – The 2025 Mendez National Institute of Transplantation Foundation (MNITF) Holiday Gala, held at the iconic Beverly Wilshire Hotel on November 2nd, and produced by Nicole Mendez, and Suzanne DeLaurentiis Productions, was a dazzling evening of entertainment, inspiration, and generosity.

Hosted by Emmy Award-winning actress Eva LaRue, best known for CSI: Miami and her acclaimed work in daytime television, the gala brought together Hollywood talent, donors, and advocates to support MNITF’s mission of advancing organ transplantation through research and education.

The evening’s program featured a lively tap dance routine produced by Shannon Beach, a mesmerizing hand-balancing act, and a festive finale by The Satin Dollz, who performed a 1940s-inspired holiday medley.

Among the many notable guests were Eric Roberts, Michael Paré, and Stepfanie Kramer, who joined attendees in celebrating the foundation’s continued impact and outreach.

The event was made possible thanks to the generous support of sponsors. Corporate sponsors included: Parking Company of America, Natera, TFS Financial Insurance Services & Total Financial Solutions, Inc., Fiduciary Trust International, Galpin Motors, Dukes Wealth Management, and Midwest Railway Services.
Guests walked the red carpet, enjoyed handcrafted cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, bid on exclusive auction items, and departed with elegant gift bags—all in the spirit of giving.

Gift bag sponsors included: Ellovi, Beez Gone Natural Skincare, Velvet Sunglasses, Foskaris Wellness, Skanties Anti-Shapewear, Mr. Stew, B!atch Tequila, Capaquarius Media, and Booze & Brews #2.
The 2025 MNITF Holiday Gala was truly a night to remember, honoring the compassion and commitment that drives the foundation’s mission forward.

Prediction News Appoints Former Kentucky Senate Majority Floor Leader Damon Thayer as Political Director

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Thayer and Prediction News Political Analyst Chris Gerlacher Available for Interviews in Lead Up to NYC Mayoral Election
Lexington, Kentucky – October 16, 2025 – Prediction News, a leading media outlet for real-time updates and industry insights on prediction markets, proudly announces the appointment of Damon Thayer as its new Political Director.

As a former Majority Floor Leader of the Kentucky State Senate, Thayer brings more than two decades of legislative leadership and strategic expertise to Prediction News. He will leverage his election experience to deliver unparalleled analysis at the intersection of politics and prediction markets—helping decode, anticipate, and capitalize on major political contests and trends influencing shifts in global sentiment.

In addition to Thayer, Prediction News’ reporter and political analyst Chris Gerlacher, who has been covering election betting and trading since the 2022 midterms, is also available for interviews.

Thayer and Gerlacher will be available for media interviews to discuss insights and developments in the prediction markets for:

  • The upcoming New York City mayoral election
  • The 2026 U.S. midterms
  • The 2028 U.S. presidential elections

“Joining Prediction News gives me a unique opportunity to merge my legislative experience with the dynamic world of prediction markets,” said Thayer. “From the campaign trail to the prediction floor, our team will empower traders to understand how politics, policy, and public sentiment collide—and what that means for America’s biggest elections.”

About Damon Thayer

  • Over 20 years as a Kentucky State Senator, including service as Majority Floor Leader
  • Veteran campaign strategist with six successful elections
  • Industry consultant in horse racing (regulatory strategy and economic development) and bourbon (Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame honoree)
  • Expert commentator on the intersection of politics, prediction markets, and legislative behavior

Stay ahead with Prediction News—the essential resource for the next era of prediction markets.

About Prediction News
Prediction News is a leading source for real-time updates, in-depth analysis, and industry insights on the evolving world of prediction markets, spanning politics, finance, sports, culture, and emerging trends. Founded by top sports media and data entrepreneurs, Prediction News specializes in:

  • Breaking news on platform launches, regulatory shifts, and market trends
  • Explaining how cultural and political events are reflected in prediction markets
  • Providing perspectives that help audiences capitalize on emerging stories

Prediction News’ mission is to provide factual, unbiased journalism and expert analysis for traders, policymakers, founders, and anyone interested in the future of market-driven forecasts.

TOURING AND MENTAL HEALTH: THE MUSIC INDUSTRY MANUAL: Edited by Tamsin Embleton AVAILABLE AS AN AUDIOBOOK TODAY

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Plus, Dua Lipa’s Radical Optimism Tour Using Music Industry Therapist Collective’s Services on Current Global Swing
“The life of a musical artist can be a magnificent thing when you’re on stage experiencing the enthusiasm and appreciation for your work and seeing first-hand the incredible impact it can have. Being away from home and the watchful eye of your loved ones can be incredibly hard work mentally as you go around the world at a pace dictated by the tour. Having what is effectively a mental health wellness manual to keep yourself in check is a wonderful initiative.” Nile Rodgers

“I wish this book had been around when I first started touring … It should be the first thing we all pack when we head out on the road.” Philip Selway, Radiohead
The widely praised music industry mental health manual from the Music Industry Therapist Collective (MITC), Touring and Mental Health; The Music Industry Manual edited by psychotherapist Tamsin Embleton, will be released as an audiobook today. Following the paperback publication of the book by the leading UK music book imprint Omnibus in 2023, the new audiobook will be released with an array of special new features including an epigraph by Nick Cave and meditation exercises by Rob Da Bank. The audiobook will also be narrated by the actor and voiceover artist Laura Howard (Midsomer Murders) and directed by Jeremy Hindmarsh (Swervedriver) and Peter Morris (Soho Voices). Music by Edward Butler.

The audiobook makes this essential resource significantly more accessible, especially for those who are neurodiverse, time-poor, or too stressed to sit and read a 600+ page manual. Now touring artists can access the manual anywhere, whether in a bunk, walking around the venue or on long drives.

The first one of its kind, the comprehensive manual, helps musicians, touring artists and those working in live music to identify and cope with the various physical and psychological difficulties that can occur during, or as a result of, touring. Written by health and performance professionals, this timely and essential book provides robust clinical advice, cutting edge research, practical strategies, resources and detailed illustrations. The audiobook features original interview recordings, including powerful insights from artists such as Nile Rodgers, Philip Selway, Charles Thompson IV (Pixies), Katie Melua, Will Young, Pharoahe Monch, Justin Hawkins, Neil Barnes, Kieran Hebden (aka 4 Tet), Laura Marling, Taylor Hanson, Erol Alkan, Natasha Hendry, and Christopher Tait.

Covering a variety of topics including mental health, peak performance and performance anxiety, addiction, group dynamics, relationship problems, dealing with the media, physical health, diversity and inclusion, crisis management and post-tour recovery, the manual is the go-to guide for dealing with the stress and pressure of being on the road.

In other exciting news, Dua Lipa’s tour director Peter Abbott was praising MITC’s work and the work of the brilliant Sascha Heeney who has been on the Dua Lipa Radical Optimism World Tour as MITC’s Welfare Officer. Please see the story in Light & Sound International here, on page 54 under Welfare & Operations.

Tamsin Embleton says: “In 2010, I was touring Europe with Anna Calvi and Grinderman (Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds’ side project). I’d worked as a venue and festival booker and artist manager previously, and thought I knew what touring was all about. Within days, it became clear that I had completely underestimated how arduous it could be. We weren’t partying – there were no hangovers to blame – just the sheer accumulation of pressure, sleep deprivation, constant change, homesickness, long hours and emotional strain. My mood and mindset deteriorated, and by the time I got home, I had post-tour flu and two burning questions: was I the only one who felt this way? And if not, was anyone addressing it?”

That experience led me to retrain as a psychotherapist and make tour health my specialist field of study. Through years of research and frontline work, I discovered I wasn’t alone – many people struggle on the road, especially under intense touring conditions. Research tells us that performers and crew are at high risk of burnout, anxiety, depression, addiction and even suicidality, yet they are also some of the most underserved by health services. Unlike other high-pressure work environments, most touring personnel don’t have access to occupational health support or HR.

This audiobook explains what makes touring so challenging, how stress impacts your body, mind and relationships, and what can be done to mitigate that stress. It brings together clinical advice from experts in performance health and related fields, along with powerful insights from artists and crew, taken from many hours of original interviews. Hearing people speak in their own words brings these psychological concepts to life in a unique and accessible way.

Today, artists and crew are under growing pressure to tour intensively, just to cover rising costs. But the more intense the schedule, the greater the risk of serious health consequences. Touring can be thrilling and deeply rewarding, but it also isolates you from the relationships and routines that help you stay grounded. Many people are managing pre-existing health conditions that worsen on the road or are overwhelmed by cumulative stress without adequate support in place to help them cope.

This audiobook goes some way to plugging that gap. It’s designed for anyone who wants to better understand and prepare for the realities of touring – and to create healthier, more sustainable practices across the industry. As recent statements from artists like Chappell Roan and Lewis Capaldi have shown, the need for reform is urgent. We can no longer romanticize artist suffering. It’s time to take tour health seriously.”

The release of the audiobook has been generously sponsored by The Royal Albert Hall, Clair Global, Amazon Music, Support Act, Tag, TAIT, The Music Industry Therapist Collective, Live Nation, Stagehand, Kilimanjaro Live, Rock-It Cargo, Hilton, Rockpool Tour Catering, Universal Pixels, Music Minds Matters and Hipgnosis Songs.

NOTES TO EDITORS
About Tamsin Embleton:
Tamsin Embleton is an award-winning psychotherapist, editor, and music industry health consultant based in London, UK. She is the founder and Clinical Lead of the Music Industry Therapist Collective (MITC), a global network of psychotherapists and health clinicians who have worked in the music industry and now specialize in supporting those within it. MITC provides individual and group therapy, backstage mental health services, consultation and workshops for major clients including Warner Music Group, AEG, Atlantic Records, Kobalt, and Mute.

In 2023, Tamsin released Touring and Mental Health: The Music Industry Manual, a landmark publication offering robust clinical guidance, cutting-edge research, and practical tools to help performers and crew manage the physical and psychological challenges of touring. The book was named a Rough Trade Book of the Year in 2023 and received acclaim in Rolling Stone, Variety, Pitchfork, NME, BBC 6 Music, SPIN, Music Business Worldwide, and Therapy Today.

With a background in live music, Tamsin began her career as a venue and festival booker, promoter, artist manager and tour manager. Her direct experience on the road inspired her to explore the psychological toll of touring, ultimately leading to the creation of The Music Industry Manual and the founding of MITC.

She has spoken at leading industry and clinical events including UK Music at Parliament, SXSW, The Great Escape, ILMC, Amsterdam Dance Event, BBC Introducing, the Performing Arts Medicine Association, and Abbey Road Studios. Her work has appeared in The Guardian, Therapy Today, Music Business Worldwide, DJ Mag, Refinery29, and Metro.

In 2024, Tamsin received the TPi Magazine ‘Industry Recognition’ Award, celebrating her outstanding contribution to health and wellbeing in the live music industry.

FURTHER PRAISE FOR TOURING & MENTAL HEALTH: THE MUSIC INDUSTRY MANUAL:

Andy Bell (Ride / Oasis): “I’ve never seen anything like this before – and as someone who’s been on the road for 30-plus years it feels long overdue. If you’re a touring musician this could be a great find – reading it feels like getting good advice from a really sound mate – recommended reading!”

Neil Barnes (Leftfield):f “I’m continually dipping into your wonderful book. Honestly, it’s a masterpiece. So useful and helpful, it’s kept me grounded and aware. Thank you so much for writing it!”

Siobhan Donaghy, Sugababes: “It’s like having a therapist in your back pocket. It helped deepen my understanding of myself as a performer and how the demands of the music business can take a toll.”

Madame Gandhi: “This book is a must-read for the modern musician wanting to create longevity and meaning in their career”

Heaven & Earth Oasis Announces Veterans Thrive Fundraiser at Lawry’s in Los Angeles on November 8

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LOS ANGELES, CA – October 6, 2025 – Heaven & Earth Oasis (HEO), a Los Angeles-based nonprofit dedicated to offering holistic healing treatments to veterans, is pleased to announce its signature annual fundraising luncheon, Veterans Thrive, to be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Lawry’s, located at 100 N. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA. Tickets are available at https://heavenandearthoasis.org/ and on Eventbrite here.

This year’s event invites the Los Angeles community to support the holistic recovery of U.S. military veterans experiencing PTSD and service-connected disabilities. All proceeds from the luncheon fund free, professional alternative therapies—including Reiki, massage, acupuncture, PEMF therapy and other healing arts—delivered by HEO’s team of certified practitioners at no cost to veterans.

“Our mission is to provide a safe, peaceful healing space where those who have served can find real support for their physical and emotional well-being,” said Valerie Heath, President and Founder of Heaven & Earth Oasis. “With every dollar raised, we are able to expand our programs and reach more veterans in need of holistic healing.”

Event Highlights

  • Hosted Luncheon: Enjoy a world-class meal at Lawry’s alongside leading advocates and veterans, including noted psychologist and speaker Dr. Marissa Pei, iHeart Radio host of The Life Changes Show Filippo Voltaggio, and best-selling author and healer Kimberly Meredith.
  • Music performance by One World Ascension, with their unique sound of gospel centered spirituality blending Southern roots with world music
  • Veteran Honorees: Hear powerful stories and acknowledgments of resilience and healing
  • Silent Auction & Raffles: Bid on exclusive items, with direct impact to HEO’s program funding

Ticket & Sponsorship Information

  • Individual Tickets: $200
  • Tables of Ten: $1,800
  • Sponsor Packages: $20,000, $15,000, $10,000, $5,000, or $1,800 for ten veterans

To celebrate America’s brave veterans right before Veterans’ Day, please join Heaven & Earth Oasis at Lawry’s on November 8.

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About Heaven & Earth Oasis
Founded in 2010, Heaven & Earth Oasis is a 501(c)(3) organization devoted to supporting the healing journeys of veterans. HEO’s team of certified and licensed practitioners offer a range of innovative, evidence-based holistic treatments, specializing in PTSD care and solutions for all veterans, with an emphasis on serving women and minorities. The nonprofit operates in Los Angeles and beyond, providing care, training, and compassionate support to those who have served.

Groundbreaking “Calm the Storm” Album Offers Science-Backed Music Designed to Aid Healing in an Overstimulated World

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Berkeley, CA – August 7, 2025 – The transformative new album “Calm the Storm,” created by trailblazing psychologist, neuroscientist, and musician Dr. Barbara Minton in collaboration with renowned guitarist Peppino D’Agostino, is now available. The project blends cutting-edge neurobiology with the transcendent power of music to foster restoration, emotional healing, and inner connection—meeting today’s urgent need for accessible wellness tools.

Calm the Storm emerges as both an album and an ongoing initiative at the intersection of scholarship and spirit. Designed to help listeners find renewal and serenity, the music draws on Dr. Minton’s decades of clinical experience and neuroscience expertise. This unique project supports the parasympathetic nervous system, reduces stress, and sparks mindful presence through sound, intention, and artistry.

“This project is deeply rooted in science and soul,” says Dr. Barbara Minton. “Our music is informed by neurobiological research and measured with EEG imaging, but its real magic is the loving energy it carries—a healing companion for those seeking comfort, rest, and reconnection.”

Key Features of Calm the Storm:
Science-Driven Sound: Every composition is crafted and tested using EEG neuroimaging and biofeedback to optimize regulation of the brain’s healing networks.

Restorative Intent: The album offers gentle, evocative soundscapes that create a sacred pause, inviting listeners to return to themselves and foster a sense of wholeness.

Expert Collaboration: Dr. Minton and Peppino D’Agostino blend clinical insight with songwriting mastery, channeling a rare synergy that transcends genres.

Real-World Impact: Already in use in clinical settings and wellness rituals, the music has garnered praise for its ability to support stress reduction, emotional repair, and quiet presence.

Workshops & Retreats: The team extends the project through experiential workshops and retreats that explore music’s role in brain health, personal development, and community well-being.

About the Artists:
Barbara A. Minton, PhD is an internationally recognized psychologist, neuroscientist, and musician. Her body of work is rooted in scientific rigor and heartfelt creativity, with presentations at leading conferences across the globe.

Peppino D’Agostino is an acclaimed Italian-born guitarist known for his evocative performances and cross-cultural collaborations. His artistry brings both precision and soul to Calm the Storm’s sound.

Experience the Healing Power of Music:
“Calm the Storm” is available for streaming and purchase via https://musicandhealing.net. A limited series of workshops and concerts will be announced soon.

About Calm the Storm:
Harnessing the synergy of neuroscience and the healing arts, Calm the Storm is a project and album devoted to renewal, emotional repair, and well-being. Through evidence-based music and immersive educational experiences, it offers a sanctuary for all seeking to reconnect with themselves in times of challenge or change.