The New Age pop band, The Song Gardeners, tune in to nature in their newest single “Talking to Trees” written by Corrie M. Dunn. People have had a connection with trees since the beginning of our existence. We are drawn to trees for their magnificence, beauty, healing energy, and all of the gifts that they provide including food, shelter and warmth. It is only natural to want to communicate with trees as Corrie sings in the opening line of the song…

            Whispering wind from the leaves as they sing
            Branches keep time with the thoughts on my mind       

The mellow, ambient vibe of “Talking to Trees” is enhanced by David Scheibner’s acoustic guitars and the expressive message of the lyrics… 

           You’re standing there, waiting for conversation
           Connected to the network of our lives
           Talking to trees
           I feel your roots reverberating under me         

Talking to trees allows us to slow down, be present and grounded, and feel the energy of the universe. The Song Gardeners provide the sweet-sounding music of this divine process. 

“Talking to Trees” features Corrie Dunn on beautiful lead vocals and guitar. The song resonates with Mary Gospe singing soulful harmonies. James Butler provides synths and bass. David Scheibner contributes guitars, synths, percussion. 

“Talking to Trees” is available on all popular streaming platforms. Jump link: https://lnk.dmsmusic.co/thesonggardeners_talkingtotrees 

Music and Lyrics by Corrie M. Dunn 

©2024 Corrie M. Dunn/Corrie Dunn Music (ASCAP)

Label: ℗©2024 Honey Spun Records

Produced, mixed, and mastered by David Scheibner

Recording Personnel

• Corrie Dunn: lead and backing vocals, guitar
• Mary Gospe: backing vocals
• James Butler: synth, bass
• David Scheibner: guitars, percussion, synths

The Song Gardeners are delighted to receive six award nominations from New Age Notes Radio Music Awards. Winners will be announced on March 15, 2024.

Nominations include:

• “The Little Things” – Best New Age Vocal Song & Best New Age Music Video
• “April Sky” – Best New Age Pop/Crossover Song
• “Future Lives” – Best Chill/Groove Song & Best New Age Song
• “More of This” – Best New Age Electronic Song

New Age Music for New Year’s Celebrations

As we celebrate the end of 2023 and usher in the new year, let’s embrace the healing and introspective qualities of New Age music! This genre has come a long way since its counterculture roots and has become a valuable addition to many New Year’s Eve celebrations. Here’s to a new year filled with creativity, growth, and the joy of discovering new musical horizons!

I have experienced myself how New Age music makes it easy to unwind. It is also great when reflecting on the past year while looking forward to the future. In this post I will give you some tips on music perfect for New Year’s Celebrations!

In a rapidly changing world, sharing life wisdom takes confidence and courage. Listening to their previous releases, we already know that The Song Gardeners have plenty of both. The single Future Lives features them sharing memories and moments that can be passed on to the next generation. It is a mature, stylish and heartwarming release that will engage listeners of all ages.

The Song Gardener’s single, “More of This,” written by Mary Gospe climbed from 82 to 59 on the December 2023 Top 100 Singles Chart.

https://www.oneworldmusicradio.com/_files/ugd/ceb0c9_8f68eb682df54188addc7f43ed6ef808.pdf

The Song Gardeners are excited to have our single, “April Sky,” included in the New Age Notes – Top 23 TRACKS OF 2023. Listen to the tracks on this Spotify playlist.

https://www.newagenotes.com/top-23-tracks-of-2023/

What We Can Learn From New Age Music

Relaxation: New Age music is often used for relaxation purposes, such as yoga, massage, and meditation. The music is designed to create a calm and peaceful environment that can help listeners relax and unwind.

Moving on to the New Age-y part: 
Mystical perspective: New Age music is often associated with mystical matters and the New Age movement of beliefs. The music draws freely from religious traditions around the world with very little deference to the clarity of the traditions’ histories. This freedom can also be applied to the music structures, instruments, and timbres.

The next two are my favorites: 
Creativity: New Age music is defined more by the use and effect or feeling it produces rather than the instruments and genre used in its creation. This means that composers have the freedom to utilize traditional instruments or synthesized versions of them with little relation to the musical context of their origin.

Artistic inspiration: New Age music is intended to create artistic inspiration and appreciation of goodness and beauty. It offers a peaceful vision of a better world and rarely dwells on problems with this world or its inhabitants.

And lastly, a very much overlooked but incredibly important aspect of our genre: 
Cultural diversity: New Age music draws from a wide range of cultural traditions and instruments, including classical-music instruments, Eastern instruments such as the sitar, tabla, and tamboura, and electronic musical instruments, 

In conclusion, New Age music can teach you about mystical perspectives, artistic inspiration, relaxation, creativity, and cultural diversity. It is a genre of music that is intended to create a calm and peaceful environment for listeners and is often used for yoga, massage, meditation, and other activities that require a relaxed state of mind.
In other words: we can all both learn and benefit from this incredible genre!!

A review of “Future Lives,” written by Dyan Garris of New Age Notes Radio was published in the October 2023 issue of the Sedona Journal of Emergence.  

“Future Lives,” written by Corrie M. Dunn  and Mary P. Gospe, and produced by David Scheibner debuted at #4 on the New Age Music Chart for August 2023 and remains on the chart at #8 for September. The single was released on August 1, 2023.

New Age Music Chart – September 2023

The Song Gardeners – More of This

Today the New Age pop band, The Song Gardeners, released their latest single, More of This. This funky pop dance song with disco elements invites listeners to dance in gratitude while wishing for more of the good things in life.

By staying present, heart-centered, and in appreciation of what we cherish, we create more of what we want to experience – a world filled with freedom, peace, love, unity, harmony, happiness, joy and bliss. This is exactly the type of unifying music the world so desperately needs right now.

The Song Gardeners, a San Francisco Bay Area band, was formed in August 2019 by singer/songwriters and multi-instrumentalists Corrie Dunn and Mary Gospe. In October 2021, they released their debut album, People Passing Through. They have since then released six singles; Within, Present, The Little Things, April Sky, Future Lives and More of This.

With a unique sound, expression, and wonderful vocal harmonies, The Song Gardeners are leading the next generation of the New Age Pop genre, something that seemed highly unlikely before Dunn and Gospe entered the stage.

For more information and music samples, visit thesonggardeners.com.

See our complete The Song Gardeners coverage: newagemusic.guide/tag/the-song-gardeners.

“Future Lives,” written by Corrie M. Dunn  and Mary P. Gospe, and produced by David Scheibner debuted at #4 on the New Age Music Chart for August 2023. The single was released on August 1, 2023.

New Age Music Chart – August 2023

New Age Music Chart – April 2023

“Future Lives,” written by Corrie M. Dunn  and Mary P. Gospe, and produced by David Scheibner was nominated for Best Single August 2023 by One World Music Radio. The single was released on August 1, 2023.

“Future Lives,” written by Corrie Dunn and Mary Gospe, features Corrie Dunn on lead vocals and piano. The song resonates with Mary Gospe singing soulful harmonies. The musically gifted James Butler provided synths and bass/drum beats. Our talented producer, David Scheibner, added guitars, synths, and magical touches to the mix.

The Song Gardeners contemplate the phases of life in their new single “Future Lives.” The song lyrics describe three main stages. The first is the early stage, which takes place from birth through childhood when we are full of curiosity about the world…a time when drastic mental and physical growth can occur. We then merge into the young and middle adulthood stage where we try to find our authentic self and shed the expectations of our family and society. Before we know it, we reach the mature stage where we have experienced a lifetime of memories and moments that can be passed on to shape the future lives of the next generation.

The song starts with a jazzy groove set by the keyboard and bass where Corrie Dunn sings beautiful lead vocals. The first two verses build on a similar melodic theme about growing through the stages of life.

“Some rules never change, we are born innocent
As the years carry us from stage to stage
There’s no turning back, so let’s pass on what we’ve learned to the future lives.”

In the outro section of the song, the musical theme shifts to a more complex rhythmic melody, which reflects the growth and many experiences we have gained throughout the years.

“Walking the line, speaking your mind, keeping the time…
A new generation taking over; letting it be, keeping it free
From the walls of conventionality.”

The final lyric, “Falling down on your face, is like falling into Grace”, sung in 4-part harmony by Corrie and Mary is meant as a homage to trying over and over until you get it right. The experience is as important as the outcome. We develop wisdom in old age that can help change or better future lives.

Cover photo by Corinne Landphere.

“April Sky,” written by Corrie M. Dunn  and Mary P. Gospe, and recorded by The Song Gardeners ith producer David Scheibner and musician James Butler earned 3rd place for Best Single March 2023 by One World Music Radio. The single was released on March 31, 2023.

“April Sky,” written by Corrie M. Dunn  and Mary P. Gospe, and produced by David Scheibner was nominated for Best Single March 2023 by One World Music Radio. The single was released on March 31, 2023.

“The Little Things,” written by Corrie Dunn and released by The Song Gardeners on January 11, 2023, was nominated for Best Single January 2023 by One World Music Radio.

“April Sky,” written by Corrie M. Dunn  and Mary P. Gospe, and produced by David Scheibner debuted climbed to #12 on the One World Music Radio Top 100 Singles Chart for May 2023. The single was released on March 31, 2023.

“April Sky,” written by Corrie M. Dunn  and Mary P. Gospe, and produced by David Scheibner debuted at #5 on the New Age Music Chart for March 2023. It climbed to #3 on the April chart. The single was released on March 31, 2023.

New Age Music Chart – April 2023

“April Sky,” written by Corrie M. Dunn  and Mary P. Gospe, and produced by David Scheibner debuted at #5 on the New Age Music Chart for March 2023. It was released on March 31, 2023.

New Age Music Chart – March 2023

Our FEATURED ARTISTS: THE SONG GARDENERS

The Song Gardeners is a California-based musical group, which includes singer-songwriters/vocalists Corrie Dunn and Mary Gospe. They’ve been shaking things up nicely for a while now with their groundbreaking “New Age Pop,” which is full of uplifting, positive, empowering messages for today’s world.

Humans have been gazing at stars, planets, meteors and comets in awe and wonder since the beginning of time. We look to the night sky for enjoyment, navigation and astrological guidance. 

“April Sky,” the newest single by The Song Gardeners, is a pop dance song that celebrates our celestial neighbors and the beauty of the Milky Way galaxy. 

In the song, we hear Mary Gospe on lead vocals describing an experience of stargazing and praising the sights…

This cosmic dance is a seducing trance, that fills me with delight
The Milky Way is on display, a show for us each night

then she hears a message back… 

In this April sky, constellations align to send a message, pure and true
“We’re here, they say, and if you look our way, we’ll give you guidance and direction
Love, light and protection, under this April Sky”

Thus a beautiful relationship is strengthened between humanity and the cosmos.

The song draws the listener in with an enticing ethereal atmosphere before dropping into a four-on-the-floor dance pop beat with delicious piano, tantalizing synth and driving bassline. 

“April Sky” shines with Mary Gospe’s joyful lead vocals; Corrie Dunn’s celestial harmonies; James Butler’s tasty synth, bass and percussion; and David Scheibner’s melodious guitar, drums and additional synths.   

“April Sky” was released on March 31, 2023 on all popular streaming platforms. 

Lyrics and Music by Corrie M. Dunn and Mary P. Gospe

©2023 Corrie M. Dunn / Corrie Dunn Music (ASCAP)
©2023 Mary P. Gospe / Zach Gospe Music Publishing (ASCAP)
℗©2023 Honey Spun Records

Produced, mixed and mastered by David Scheibner

Recording Personnel:

• Mary Gospe: lead and backing vocals
• Corrie Dunn: piano and backing vocals
• James Butler: synth, bass, percussion
• David Scheibner: guitars, drums and additional synth 

The April Sky single cover features a photo by astrophotographer Alan Dyer of AmazingSKY.com. The photo is of the Comet NEOWISE (C/2020 F3) on July 27, 2020 from the Columbia Icefields (Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada). FB: @AlanDyerAmazingSky IG: amazingskyguy/  

The Song Gardeners single, “Present,” written by Corrie M. Dunn and Mary P. Gospe, and produced by David Scheibner, won Best New Age Vocal Song in the New Age Notes Radio Music Awards, announced on March 15, 2023. The esteemed independent judging panel included Rev. Dr. Cindy Paulos, Lonnie Park, Rebekah Eden and Louis Anthony deLise.

“The Little Things,” written by Corrie Dunn, is #8 on the New Age Music Chart for February 2023 after debuting at #3 in January 2023.  

New Age Music Chart – February 2023

“The Little Things,” written by Corrie Dunn, climbs to #3 on the One World Music Radio Top 100 Singles Chart for February 2023!

“The Little Things,” written by Corrie Dunn, debuts at #2 on the New Age Music Chart for 2023!

New Age Music Chart – January 2023

The Song Gardeners continue to grace their music with positive messages in their newest release, “The Little Things.”

In this day and age when we are focused on looking at the big picture, it is easy to forget that we are defined by the little things in life that make us happy.

Inspired by the art exhibit of friend and artist Corinne Landphere, Corrie Dunn wrote the lyrics and music while reflecting on the little things that bring joy to her life as she sings lead vocals…

“A song from the past, the moon in the night, holding a hand that feels just right…
            The stars in the sky, the look in your eyes when you’re happy…”

The music is infused with gospel elements brought to life by Mary Gospe’s soulful harmonies; James Butler’s beautiful piano, bass, and drums; and David Scheibner’s melodious guitar and synths. David produced and mixed the song which builds to a powerful a cappella section as Corrie and Mary sing:

          “It’s the little things that put a smile on my face,
           It’s the little things that make this world a better place.”

“The Little Things” was  released on January 11, 2023 on all popular streaming platforms. Listen now.

Lyrics and Music by Corrie M. Dunn
℗ ©2023 Corrie M. Dunn / Corrie Dunn Music (ASCAP)

Produced and mixed by David Scheibner.

Recording Personnel:

• Corrie Dunn: lead and backing vocals
• Mary Gospe: backing vocals
• James Butler: piano, bass, drums
• David Scheibner: guitars, synth

The Song Gardeners are pleased to share that their new single, “Within,” is #4 on the New Age Music Chart #NAMC for August 2022. The song was written by Corrie Dunn, Mary Gospe and David Scheibner and produced by David. 

The newest release from The Song Gardeners is the dreamy, introspective single “Within.” This “mantra-pop” song invites listeners to go inward and explore who they truly are–to live from the inside out, creating their lives from an empowered place of love, gratitude, compassion, courage, resiliency and creativity. The song ends with a powerful call to action: “the love you feel inside is what you bring to the world, feel it now… within.”

The music is ethereal with a hypnotic beat, featuring Mary Gospe’s heartfelt and angelic lead vocals, Corrie Dunn’s gorgeous harmonies, James Butler’s warm bass and David Scheibner’s atmospheric synth.

“Within” was released on August 25, 2022 on all popular streaming platforms. Listen now. 

Label: Honey Spun Records

Words by Mary Gospe and Corrie Dunn

Music by Mary Gospe and David Scheibner

℗ ©2022 Mary Gospe / Zach Gospe Music Publishing (ASCAP)

℗ ©2022 Corrie Dunn / Corrie Dunn Music (ASCAP)

℗ ©2022 David Scheibner / Dtoons Music (BMI) 

Produced and mixed by David Scheibner

Recording Personnel:

• Mary Gospe: lead and backing vocals
• Corrie Dunn: backing vocals
• David Scheibner: synth
• James Butler: bass, keys 

The Song Gardeners are thrilled to have their debut album, People Passing Through, win 3rd place for Best Vocal Album of 2021 by One World Music Radio. The 9th annual awards show was broadcast by Steve and Chrissie Sheppard and other OWMR presenters.

Thank you to our producer, David Scheibner!

Listen to the awards show.

New Age Music Chart – April 2022

“Present”
Released April 12, 2022
Words and Music by Corrie M. Dunn; words by Mary P. Gospe; produced and mixed by David Scheibner.

Stream or download

The Song Gardeners once again gift us with their ability to compose music with a message in their latest release “Present”. Written by Corrie Dunn and Mary Gospe, “Present” starts with a funky bass line setting up a dance groove that continues throughout this joyfully rhythmic song. The lyrics describe the importance of being present and in the moment when relating to one another. Corrie Dunn sings lead with her melodically soothing voice…

Embracing a universal time zone
The past and the future letting go
In a world full of noise and confusion
Focus all of your senses
Breathe in the essence of calmness

At a time when people are connected to their cell phones and distracted by the stresses of life, “Present” reminds us of the importance of tuning in to a conversation by listening and looking as we converse. Mary Gospe adds her lovely voice to the harmony as she joins in the chorus…

Be Here, Be Now
Be One with the moment
 Feel the light shine deep in your soul
Be Free, Be Love
Be Life in all glory
Feel the energy
Be Present with me

Recording Personnel:

• Corrie Dunn: lead vocal, backing vocals, Nord Keyboard 
• Mary Gospe: backing vocals
• James Butler: bass, keyboard
• David Scheibner: guitars

℗ ©2022Honey Spun Records

The Song Gardeners are thrilled and honored to have their debut album, People Passing Through, nominated for Best Vocal Album 2021 by One World Music Radio. Winners will be announced on May 28, 2022.

­January 24, 2022 – Press Release: The Song Gardener’s Debut Album, People Passing Through named Best New Age Music Album 2021.

View PDF version.

Contact:
Mary Gospe
Email: thesonggardeners@gospe.com

On January 16, 2022, New Age Music Guide announced their top 10 music albums of 2021. People Passing Through, the debut album by The Song Gardeners, won Best New Age Music Album of the Year. The Guide reviewed over 250 albums, published 12 monthly charts, and winners were selected based on over 2,000 music requests and statistics.

“Not only did The Song Gardeners revive the forgotten subgenre of New Age Pop – they gave us hope and comfort through a very difficult year.”

— BT Fasmer, music reviewer at New Age Music Guide

This San Francisco Bay Area band was formed in August 2019 by singer/songwriters and multi-instrumentalists Corrie Dunn and Mary Gospe. People Passing Through was produced by David Scheibner and mastered by music industry icon Bernie Grundman.

Fasmer continues: “People Passing Through, from a thematic perspective, is a perfect match for the here-and-now. More so, the album has a timeless quality. When listening, one can’t help focusing on the songs’ meaning and the optimistic, feel-good atmosphere. It’s a wonderful collection of eight rock-solid pop melodies with a charming touch of New Age music. This new sound paves the way for New Age pop in the 2020s, which seemed very unlikely before this band entered the stage. Through their songs they have cultivated a local and a global audience simultaneously. Bravo!”

About People Passing Through

Release date: October 1, 2021
Label: Honey Spun Records: https://www.honeyspunrecords.com/
Streaming link: https://dashgo.co/owd8ydq
Amazon link for physical CD: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09JM2ZH3S/

People Passing Through, the debut album by The Song Gardeners, contains eight original contemporary pop songs with positive, empowering messages of love, unity, freedom, and peace delivered with gorgeous vocal harmonies and a chill, groove vibe.

Additional Praise for People Passing Through

In addition to being named Best New Age Music Album of 2021, People Passing Through has been in the charts and earned other accolades. It debuted at #2 on the New Age Music Chart for September 2021 and #4 on One World Music Radio’s Top 100 Albums for October 2021.Two of the ablums’ singles, “Warrior of Light” and “Reveal” debuted at #1 on the New Age Music Chart for January 2021 and April 2021 respectively. “Warrior of Light” came in at #7 on 2021’s Top 10 New Age Music Headlines by New Age Music Guide. “Sabbe Satta Sukhi Hontu” was selected for Steve Sheppard’s Top 30 Tracks of 2021 and “Love Flows” came in at #4 on the Top 30 list the previous year. “Love is the Magic of Change” won the One World Music Radio “Oneness Award” for 2021.

About The Song Gardeners

The award-winning San Francisco Bay Area band, The Song Gardeners, was formed in August 2019 by singer/songwriters and multi-instrumentalists Corrie Dunn and Mary Gospe. Along with their producer, David Scheibner, they create well-crafted contemporary songs with positive, empowering messages and a chill, groove vibe.  The band released their first two singles, “Sabbe Satta Sukhi Hontu” and “Love Flows” in June 2020, followed by five other singles by June 2021, establishing them at the forefront of the New Age Pop genre.

The band performs regularly in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Follow The Song Gardeners at:

• Website: com
• Facebook @thesonggardeners
• Instagram @thesonggardeners
• Twitter @songgardeners

https://www.oneworldmusicradio.com/charts

Top 10 New Age Music Albums Of 2021

Top 10 New Age Music Headlines of 2021

Music reviewer, Steve Sheppard, of One World Music Radio selected “Sabbe Satta Sukhi Hontu (May All Beings Be Well),” written by Corrie Dunn and recorded by The Song Gardeners as one of his Top 30 Tracks of 2021, available on Spotify.

https://www.oneworldmusicradio.com/charts

 People Passing Through climbs back up from 11 to 8.

https://www.oneworldmusicradio.com/charts

New Age Music Chart – October 2021

https://newagemusic.guide/new-age-music-chart/new-age-music-chart-october-2021/

https://www.oneworldmusicradio.com/the-song-gardeners/4595268748

https://www.mixcloud.com/OWM/the-album-show-ft-the-song-gardeners-and-people-passing-through/

New Age Music Chart – September 2021

Why do we need music? Looking at the September 2021 New Age music chart, the answers come easy: we need it to be inspired, to dream, to heal, to bring us together – and, my favorite, to create memories. On the list is also one other key feature of music; to preserve culture. River Songs’ Music Of The Wounaan is released to bring awareness to the Wounaan Tribe’s indigenous way of life. 

This month Keith Richie is no. 1 with the single Epica. His upcoming album, bearing the same name, will be released on October 15. The Song Gardeners have TWO titles on the list; their brand new album People Passing Through and the single Warrior of Light. If you need a positivity boost, look no further! Also, check out my recent interview with the people behind this band: Mary Gospe and Corrie Dunn.

Wayne Bethanis is down to no. 3 this month (after being no. 1 in June and August), but there is no doubt that Measures of Light has become one of 2021’s most popular New Age music releases. Remember also to check out David J. Peña’s new album Winds of Change.

In other news; the New Age Stars Radio stream will move to a new server in mid-November. The stream is ad-free and is available to audiences worldwide, thanks to SOCAN-licensing. With that ends 14 years at Live365.com (which, sadly, is only available in the US, Canada, and the UK). Now people everywhere can enjoy the channel!

New Age Music Chart (NAMC)

September 2021

Name // Release // Score // Months in Chart

1. Keith Richie – Epica (10) (1)

2. The Song Gardeners – People Passing Through (9.8) (1)

3. Wayne Bethanis – Measures of Light (9.6) (4)

4. Holland Phillips – Eleven After Midnight (9.5) (1)

5. The Song Gardeners – Warrior of Light (9.3) (2)

Interview with The Song Gardeners

Interview with The Song Gardeners
By BT Fasmer – October 1, 2021  

On the release day of their debut album People Passing Through, we bring you an interview with Corrie Dunn and Mary Gospe of The Song Gardeners. Here we learn how the band came to be, how they work with music and their plans for 2022!

BT Fasmer: How did you meet – and what inspired you to form the band?

Mary Gospe: We met 20 years ago when our sons attended kindergarten together and quickly became friends with a shared passion for music and organic gardening. Several years ago, we took songwriting classes together at our local junior college. In 2019, I was in a cover band and we needed a substitute keyboard player. I called Corrie and she played keys and sang at a few of our gigs. We realized how special it was when we harmonized together. Shortly thereafter, I was invited to perform solo for 3 hours at a local venue and asked Corrie to join me. We had so much fun that we decided to form our own band, with a focus on performing our original material.

BT: Looking back to August 2019 when the band was formed, I guess it is safe to say that your timing was great? Due to the pandemic, the need for positive and uplifting music has been growing ever since.

Corrie Dunn: The pandemic brought an overwhelming amount of fear, anxiety, and judgment into the world. The lockdown provided time for us to create positive and uplifting songs with the intention to remind people that we are all unique, we are not alone, and we all have something to add to the world. Our songs honor diversity and respect for each other even when we disagree, with the hope of living together peacefully and making the world a better place.

BT: Tell us about the process behind your music. How do you divide the work?

Mary: We are both songwriters and many of our songs were written solely by one of us. In those cases we provide a rough demo of the song to our producer, David Scheibner, who creates or augments the beat and adds in additional instruments and loops to craft our chill, groove vibe.

David co-wrote “Harmony of Contrast” with me, providing musical chords and elements to support my lyric and melody. Reveal is the first song in which all three of us were co-writers. In that case, David provided the beat (in the style of Enigma) and we toplined. I had been working on the concept of Reveal (a song about women’s empowerment) and had some rough lyrics. Corrie took my notes, wrote a chant and finalized the lyric. We had the chant translated into Farsi and Spanish to expand on the global message.

BT: Many have labeled your music New Age pop. How did you “find” your sound – and how has the audience responded to it?

Corrie: Mary had already established herself as an inspirational singer-songwriter with the release of her debut album, “Time to Soar,” in 2019. Her songs are filled with positive messages of love, freedom, unity and oneness. She invited me to sing backing vocals on the album and while we were in Los Angeles recording with producer David Vito Gregoli, we had the pleasure of hearing Donna De Lory perform at a small venue in Topanga Canyon. That inspired me to write my first chant song, “Sabbe Satta Sukhi Hontu” (which is a Buddhist chant meaning May All Beings Be Well). Mary followed along shortly thereafter with “Love Flows,” her blessing for humanity.

We wanted our music to be in the style of contemporary pop and David created this atmospheric, chill, groove vibe that we fell in love with. We married that with our positive, empowering messages and our sound was born.

We’ve had fans tell us that our music is healing and that it has really helped them through times of grief and dealing with the stress of the pandemic. Hearing that makes us very happy that our music can affect people in a positive way.

BT: Your song “Reveal” is about women’s rights and gender equality. As a father of young women myself, I found the song both inspiring and hopeful. Is this a topic you want to explore more?

Corrie: Yes, women’s rights and gender equality are issues we bring to the forefront in our song “Reveal”. There are parts of the world where women do not have the same freedom and rights as men. We hope the messages in our music encourage people to shift from fear, judgment, and control into a place of love, unity, respect, and peace.

BT: Since The Song Gardeners were formed, there has been a lot of political instability and civil unrest, both in the US and internationally. But even in this climate, you are not afraid to voice your opinions. How have people responded to that?

Mary: The people who are drawn to our music resonate with our messages of love, peace, freedom and personal empowerment. That’s why the New Age audience has been such a good fit for us.

With my song, “Warrior of Light,” I do call out the global news narrative of fear, control and manipulation. I feel it’s important to be aware of what’s going on in the world, while focusing on what you want to create and to do so with joy, courage and peace. The bridge of the song focuses on this message:

Stand up – reclaim your sovereignty,
Stand up – for what you believe,
Stand up – create a new story,
Stand up – peacefully, peacefully.

BT: You have managed to cultivate both a local and a global audience. What is your advice to artists who want to follow your example?

Corrie: We are fortunate in that we have found a niche for ourselves, helping to create this new genre of music we call New Age Pop. Our advice is to be true to yourself, be your authentic self and have fun exploring your own unique musical style and messages if you are writing lyrics.

BT: Now when “People Passing Through” is out; Will you focus on promoting the album, or will you start making new music right away?

Mary: Both really. We will continue promoting the album and performing. We look forward to putting together a tour in 2022. We will be writing and recording new songs. So look for more singles to be released in 2022.

BT: Anything else you want to say to your fans?

Corrie: We are honored to be living our dream – crafting and performing songs we love with empowering, positive messages. Thank you to our fans for supporting us, listening to our songs and sharing our music and music videos with others. We love and appreciate every one of you.

BT: Thank you so much Corrie and Mary for taking the time to answer these questions. On behalf of all your fans; thank you so much for the music – you are amazing!!

For more information and music samples, visit thesonggardeners.com

Photo credit: Corinne Landphere

https://www.losaltosonline.com/community/winners-named-in-arts-los-altos-instagram-contest/article_379b1e34-1b45-11ec-a657-7705aa9a64f3.html

Local residents and musicians Mary Gospe and Corrie Dunn submitted the winning entry in Arts Los Altos’ Instagram Photo Contest with a picture of the duo posing in front of “200 Main St. [an inventory of time & place],” a mural presented by Arts Los Altos at the corner of Main and Third streets in downtown Los Altos.

The nonprofit Arts Los Altos brings public art to private spaces.

Gospe and Dunn, known as The Song Gardeners, will release their debut album, “People Passing Through,” Oct. 1 and found that the mural was the perfect backdrop for their album’s cover art. Los Altos resident and artist, Corinne Landphere, served as the band’s artistic director and photographer.

The runner-up, Elya Okhlopva, showcased two kids and a dog planning a wonder-filled adventure from the mural’s doorway into the wide-open hills of Los Altos. Other notable entries included a playful family photo of Portland, Ore., residents Eliza Coblentz, Mike Kendrick and their daughter Rennie Kendrick, who is starting graduate studies at Stanford University this fall, who snapped the shot during a visit with their Los Altos friends Laura Roberts and Bob Jones.

The mural’s artist, Martha Sakellariou, designed the life-size work to encourage viewer interaction and posting on social media to share unique ideas of “making yourself at home” in Los Altos.

Arts Los Altos encourages residents to share photos on Instagram. Tag @artslosaltos and use the hashtag #artslosaltos.

For more information, visit artslosaltos.org.

2021 July OWMR Singles Chart 2021

“Harmony of Contrast” written by Mary Gospe and David Scheibner, and recorded by The Song Gardeners, debuts at #4 on the June 2021 New Age Music Chart.

“Harmony of Contrast”
Released June 21, 2021
Words and Music by Mary P. Gospe; music by David Scheibner; produced and mixed by David Scheibner.

Stream or download.

The Song Gardeners continue their exploration of New Age pop with their latest release, “Harmony of Contrast.” Written by Mary Gospe and David Scheibner, this celebration of diversity invites listeners to get up and dance to its 70’s funk rhythm infused with 80’s pop.

Mary Gospe’s lyric weaves in art references and metaphors to showcase the beauty and uniqueness of each of us, and that despite our differences, we can live together peacefully…

Like colorful pieces in the mosaic of life
We’re each unique shapes reflecting love and light
In an infinite mural painted on a sea of glass
We can live peacefully in a harmony of contrast

Mary Gospe’s lead vocals dance across the grooving bass line as Corrie Dunn adds her beautiful, soulful harmonies on the bridge and choruses. Words by Mary Gospe; Music by Mary Gospe and David Scheibner, produced and mixed by David Scheibner.

The cover art is from a painting by California artist Corinne Landphere. Titled “Somewhere You Feel Free,” the painting is an homage to Tom Petty’s song “Wildflowers.”

Recording Personnel:

• Mary Gospe: lead and backing vocals
• Corrie Dunn: backing vocals and piano
• David Scheibner: guitars

New Age Music Chart – April 2021

https://newagemusic.guide/new-age-music-chart/new-age-music-chart-april-2021/

Spring is here and with it comes a premium selection of fresh New Age music! On the below list is a total of eight new releases, so there is plenty to choose from. The Song Gardeners have won the hearts of many fans over the last year – and “Reveal” this month’s number 1.

https://www.paloaltoonline.com/arts/2021/04/05/local-roots-and-global-dreams-the-song-gardeners-grow-their-sound

Local roots and global dreams: The Song Gardeners grow their sound

Los Altos band releases new single April 8

by Karla Kane / Palo Alto Weekly

Los Altos band The Song Gardeners (Mary Gospe, left, and Corrie Dunn) perform original music with an empowering message. Courtesy The Song Gardeners.

It’s been a difficult year for artists, but for a pair of Los Altos songwriters, singers and multi-instrumentalists, it’s also been a fruitful time to watch their music blossom. The Song Gardeners (Mary Gospe and Corrie Dunn) have been hard at work writing, recording and releasing original songs with empowering messages, in a genre they call New Age pop.

“It is our intent to bring peace, beauty and harmony into the world through our music,” Dunn said. “Songwriting is our therapeutic creative outlet.”

The band (which also previously included Mountain View musician Chris Day), has released a number of well-received singles and plans to release an album in the coming months, with producer and fellow Los Alton David Scheibner at the helm. With titles including “Love Flows,” “Warrior of Light” and “Love is the Magic of Change,” their songs offer uplifting and affirming lyrics set to chill grooves and danceable beats, with vocal harmonies and more of a contemporary-pop sensibility than one might usually associate with the “New Age” tag. It’s a natural association for Gospe, though, who teaches meditation, among other spiritual pursuits, while also having roots in rock, folk and jazz.

“We’ve really found an audience in the New Age genre,” Gospe said, noting that both The Song Gardeners and her solo songs have found success on New Age radio charts, critical acclaim from international listeners, and even earned several honors.

The jazz-harmony infused “Love Is the Magic of Change,” written by Dunn, recently won the “Oneness” award from One World Music radio station, for the song “that best represents the hope for global harmony, peace and a oneness of heart, regardless of colour, creed, age, religion, gender or sexuality.”

Their sixth single, “Reveal,” is out April 8 on all streaming platforms. With a world-beat flavor, a chant sung by Gospe in Farsi, Spanish and English, and lead vocals by Dunn, the song “is an invitation for women across the globe to break free of outdated patriarchal, religious and cultural norms that keep them silenced and hinder their choices and freedom of expression,” according to a press release by the band.

Gospe and Dunn both grew up in music-loving families. They met 20 years ago, when their sons were in kindergarten and have been friends ever since, with a mutual love of organic gardening (hence the band name). They played together in the Los Altos cover band Cool Fire, then formed The Song Gardeners to nurture their original material.

Dunn has long been involved with music professionally; she holds a degree in music from UCLA and works in the Los Altos School District, teaching choir, orchestra and band to local elementary school students. She also plays violin in the Palo Alto Philharmonic and has taken bluegrass fiddle lessons with local legend Jack Tuttle. While she’s composed songs since her youth, sharing them with the public is a fairly new endeavor.

Gospe earned an MBA and worked in high-tech marketing and consulting for years, with music on the back burner, although she, too, dabbled in songwriting, taking a class at Foothill College multiple times, “until I maxed out,” she said with a laugh. In 2018 she decided to take a short sabbatical to follow her heart’s true delight. A fortuitous introduction to producer David Vito Gregoli led to the recording and release of an album of original music, “Time to Soar,” in 2019 and before she knew it, “My six-month sabbatical turned into a forever sabbatical,” she said, transitioning to an “encore career” as an independent musician.

“I always dreamed of being in a band or doing something with music but I don’t know if I ever thought it would take off,” she said. “I’m kind of living my dream right now.”

Obviously, the year of pandemic restrictions have put a damper on Gospe and Dunn getting together to play, record and perform, but they’ve kept up with their collaborations from a (short) distance.

“We all are really close together physically but we each record our own parts at home and then send tracks to the producer,” Gospe said. “I’d say the biggest challenge in home recording is the leaf blowers!”

When writing, Gospe said she often starts with the lyrics.

“I’ve had a few songs drop in while I was meditating,” she said. For the song “I Choose Love,” the words struck suddenly mid-meditation as a sort of divine download: ”In this moment I get to choose. No one else is standing in my shoes. It’s up to me how I want to be'” she recalled. “That was really cool. Those are like gifts, when that happens.”

The band marked its return to live, in-person performance with a gig as part of downtown Los Altos’ First Fridays event on April 2.

“With technology, we can still create and share our music; we’ve even had some online performances. But nothing beats live music, both for the performers and for the audience,” Dunn noted.

Ultimately, Gospe said she’d love to tour both locally and internationally, especially to Europe, where the band has received some nice airplay and attention. But in the meantime, it’s all about continuing to develop their songs and keep the positive vibrations humming.

“We feel really good about the messages we’re putting out,” Gospe said. “The songs are healing. I think we’ve found a niche for ourselves.”

More information is available at thesonggardeners.com.

Corrie Dunn’s song, “Love Is the Magic of Change,” was the winner of the One World Music Radio Oneness Award, recognizing a single piece of music that best represents the hope for global harmony, peace and a oneness of heart regardless of colour, creed, age, religion, gender or sexuality.

August 7, 2020: The Peace Song Awards announced the finalists for the 2020 competition today. “Love Flows,” written by Mary Gospe and recorded by The Song Gardeners with producer, David Scheibner, is one of five finalists in the New Age category.

Mary’s song, “I Choose Love,” from her solo debut album, Time to Soar, is a finalist in the Country / Folk Music category.

“With its global reach and inspiring mission, the Peace Song Awards (PSA) are thought to be the first to hold an annual worldwide search for the most spiritually-inspiring songs, spoken word poetry, sound-healing and music videos promoting messages of peace.” The winners will be announce on September 21, 2020 to coincide with the United Nations’ International Day of Peace.

For more information, visit https://peacesongawards.org/finalists/

The Song Gardeners, was formed in August 2019 by singer/songwriters and multi-instrumentalists Corrie Dunn and Mary Gospe. Along with their producer, David Scheibner, they create well-crafted contemporary songs with positive, empowering messages and a chill, groove vibe.

On June 20, 2020, the band officially launced with the release of their first two singles: Sabbe Satta Sukhi Hontu (May All Beings Be Well), written by Corrie Dunn and “Love Flows,” written by Mary Gospe.

Both songs are available on all streaming platforms.

“Sabbe Satta Sukhi Hontu (May All Beings Be Well)”

Released June 21, 2020
Words and Music by Corrie M. Dunn; produced and mixed by David Scheibner.

Sabbe Satta Sukhi Hontu, written by Corrie Dunn and produced and mixed by David Scheibner, is a Buddhist chant that translates to “May All Beings Be Well.” This mantra song invites listeners to experience peace and love and to live with compassion and kindnessLyrics and Music by Corrie M. Dunn. ©2020 Corrie Dunn Music Publishing (ASCAP).

Recording Personnel:

• Corrie Dunn: lead & backing vocals, piano.
• Mary Gospe: backing vocals.
• David Scheibner: guitars.

“Love Flows,”

Released June 21, 2020
Words and Music by Mary P. Gospe; produced and mixed by David Scheibner.

“Love Flows” is a very “chill” mantra song that invites listeners to drop into a hypnotic, meditative state and experience deep peace and healing. It is Mary’s blessing for humanity.

Recording Personnel:

• Mary Gospe: lead & backing vocals, flute.
• Corrie Dunn: piano & backing vocals.
• David Scheibner: Guitars.

Cover photo by Chris Day.