Shunia is a duo that combines addictive melodies, ancient chants and polycultural rhythms into a sound that feels both new and timeless. Their music captures and conveys deep energies and spirit. The state of "shunia" means stillness, receptivity. Shunia's members, Lisa Reagan and Suzanne Jackson both performed with the Washington National Opera for 20 years before finding continued success in their solo careers. Coming together as Shunia, they combined their influences, inspirations and experiences to create genre-defying music with the power to transform and to connect you to the energy within and around you. It can put you in touch with something as simple as your five senses or as mysterious as the infinite. It's the sound of the spirit when the Echoes Podcast talks with Shunia, as the two operatic singers talk about going the atmospheric Kirtan route, turning Hindi chants into serene dream pop on an their eponymous album produced by Jamshied Sharifi. Echoes Podcast also discusses being Miss Oklahoma, yoga, and dialing down operatic chops to tune in the spirit. LISTEN

New Age Music Guide'S BT Fasmer writes.....Isn't it fascinating how we all, without any prior knowledge, understand that chants can be powerful – and perhaps even life-changing? It is not something we have to learn; We only need to be reminded of it. One such potent reminder is Shunia's self-titled album. Music duo Lisa Reagan and Suzanne Jackson worked with Tony Award-winning producer Jamshied Sharifi to create this one-of-a-kind collection of mantra melodies and energetic vocals. It is a profoundly hopeful and brilliant album, released at a time when we need it the most. Lisa Reagan has been recording since she was 16. The untimely passing of her sister triggered feelings that led to a creative outpouring that resulted in her first album of original songs. Altogether, Lisa has released seven albums of her own music (most recent: "If Thoughts Could Tell" (2018). Lisa's theatrical and classical training led her to performances at The Kennedy Center, The Arena Stage, and becoming a resident artist of the Washington National Opera. She has shared the stage with great artists, such as Placido Domingo and Renee Fleming. Lisa Reagan and Suzanne Jackson's Shunia is for sure a group to follow in the years to come. Their self-titled album is, in short, a one-of-a-kind release that takes the mantra chants genre to incredible new heights. Highly recommended!  READ THE FULL New Age Music Guide ARTICLE

Shunia is a duo that combines addictive melodies, ancient chants and polycultural rhythms into a sound that feels both new and timeless. Their music captures and conveys deep energies and spirit. The state of "shunia" means stillness, receptivity. Shunia's members, Lisa Reagan and Suzanne Jackson both performed with the Washington National Opera for 20 years before finding continued success in their solo careers. Coming together as Shunia, they combined their influences, inspirations and experiences to create genre-defying music with the power to transform and to connect you to the energy within and around you. It can put you in touch with something as simple as your five senses or as mysterious as the infinite. This episode of Harmonious World features singer Lisa Reagan from Shunia. Lisa joined Hilary to discuss the new album of chants and music, filled with Sanskrit chants, Latin prayer, ancient poetry and exquisite orchestration. LISTEN TO THE SEGMENT

OKFOX25 - Adam King......One good song can change the world, and in a time where people are looking for healing and positivity any way they can get it, Lisa Reagan Love is hoping her group Shunia's new self-titled album can provide some of the good stuff that we all need. And she's got a goal that goes beyond selling albums. One good song can change the world, and in a time where people are looking for healing and positivity any way they can get it, Lisa Reagan Love is hoping her group Shunia's new self-titled album can provide some of the good stuff that we all need. And she's got a goal that goes beyond selling albums. According to a study done by the University of Wisconsin-Health scientific evidence suggests that music can have a profound effect on individuals, from helping improve the recovery of motor and cognitive function in stroke patients, reducing symptoms of depression in patients suffering from dementia, even helping patients undergoing surgery to experience less pain and heal faster. One Oklahoma City artist who wants to use that science to help as many people as possible and bring us all the good stuff. One good song can change the world, and in a time where people are looking for healing and positivity any way they can get it, Lisa Reagan Love is hoping her group Shunia's new self-titled album can provide some of the good stuff that we all need. And she's got a goal that goes beyond selling albums. "There's so much healing that can happen you'll feel it they are very powerful and that's why we did it." Love said. READ THE FULL OKFOX25 ARTICLE

When you are in Shunia, you can most easily access your Soul without all the distractions. You are still and receptive-you in perfect harmony. – Kara Johnstad Global Heart's Esther Haasnoot interviewed Shunia about the spirit of sacred chant and the release of their new album. She writes.....Melodies and chants to uplift, transcend, and energize our Lives. Shunia is the zero point, a place where you can get to when you meditate. Repeating or sing the same phrase or word over and over again continuously has a beneficial effect on body, mind, and spirit. This practice is known as chanting, from the Latin "Cantare," which means "to sing". Chanting is a spiritual discipline believed to improve listening skills, heightened energy, and more sensitivity toward others. When you chant mantras your mind releases the positive energy that decreases the negative thoughts or stress. Chanting is practiced by many traditions, usually as a route to spiritual development.  Shunia – music duo Lisa Reagan and Suzanne Jackson, co-composed with Tony Award-winning producer Jamshied Sharifi an impressive new album called Shunia where they blend the art forms of opera, mantra, chant, and world music, into a captivating new sound. The mantras on their album have been sung for thousands of years. The intention in each word has a vibrational energy to it, that brings feelings of joy, hope, and awareness at a crucial moment in time. A page on the Shunia website further explains the meaning of each mantra. READ THE Q&A

MakingMusic's Chuck Schiele WRITES.....Shunia is a duo that combines addictive melodies, ancient chants and polycultural rhythms into a sound that feels both new and timeless. Their music captures and conveys deep energies and spirit. The state of "shunia" means stillness, receptivity. A stillness of power, not passivity; quiet, unmoving and totally focused. Shunia's members – Lisa Reagan and Suzanne Jackson – realize nothing happens in a vacuum. Every movement, melody, and muscle have ripple effects on everything else. Something unique emerges when two accomplished artists combine their influences, inspirations and experiences to form something new. Shunia's music has the power to transform, to connect you to the energy within and around you. It can put you in touch with something as simple as your five senses or as mysterious as the infinite. READ THE FULL MakingMusic ARTICLE

Blue Wolf Reviews - JANET MAWDESLEY writes.....Sa Re Sa Sa Sa Re Sa SaSa Re Sa Sa Sa RungHar Re Har HarHar Re Har HarHar Re Har Har Har Rung Translation: That Infinite Totality is here, everywhere, and so begins a most rich and energetic collection of divine mantras offered by Shunia, aka  Lisa Reagan and Suzanne Jackson. Their love of chant and the power of the vibration to encourage relaxation drew them together in their more than twenty years with the Washington National Opera. They choose the Sanskrit word Shunia for its meaning: stillness and receptivity as their collective name and as the title of their second album. Hassan Hakmoun's rich voice ushers in the first mantra Sa re Sa Sa underpinned with a melodic base beat before joining with Reagan and Jackson to create melody that lifts the spirit and the soul, before segueing gently into the wonderful poem from Persian poet Rumi, The Breeze At Dawn whose words, written so many years ago are as prophetic and profound today as they were when first written. Using their voices as finely tuned instruments, the protective mantra Akal wraps around to protect, to offer comfort and solace during difficult times. A range of eastern instruments threads throughout the melody giving an almost monotone chant a freshness which has great appeal, especially to those who are seeking to enjoy ‘chant' music for the first time. Lest one become too comfortable, the upbeat melody to accompany Har Hare Han Wahe Guru is snappy, featuring the voice of Hassan Hakmoun adding a rich vibrancy to the once again well known and loved mantra. Used as a cleansing to move on from unpleasant situations, the vibration is powerful as one would expect. In a mix of Persian melodies and chants the all-enveloping Alleluia is based on the poetry of David, who was later to become King David. Shunia has created a glorious transition from canticle to chant with the incredible mix and range of harmonies which form as one voice, before dividing into two, soaring and flowing individually before returning to one voice, creating an immensely beautiful, modern sound for the beloved hymn Psalm 23. No matter how you enjoy this music, track by track or one endless loop of divine chanting , as meditation or simply to usher in change, the immense feeling of calm, of tranquillity and well-being,  a ‘garden of wellbeing' , is forged. These words used by Lisa Reagan and Suzanne Jackson to describe their work, fit the music perfectly. Sa Ta Na Ma is also based on elegant words from Ecclesiastes, symbolic of the circle of life, of beginnings and endings: To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven (chapt 3v1). These very elements have been captured in a delicate, carefully constructed and immensely devotional series of harmonies, enriched with gentle instrumentation perfect for refreshing, healing meditation offering the absolutely perfect conclusion to a divine journey. Alive, vibrant and yet containing the very elements of a deeper, healing power, Shunia awakens the very soul to encourage an understanding of the interconnections of all things in life.' SEE THE Blue Wolf Review PAGE

Shunia Releases "Har Hare Hari Wahe Guru. An Empowering Album of Chants and Music to Start Off the New Year. The new album blends Sanskrit chants, Latin prayer, ancient poetry, and exquisite orchestration into a sound that feels both new and timeless. Shunia – music duo Lisa Reagan and Suzanne Jackson, co-composed with Tony Award-winning producer Jamshied Sharifi an impressive new album called "Shunia" Where they blend the art forms of opera, mantra, chant, and world music, into a captivating new sound. The mantras on their album have been sung for thousands of years.The intention in each word has a vibrational energy to it, that brings feelings of joy, hope, and awareness at a crucial moment in time. A page on the Shunia website further explains the meaning of each mantra. Shunia's latest release is taken from their forthcoming self-titled album. "Har Hare Hari Wahe Guru" is based on a mantra that encourages your creative expression and lights the spark of artistry within. Working with album producer Jamshied Sharifi and many excellent global musicians, Shunia creates a genre-defying track with the power to connect you to the energy within and around you. Collaborating again with renowned Moroccan artist Hassan Hakmoun, Shunia said, "Hassan's performance on this song takes us to where we can feel the spirit and beauty of the life force." "Har Hare Hari Wahe Guru" uses the primal force of creativity to bring one through any block and awaken your own creative potential within. READ THE FULL Global Heart ARTICLE

Shunia is a duo that combines addictive melodies, ancient chants and polycultural rhythms into a sound that feels both new and timeless. Their music captures and conveys deep energies and spirit. The state of "shunia" means stillness, receptivity. Shunia's members, Lisa Reagan and Suzanne Jackson both performed with the Washington National Opera for 20 years before finding continued success in their solo careers. Coming together as Shunia, they combined their influences, inspirations and experiences to create genre-defying music with the power to transform and to connect you to the energy within and around you. It can put you in touch with something as simple as your five senses or as mysterious as the infinite. American Songwriter's NADIA NEOPHYTOU writes......To press play on Shunia's new album of chants is to allow a wave of calm and relaxation to wash over one's whole self. For Lisa Reagan and Suzanne Jackson, who've known each other for 30 years, sharing the gift that's been a major part of their lives with others is the reason they began recording together as the duo Shunia in the first place. "Music in and of itself is such a powerful medium," Reagan tells American Songwriter. "It is the language of our humanity and our souls. We know these mantras are tried and true, and we have personally been chanting them for years." READ THE FULL American songwriter ARTICLE

Yogi Times - Windy Campbell writes....Sa Re Sa Sa is a famous mantra in the Kundalini Yoga community, which embraces ancient mantras and modern affirmations as a critical aspect of everyday yoga and meditation. The Sa Re Sa Sa chant is believed to remove adversity and negativity from within, awakening one's Infinite Creative energy and removing obstacles to higher consciousness.  Sa Re Sa Sa chant is often a starting point in one's yogic journey, which rings true for the duo Shunia, whose members, Suzanne Jackson and Lisa Reagan, share a love of yoga, meditation, and singing; both have followed a path from opera's world stage to immersion in a chant. The duo's mission is to merge music, mantra, and movement with healing and connection. The pronunciation of the Sa Re Sa Sa mantra is relatively straightforward. TAKE A LOOK

When you are in Shunia, you can most easily access your Soul without all the distractions. You are still and receptive-you in perfect harmony. Join Voice Visionary Kara Johnstad and Lisa Reagan, one of the founding members of the musical duo SHUNIA as they explore the art of sacred chant and Shunia's new album release. Blending Sanskrit chants, Latin prayer, ancient poetry, and exquisite orchestration into a sound that feels both contemporary and timeless, Shunia creates a beautiful garden of sound where chants come alive. Co-produced by Shunia (Lisa Reagan and Suzanne Jackson) and Grammy-nominated producer Jamshied Sharifi, the new album features energetic vocals and inspiring chant by both Shunia and Moroccan artist Hassan Hakmoun. Among Shunia's passions is sharing the transformational power of chant with people worldwide by creating sacred music. Aired Monday, January 18, 2021 at 11:00 AM PST / 2:00 PM EST / 6:00 PM GMT / 7:00 PM CET.  LISTEN

Shunia is a duo that combines addictive melodies, ancient chants and polycultural rhythms into a sound that feels both new and timeless. Their music captures and conveys deep energies and spirit. The state of "shunia" means stillness, receptivity. Shunia's members, Lisa Reagan and Suzanne Jackson both performed with the Washington National Opera for 20 years before finding continued success in their solo careers. Coming together as Shunia, they combined their influences, inspirations and experiences to create genre-defying music with the power to transform and to connect you to the energy within and around you. It can put you in touch with something as simple as your five senses or as mysterious as the infinite. Alberta Canada's Radio Network - CKUA interviews Shunia. Listen to the attached file

Kathy Parsons from Mainly Piano writes....Shunia is the second album from Shunia (Lisa Reagan and Suzanne Jackson), a duo that combines compelling melodies, ancient chants and multicultural rhythms to create a unique sound that is both original and timeless. "Shunia" means "stillness" and "receptivity," but not passivity. Reagan and Jackson composed the eight tracks with award-winning and GRAMMY-nominated producer Jamshied Sharifi, a New York-based composer, producer and keyboardist who has scored several feature films as well as contributing music to television and independent films. Hassan Hakmoun, known as "The Godfather of Gnawa Music," also appears on two tracks. There is a long list of guest musicians who perform on ancient as well as more modern classical instruments. Four of the tracks have been released as singles ("Akal," "Sa Re Sa Sa," "Breeze at Dawn" and "Alleluia") and have gorgeous music videos that are available on YouTube as well as on www.ShuniaSound.com. READ THE FULL Mainly Piano REVIEW

PAUL J WOLFLE writes.....Getting centered and maintaining concentration currently requires a bit more energy than before the pandemic struck. But there is a way to battle COVID fatigue on a personal level, while feeling good physically and spiritually. Taking a distinctly proactive approach, the music of Shunia can help channel emotions and open pathways which bring about independent motivation. In other words, a rewarding listening experience. But this is merely the beginning of the story. Balance and understanding The songs and accompanying videos from the band Shunia tend to stir the interest of listeners, leading to subtle but strong, newfound mindfulness. For instance, on the band's website, the 4:12 "Breeze At Dawn," begins with a lone instrument and voice serving up repeated rhythmic phrasings that whir with artful energy and resonance. Watching the video, soothing atmospheric scenery and the duo's beautiful shimmering vocal work are sublime and reflective. Additional category tags might include hypnotic or even mystic. Other highlights from Shunia include "Akal," where the band's ideas about polyculturural rhythms are seamlessly woven throughout the cut. The singing is ethereal, almost sacred in tone and mood. Keeping with more of a direct, hallowed feel, try "Alleluia," for meditation. Elsewhere, "Sa Re Sa Sa," conveys an East meets West blend. READ THE FULL MUSIC INTERVIEW MAGAZINE ARTICLE

Seek the Joy Podcast writes........Shunia is a duo that combines addictive melodies, ancient chants and polycultural rhythms into a sound that feels both new and timeless. Their music captures and conveys deep energies and spirit. The state of "shunia" means stillness, receptivity. A stillness of power, not passivity. Shunia's members, Lisa Reagan and Suzanne Jackson, combine their influences, inspirations and experiences to form genre-defying music with the power to transform and to connect you to the energy within and around you. It can put you in touch with something as simple as your five senses or as mysterious as the infinite.  Experience the music of Shunia, it will transport you. I'm so excited for you to connect with Lisa and Suzanne, check out their beautiful music, and follow along as they continue to capture and convey deep energies and spirit. READ THE Seek the Joy Podcast Q&A

Shunia is a duo that combines addictive melodies, ancient chants and polycultural rhythms into a sound that feels both new and timeless. Their music captures and conveys deep energies and spirit. The state of "shunia" means stillness, receptivity. Shunia's members, Lisa Reagan and Suzanne Jackson both performed with the Washington National Opera for 20 years before finding continued success in their solo careers. Coming together as Shunia, they combined their influences, inspirations and experiences to create genre-defying music with the power to transform and to connect you to the energy within and around you. It can put you in touch with something as simple as your five senses or as mysterious as the infinite. Jonathan Widran of JW Vibe writes; In June 2020, the calming and soul-stirring music of the sonically fascinating vocal duo Shunia entered my consciousness by way of the audio and video presentation of "Akal," which I described as a "graceful, lilting and free-flowing, flute, voice and harp focused track." While I was personally enraptured by the ethereal, atmospheric music that Lisa Reagan and Suzanne Jackson created in collaboration with their multi-faceted Tony Award winning producer Jamshied Sharifi, I seemed to pen more words about the meaning of the song title. READ THE FULL JW Vibe REVIEW

By Lisa Reagan Someone asked me how this album came about. It's actually an interesting question. It goes all the way back to when I first started going to kundalini yoga classes many years ago. They were great, but often had subpar music playing on a cassette that we all chanted along with. As a classically trained musician, I often found myself distracted by some of the music I was hearing. As years went on, I did find a couple of chant artists I liked, but for the most part the music left me feeling unsatisfied. However, there was one artist, Singh Kaur that I loved. It was such a joy to hear her sing the mantras so beautifully. For me, it elevated the whole experience of chanting. I listened to her for years. When I chanted with her, I felt happier. I also recorded my own versions of the mantras and would chant along with my own creations. READ THE FULL LA YOGA ARTICLE

The meaning of the title includes "the ability to listen to the instructions of your Soul"… if ever we needed such ability, it is this year of 2020… Lisa Reagan & Suzanne Jackson created this wonderfully transcendent and transformational beauty for you, and it stands apart from all the other "chant" albums, particularly because it is very "listenable", and has exceedingly high production values (in great part due to world music master Jamshied Sharifi, who produced, recorded and mixed it)… as always, the best way to get acquainted with the artists is to watch them performing "Sa Re Sa Sa"… There is deeply moving contrast in the duo's style, too… their performance of the classic "Alleluia" is completely different than any you've ever heard, or watched… …as I said before, the production values are at a level far above others… I absolutely LOVE this video, and find myself watching it over and over again. Samples won't be officially available until just before the release date (1/15/21), but I can tell you that the rhythms, pulsing beats and high spirits on "Har Hare Hari Wahe Gur" will give you hope for a future full of brightness and challenge… a totally amazing performance that made "instant hit" status for my iPhone player (something reserved for only the VERY best music, folks)! Each song on this fantastic release contains an element of surprise, but the one that impressed me the most, and therefore became my choice for favorite of the eight offered up is "Ang Sang Wahe Guru"… vibrations that will help you realize purpose and meaning in your life… even if you're not a devotee of "chant" music, you will find this powerful performance rewarding and meaningful. I give Shunia a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED rating, with a (perfect) "EQ" (energy quotient) score of 5.00… meaning that it also gets a "PICK" from me for "most empowering album of 2020".   Get more information on the Shunia website.      Rotcod Zzaj SEE THE Contemporary Fusion Reviews PAGE

The beauty of such an album lies in the very fact that it brings so many colors and textures to the audience through the sounds that are otherwise unheard or not usually heard in one's surroundings, and the unfailing magic of music works on everyone–whether you heard the vocals or the instruments before or not, you will be touched by it! With every song that the Shunia duo has included in their self-titled album, they have been able to convey a soothing and assuring message to the listeners while layering it with musical beauty and taste. READ THE FULL New Music Alert REVIEW

The breeze at dawn has secrets to tell. Don't go back to sleep. You must ask for what you really want. Don't go back to sleep. People are going back and forth across the doorsill where the two worlds touch. The door is round and open. Don't go back to sleep. Rumi was a 13th-century Persian poet, theologian, and Sufi mystic. Rumi's influence transcends national borders and ethnic divisions. People of many countries have greatly appreciated his spiritual legacy for the past seven centuries. Rumi has been described as the "most popular poet" and the "best selling poet" in the United States. Rumi believed passionately in the use of music, poetry and dance as a path for reaching God. Rumi encouraged listening to music and twirling, or doing the sacred dance. The dance represents a mystical journey in which the seeker symbolically turnstowards the truth, grows through love, and finds the truth. The seeker then returns from this journey, with greater maturity, to love and to be of service to the whole of creation without regard to beliefs, races, classes and nations. It was from these ideas that the practice of whirling Dervishes developed.  Rumi's poems have been widely translated into many of the world's languages and today Rumi's poems can be heard in churches, synagogues, Zen monasteries, as well as in the downtown New York art/performance/music scene. Recordings of Rumi poems have made it to the USA's Billboard's Top 20 list. A selection of his love poems have been performed by artists such as Madonna, Goldie Hawn, Philip Glass and Demi Moore. Shunia - Breeze At Dawn makes Echoes November 2020 Top 25. SEE THE CHART

The joyful duo Shunia (Lisa Love and Suzanne Jackson) is back to infuse a bit of sanity and peace to our turbulent times with their new single "Sa Re Sa Sa"– a song based on the popular mantra   "Sa Re Sa Sa, Sa Re Sa Sa, Sa Re Sa Sa, Sa Rung   Har Re Har Har, Har Re Har Har, Har Re Har Har, Har Rung"   and if you watched the video, it will simply rub off on you–the chemistry, the colors, the vibrancy that they all have brought together make you forget the dark and uncertain period of the past few months.   I remember their last single "Akal," and whenever I hear it, I get goosebumps. It feels like the duo is on a crusade to drive out the negativity, the gloom, and the directionlessness that the world is engulfed with, and what could be more powerful than to do it with the power of sound–a sound replete with the power of mantras, variety of instrumentation, vocals, and vistas of hope and joy! It is a complete package!   READ THE FULL New Music Alert ARTICLE & WATCH THE VIDEO

Celebrating the transformational power of music, "Sa Re Sa Sa" shines with vocals by chant duo Shunia and beloved Moroccan artist Hassan Hakmoun. Sweep away the blues and experience the joy as Shunia sings and is joined by musicians and dancers in breathtakingly beautiful outdoor locations! The "Sa Re Sa Sa" mantra is considered the "gateway" to all the others… It is a foundational mantra to learn. This energizing video of "Sa Re Sa Sa" celebrates the transformative power of God here on earth, opening flow and bringing peace. Shunia will release their new album on 1.15.21. What is Shunia? Through their music, Lisa Reagan and Suzanne Jackson merge the art forms of chant and opera into an exciting new sound. "When we discovered the hidden dimension and power of singing chant music, we wanted to share this profound experience." ." The ultimate purpose of Shunia is to merge music and mantra in order to bring healing and connection. This practice has the ability to shift energy and create new levels of consciousness. Shunia's music has the power to transform, to connect you to the energy within and around you. It can put you in touch with something as simple as your five senses or as mysterious as the infinite. SEE THE New Age Music Guide PAGE

Jonathan Widran writes......Sometimes – and often when we need it most – the most soothing and beautiful new age music can be not only meditational, but deeply educational. To best understand the spiritual intention behind "Akal," the graceful, lilting and free-flowing, flute, voice and harp focused new track by quickly emerging female duo Shunia, one should know what that term means.  There is a beautiful tradition in the 3HO and Sikh Dharma communities that is done when someone dies. Whether it is a beloved friend or relative, or even someone we never knew, this tradition assists the departing soul on its journey home, as well as giving comfort to those left behind. At the time of death, "Akaal" is chanted three times. The term means "undying" and refers to the soul being released.  This sound current, which Shunia – Lisa Reagan and Suzanne Jackson – chant ethereally throughout the song, helps to guide the soul to pass out of this worldly realm and into the "Akaal Purakh," the Undying Being. As Shakti Parwa Kaur, known as the mother of 3HO, says, "The chanting of Akaal creates a vibratory frequency that assists the departing soul on its journey through the ethers to final liberation." READ THE FULL JW Vibe REVIEW