London Grilling: Anne Malone, Oasis of Sound
Anne, we hear you are one of the top sound healers / practitioners in London and you are running the mantra lounge at the Mind Body Spirit Show at Alexandra Palace this weekend. Could you tell us a bit about what you do?
Thank you for inviting me to share my passion for Music and Sound Healing. My life’s journey has been to get to the core of the matter! To demystify all I encounter. As a musician and enthusiastic meditator, my joy lies in demystifying music and meditation and encouraging easier access to all who wish to embark on the magical journey into the heart of Sacred Sound. I offer all who join me (whether for a group soundbath, a Sound Training, 1-2-1 sound healing or retreat) a return to the simplicity of being here and now through the magic of SacredSounds. This includes the use of singing bowls, hang, drum, rainstick, vocal toning and mantra & Song. I am passionate about creating SoundScapes in the recording studio, as well as devotional and love songs which I incorporate into my sound baths and Concerts.
Re. this weekend, yes very exciting! I started offering free Sound Sessions called ‘Mantra Lounge’ at MBS in 2011. Over the years it has grown into an integral part of MBS and now ‘Alchemy of Sound’ hosts many other sound facilitators, kirtan Singers and meditators that share their gift freely. Oasis of Sound has 1-2-1 sound healing sessions, stage concerts and workshops.
What else can visitors expect at 'Mind, Body, Spirit?
‘Mind Body Spirit’ has been pioneering well-being over the past 45 years. You will be introduced to top facilitators, products and experiences. Whether well-being is new to you, or as a seasoned well-beinger- there is something to be taken away from the experience.
Growing up in Ireland, was sound therapy something part of your journey from a young age? How did you get into it?
I have always been aware of the affect sound, music and singing has upon the emotions. As a young girl of 3, I was moved to tears by a piece of music on the radio. Since that pivotal moment, I continue my journey into the heart of sound, seeking that depth of truth in sound.
Growing up in Ireland, I was so lucky to be surrounded by brothers and friends who were immersed and mesmerised by all forms of music. We sang together, harmonised and shared guitar chords and all musical nuggets! In my early 20’s, I found my teacher of meditation and discovered a deeper experience of sound: Mantra and devotional song and music. My heart filled with joy as I shared Mantra with others and witnessed the blossoming of one love as we sang our hearts full!
In my 30’s I was first introduced to sound healing when I studied vocal toning with Chris James. I explored sound bating with voice. Running parallel to my learning of sound healing, I immersed myself into Shamanic Ceremony with Annie Spencer. Over the following years my sound baths became a joyful journey with additional instruments being added (singing bowls, Bodhran drum, Rainstick, chimes) alongside gentle guided meditations (Mantra and Shamanic Ceremony). In 2004, with the inclusion of my new hang drum, I created ‘Oasis of Sound’, my first 90 minute soundbath as part of a yoga retreat. A year later, I was offering ‘OasisSound’ at Alchemy Centre, supporting Shiva Rea and many yoga teachers. I introduced ‘OasisSound’ to The Life Centre, MBS in 2011 and finally Oasis Sound Bathing was officially launched.
I offered 1-2-1 sound healing parallel to evolving Oasis Sound Bath and in 2017 I offered my first ‘Art of Sacred Sound’ training in collaboration with Yoga campus. Over the past two decades, I have created a choreographed and structured Sound bath, with supporting background music and pioneered its growth within the yoga community and beyond. Nowadays I train many wonderful sound facilitators and I share my SoundBaths at festivals, corporate events, schools and hospices.
What can people expect from joining one of your sessions?
On a physical level, when the singing bowl is placed on the body, you can actually feel sound becoming physical. It pulsates throughout your body, releasing tension and resulting in a deep feeling of relaxation.
On an emotional level, a feeling of lightness, having been bathed in loving vibrations. On a ‘spiritual’ level … a return to home! A feeling of being retuned!
Tell us about your work on Soundbath.
I hold a sacred space, which I fill with sacred sound and song. My intention is for all to let go and fall into the heart. Surrender to the ocean of love within. Sail freely on the ebb and flow of breath. Dance within the rhythm of the heartbeat. Simply be here, now. Allow the loving vibrations to take you home to your heart!
We understand you will be performing at Dunbar Festival in the Barbican at the end of the month. What can we expect from this performance?
I am so honored to be part of Darbar festival! I will be sharing Oasis SoundBath on Saturday afternoon from 2pm till 3pm and Sunday from 3.30 to 4.30pm. It will be a held in quiet room, near the main concert hall. I will be sharing my gorgeous instruments (vocal toning, guided meditation, and mantra) with supportive Oasis sound facilitators. It will be a blissful bubble!
What other events have you coming up?
I have monthly Oasis SoundBaths at The Life Centre in Notting Hill. The Shala in Norwood, Bhuti in Richmond and MBS concert at Colet House. I also have Art of Sound Trainings at the Shala, Bhuti and Yoga campus and various Retreats. All details on my website oasisofsound.com.
How would someone interested in teaching sound healing go about it? Are there any training courses or introductory classes you have coming up?
I offer group trainings both in person and online. I also offer bespoke trainings - on line and in person!
I also run sound workshops at the Life Centre and RoundHouse.
You say you are inspired by so many areas in the world; from folk traditions in Europe, to Latin American rhythms- tell us about this.
As a young musician growing up in Dublin, I was exposed to many musical traditions. In my 20’s I began exploring European traditional music by travelling to countries and flowing to their rhythms. I then travelled to the Americas and was honoured to learn from the Nauatl tradition- to live to the rhythm of the land has been my lesson, music is life.
Are there other places you have yet to explore for inspiration? Where’s next on your list?
I am so hoping to travel to outer space and possibly walk in space! When I’m creating Soundscapes in the studio, I feel like an Astronaut! I love the space between the notes, the universal hummmmm!
Your CD, ‘Tender Lullaby’ was nominated for an NME award in 2009, tell us how that record came about?
I created my first Hang music album with a NY record label, ‘Inner Splendor’ and it reached top 10 in 2009! That was a high, a new instrument and a new high!
Where are your favourite places to relax in London – any top tips for wellness spaces or places to have a calm bite to eat?
My oasis is Chiswick Park (the cafe is beautiful) and Strand on the Green. I love anywhere near the river.
My favourite healthy cafe is Farm Girl in Notting Hill.
Surprisingly chill spaces can be found at Festival Hall. The National Theatre has the comfiest seats. It’s chilled and quiet, with inspirational views of the river and tasty, healthy cafe food. Another favourite spot of mine is Victoria and Albert Museum in South Kensington.
Where can people find you online?
My detail can be found on my website, www.oasisofsound.com
