Shiva Das Ambient is not your typical band. Born from the intersection of music, yoga, and lifelong friendship, this trio has carved out a unique space in the world of ambient and devotional music—one that’s as much about transformation as it is about sound.

At the heart of Shiva Das Ambient is David Shiva Das, whose musical journey began in the smoky rock clubs of Detroit in the 1980s. After years spent playing in rock bands, David’s path took a turn toward the intricate world of fingerstyle guitar and bluegrass. Eventually, his curiosity and passion led him to yoga, a practice that would become central to his life both on and off stage. It was through yoga that David met Abhi—now known as Durga Devi—a gifted yoga teacher whose presence would transform not just his practice, but his entire approach to music and community. Together, David and Abhi Durga Devi founded House of Yoga, a studio that quickly became a hub for seekers and musicians alike.

It was in these early days that chanting Sanskrit mantras became an essential part of their shared practice. With David’s guitar and Durga Devi's voice, the two began weaving music into their classes, soon adding a harmonium to deepen the sonic experience. In 2010, the pair decided to take their music beyond the studio, forming a kirtan band and performing at yoga festivals, studios, and gatherings throughout North America. But something was missing: rhythm. Enter Tom Price, a percussionist with an uncanny ability to tap into the heartbeat of a crowd. Tom’s drumming brought the group’s sound to life, and together the trio founded Vishnu Blue, performing at countless yoga events and building a devoted following along the way.

In 2016, while playing alongside the legendary kirtan artist Bhagavan Das in Florida, David suffered a devastating stroke. Though he recovered, he lost much of his ability to play guitar and keep time—a heartbreaking setback for someone whose identity was so closely tied to music. The following years were difficult for the band and for David personally, but he refused to let go of his love for creating. In 2019, David found new inspiration in ambient music, experimenting with lush guitar textures, harmonium, and synthesizer during Durga Devi's yoga classes. Tom soon joined in, and the trio discovered a new creative energy, channeling their collective experience into immersive, meditative soundscapes.

Shiva Das Ambient was born from this period of reinvention and resilience. Today, David, Durga Devi, and Tom travel together as a band, performing at yoga studios, music festivals, and meditation events. Their live sets blend hypnotic ambient guitar, tribal-inspired percussion, harmonium, and synthesizers with vocals, guided meditations, and spontaneous sound journeys. The result is a psychedelic, introspective experience that invites listeners to drop into the present moment and explore the depths of their own consciousness.

Shiva Das Ambient’s offerings are as flexible as they are transformative, ranging from music for yoga classes and meditation sessions to full-scale sound journeys and mantra chanting events. The trio’s bond—fueled by years of friendship and shared growth—comes through in every performance, creating a sense of community and deep presence that lingers long after the final note.

For Shiva Das Ambient, music isn’t just entertainment—it’s a way of life, a spiritual practice, and a chance to connect with others on the most profound level. Whether you encounter them at a packed festival tent or a quiet yoga studio, one thing becomes clear: this is music for transformation, born from love, loss, and the unbreakable spirit of three lifelong friends.