In the Euro dance underground, Landquist is a leading producer/remixer, having worked with The Cardigans and a-ha, among others. His self-titled debut was his attempt to return to his family’s musical and ancestral roots; even the name under which he records, a kind of ancient tribal drum, is a nod to ancient ways of life. Setting the tone for artistry to follow, the CD was filled with bone flutes and various primitive percussion instruments intertwined with modern-day production techniques and sounds to create dance beats. The Denmark-born artist’s U.S. debut, “Waking Up” hit the Billboard Dance Chart.

Nåid regresses to the late ’70s/early ’80s for melodics, often dreamy techno dance music. Similar to Depeche Mode, Landqvist and his guests add relatively soulful vocals to his synths, resulting in an inviting and undoubtedly retro sound almost entirely out of step with the band’s 2003 contemporaries.

Although the title track was a moderate dancefloor hit, the bulk of the disc is less dance and more trance, with the majority of the second half devoted to ballads. Some, like “This Could Be Our First Day,” have a yearning Howard Jones feel, but Nåid’s sound is more haunting, with ghostly female backing vocals adding an ethereal element.

Think Tears for Fears, Pet Shop Boys, or Human League and you’re in the ballpark. Paul Weller during his Style Council phase is also influenced, and Landqvist’s vocals on “So Free” is eerily reminiscent of the singer/songwriter. Although the techno beats resonate through most o the songs, this is less an album to dance along with than to listen to, preferably with headphones.

It excused a crushy, warm sound the belies its all-electronic composition. Songs don’t stand out individually yet meld into each other, creating a disc that is greater that the sum of its parts. Those enamored by old-school European techno will be drawn to Nåid’s charms. Others may find the approach pleasant yet dated and derivative.

Nåid’s 2008 album mixes classic Indian vocals combined with Nordic electronic beats.

Named after one of the oldest cities in the world situated on the banks of the Ganges river, “Varanasi” features the clear Sanskrit vocals of G Ghayathri Devi, S Saindhavi and R Shruti, the female trio heard on the CD “Holy Chants on Shiva & Shakti.” Additional featured artists include cellist Beata Soderberg, known both for her work as a classical musician as well as a tango artist; top Swedish drummer Rickard “Huxflux” Nettermalm, plus Caroline Valdemarsson, Johan Karlsson, Hanna Ekstrom, Anders Ahered and Indian Pagannini.

Kosmica is the electronica division of Kosmic Music U.S., Inc. Originally rooted in India before its launch in Los Angeles, Kosmic’s catalog includes world music, health & healing, meditation and relaxation and soundtracks. Prior to NAID, Kosmica has released albums by Siddhi States, Secret Stealth and Gardel Martini. Both labels are distributed nationally by Allegro and digitally on iTunes.

Interviews available, contact Costa Communications

NAID’S “VARANASI”

Featured Artists Martin Landquist: Keyboards and beats

Saindhavi; Shruthi; Ghayathri: Vocals Beata Soderberg: Cello Hanna Ekstrom, Anders Ahered & Indian Pagannini: Violin Caroline Valdemarsson: Viola Rickard Nettermalm: Hahats Johan Karlsson: additional keyboards

Track Listing:

· Varanasi · Aigiri Nam · Sarvesham · Mantra · Dakshina · Gothenburg · Diosas · Mangalam · Calling Aslak Ganesha

Check Out his albums at iTunes, and support this talented artist!