January/February 2009 NW Newsmakers
Local Band Does Good: Finalist in Music Awards

Martyrs of Sound, a Salem-based musical group, is among a diverse group of international, independent musicians named as one of five finalists for Best New Age Song in the 8th Annual Independent Music Awards.

Finalists will be judged by a distinguished group of influential artists and industry insiders, including Peter Gabriel, Suzanne Vega, Roger Daltrey, George Jones, Buddy Guy, Keith Urban, Clint Black and Ice-T.

Martyrs of Sound has two core members: Dr. Steve Koc, a healer and chiropractor, and Sara Wiseman, an author and channel whose first book will be released by Llewellyn in fall 2009.

The duo has released two albums: Mantra Chill, which layers luminous sound with ethereal mantra, and Uncoiled, incorporating mantra and world instrumentation. Visit www.martyrsofsound.com.

The group will perform in Portland on Jan. 23 at 7 p.m. at Healing Waters & Sacred Spaces. For event details, visit www.livingsacred.com.