aka Level Seven
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aka Level Seven

Deltona, Florida, United States | INDIE

Deltona, Florida, United States | INDIE
Band Pop Singer/Songwriter

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"Spotlight Go386 Daya Devi-Doolin"


In the Spotlight: Daya Devi-Doolin
By RICK de YAMPERT, Entertainment Writer send an email to rick.deyampert@news-jrnl.com
May 20, 2011 12:05 AM
Photo provided

Daya Devi-Doolin

Vital Stats

Age: As Dionne Warwick told Oprah during her interview when Oprah asked her how old she was, she said, "I'll forgive you for asking if you forgive me for not answering." Everyone including Oprah laughed heartily.

Instruments: Rhythm guitar and vocals, harmony

Band: aka Level Seven Duo with my husband, Chris

Day job: Full-time musician

Hometown: Philadelphia

Current residence: Deltona

Type of music you perform: Contemporary acoustic pop with a generally positive message

Repertoire sampler: "In Your Eyes," Peter Gabriel; "Babylon," David Gray; "Every Breath You Take," Police; "Clocks," Coldplay; "Wrapped Around Your Finger," Police. Originals include "Not My Job," "Mayamo," "Smile America."

Upcoming area gigs: 7-10 p.m. every Friday and Saturday, D'Vine Gourmet Wine Bar, 1431 Orange Camp Road, Deland. No cover. Information: 386-873-4800.

A release party for "Smile America," our new music CD and our new separate book of the same title, will be at 7 p.m. Saturday at D'Vine Gourmet Wines. No cover.

CDs: "Level Seven," $14.95; "Smile America," $13.95 -- each available from padaran.com, akalevelseven.com, reverbnation.com/akalevelseven and amazon.com

Website: akalevelseven.com, padaran.com

Taking Notes

Who or what inspired you to take up music?

My dad loved music and played guitar, ukulele and piano, so I was around music a lot when growing up. I was inspired through my dreams because in my dreams were the lyrics, the melody and song, and I was shown the chords and how to place my fingers on the guitar's frets in the dreams.

The Holy Spirit pushed me gently into moving forward even when I didn't know what was involved. I listened each step of the way for guidance to where I am today -- still listening and acting on each word.

What was the most unusual or memorable gig you've ever played?

We were asked to perform at the Second Annual Boston Celebrity Awards Show and the other groups to perform were New Kids on the Block, New Edition, Maurice Starr (now a Grammy Award-winning recording engineer and producer), Prinz Charles and Gloria Gaynor. We have a program from that night and we won an award for Best Original Song.

Thirty years later we actually met Maurice Starr who lives 20 minutes away from where we live now. We never met him that night but fate had us meet now! He is the recording engineer and producer of our second CD, "Smile America." He is also instrumental in suggesting we write a book about our lives, also titled "Smile America" -- both to be released Saturday.

There are at least 9,000 days of memorable and unusual gigs but the other one I'll share is when Chris and I played at the Hatch Shell in Boston for hundreds of people. We belonged to a songwriters group called the New England Songwriters Association. By our effort and fortitude and bypassing a lot of red tape, we were given permission to perform our original music at one of the largest musical events ever held on the Hatch Shell. We have a photo of us taken on stage from that day's event.

What musician/celebrity/historical person would you most like to have dinner with?

Meg Ryan, Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, President Barack Obama

What was the last book you read?

"I AM: The Power of Discovering Who You Really Are" by Howard Falco

What CD/tape/music is in your car/home stereo/iPod right now?

None except our songs on our CDs "Level Seven" or "Smile America." On YouTube, I listen to David Gray, Peter Gabriel, Josh Groban, Andrea Bocelli, Bonnie Raitt and the Moody Blues.

What is your favorite movie?

"The Tourist" with Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie, and "Inception"

What was the best concert you ever attended?

The Moody Blues in Daytona Beach about 10 years ago. We heard or read in the papers they were going to be so close to us (Deltona), so we could not give any excuses for not going and it was near my husband's birth date.

We got the autograph of John Lodge on my husband's ticket as they were about to board their bus parked outside a Wendy's in Daytona that we were going to. We perform and sing Moody Blues songs at some of our gigs.

"If I didn't play music, I would ... ":

There would never be a decision where I would choose not to do music or a reason, because I would not entertain that belief. I have been chosen to perform, write and sing and I accepted the purpose given and have been happy ever since accepting it.

"I'd sell my soul for ...":

I couldn't do that nor would I. - Daytona Beach News Journal Reporter Rick De Yampert


"Spotlight Go386 Chris Doolin"

n the Spotlight: Chris Doolin
By RICK de YAMPERT, Entertainment Writer send an email to rick.deyampert@news-jrnl.com
August 5, 2011 12:05 AM
Tagged:

* In the Spotlight

Doolin (Photo provided)

Chris Doolin

Vital Stats

Age: Is a state of mind. I started playing music in elementary school, and I've been playing for a long time.

Instruments: Acoustic and electric guitar, keyboards, vocals, MIDI programming

Band: aka Level Seven Duo with my wife, Daya Devi-Doolin

Day job: Computer and networking specialist

Hometown: Newton, Mass.

Current residence: Deltona

Type of music you perform: Contemporary acoustic pop with a generally positive message

Repertoire sampler: We like "Babylon," David Gray; "Every Breath You Take," Police; "Clocks," Coldplay; "Into the Mystic," Van Morrison; and a wide variety of rock, standards, island, etc.

We also perform more than two CDs worth of original music including the semifinalist for Song of the Year, "Let Me Explain (Not Too Late)," and the much-requested "Not My Job" and "Momma."

Upcoming area gigs: We recently finished 4 1/2 months at D'vine Gourmet Wine in DeLand and are taking some downtime for the summer to focus on online marketing of our new CD, "Smile America." Our schedule is posted at our website, akalevelseven.com.

CDs: "Level Seven," $14.95; "Smile America," $13.95 -- each available from akalevelseven.com, reverbnation.com/akalevelseven and cdbaby.com

Website: akalevelseven.com, padaran.com

Taking Notes

Who or what inspired you to take up music?

I began with piano lessons when I was around 11 years old, but really caught fire with music when an electric guitar was introduced into my family when I was teenager. I fell in love with music in a big way at that point.

What was the most unusual or memorable gig you've ever played?

Things that come to mind with this question is a gig that we played in our early days at the Carriage House in Ipswich, Mass. We had a great gig inside the warm Colonial-era inn only to find a blizzard going on when the music ended. We packed our equipment in our Volkswagen station wagon (with no heat) and drove the 45 miles home in a blizzard.

Along the way, we saw an eerie bluish white light up ahead only to find an electric wire had fallen across the road. Fortunately, we were able to get around it and get home safely.

More recently, I really enjoy when people are dancing, being uplifted and having a good time while we are playing music. This has created an ongoing series of really good memories.

What musician/celebrity/historical person would you most like to have dinner with?

So many choices here, but one thing that I would look for would be someone who has really mastered what they do, but also is looking at the bigger picture and helping others along in their journey. So, in music, let's go with Jon Anderson. In history, let's go with John from the Book of Revelations. And in celebrity, let's say Oprah Winfrey.

What was the last book you read?

"Smile America," when working and proofreading it with Daya (our new book has the same title as our CD).

What CD/tape/music is in your car/home stereo/iPod right now?

"Magnification" by Yes, "The Very Best of Marc Cohn," Shadowfax albums, SkyEarth Orchestra original songs, the Moody Blues, Govi, Peter Gabriel, Afro Celt Sound System, Gordon Lightfoot and of course aka Level Seven.

What is your favorite movie?

"Dune" or "The Matrix" series

What was the best concert you ever attended?

I stole this answer from Daya, my wife, because my thoughts are the same: the Moody Blues in Daytona Beach about 10 years ago. We heard or read in the papers they were going to be so close to us (in Deltona), so we could not give any excuses for not going, and it was near my birth date.

We got the autograph of John Lodge on my ticket as they were about to board their bus parked outside a Wendy's in Daytona that we were going to.

We perform and sing Moody Blues songs at some of our gigs.

"If I didn't play music, I would ... ":

This is tough to conceive of because something that's not too good happens to me when I'm not able to play music for long periods of time. So, I wouldn't choose this, but if you locked me up, I would meditate, pray, read, garden and exercise.

"I'd sell my soul for ...":

Well, if you mean what do I really like ... then I say Haagen-Dazs ice cream, vacationing with my family in a nice place, being quiet in the shade on a warm day near the ocean ... but I would choose to say that I enjoy these things immensely and they please my soul. - Daytona Beach News Journal Reporter Rick De Yampert


Discography

Sides of Love (EP)
You Are the Light Video and music
Tomorrow is Now Cassette
Level Seven CD
Smile America CD
We have tracks on www.Onstage.com; www.Imradio.com; www.Jango.com

Photos

Bio

The music of Chris and Daya Devi- Doolin aka Level Seven transforms and reaches out with energy and harmony. Building on a rhythmical mellow base of syncopative acoustic guitars and brilliant vocals, the Doolin’s, aka Level Seven, soar to glorious heights with their ethereal inspiring sound. Award winning singer-songwriters Chris and Daya Devi-Doolin custom blend their sound into the musical American soft rock worlds of adult contemporary, inspirational pop, and acoustic music... but don't categorize them, their music transcends traditional labeling. It is rich in percussive expressiveness and layered harmony. It has roots in the past but branches out into a creative mixture that is unique and dynamic. Audiences identify with this warm and vibrant duo, whose songs reflect the aspirations and triumphs of everyday life. Chris and Daya draw from a diverse background of personal experience and musical style to choose the blend of material that they perform. The Doolins met as street musicians in Philadelphia, where they performed as part of an acoustic funk act. They incorporate folk music, country music, Americana and other styes to have developed a unique contemporary acoustic/pop sound.
Discography and Awards: Recordings Smile America Book & CD Produced and Recorded by Grammy Award-Winning Recording Engineer and Producer, Maurice Starr and Padaran Publications.
Smile America Book, written by Chris & Daya Devi-Doolin (2010), Padaran Publications, www.padaran.com.
Tomorrow Is Now CD, Level Seven CD, Padaran Productions.
Sides of Love, Abraham’s Seed (1981) Good Company Productions.
Video and Film Scores The Macy Chronicles- Presentation to State of Florida (1990) Bill Mee Productions.
You Are The Light- Music Video (1989) Padaran Productions.
Awards and Nominations Songwriter of the Year 2010 - Honorable Mention for "Not My Job" Finalists- Best Duo and Best Song- Songwriter’s Showcase of America- 2004.
2012 - Grammy considered nominees for 54th Annual Grammy Awards.
1st Place Award- Best Original Song- Celebrity Awards Showcase- 1982 Finalists- Best Duo (Massachusetts Country Music Association) – 1981-83
FL To order any Chris and Daya Devi-Doolin, CDs, go to website: http:www.akalevelseven.com http:www.reverbnation.com/akalevelseven http:www.CDBaby.com/akalevelseven http://www.padaran.com
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/cddevidoolin
For Booking, Contact: Chris and Daya Devi-Doolin aka Level Seven Email: padaran@padaran.com

Profile Address:
http://www.imradio.com/akalevelseven

Here are some brief reviews about aka Level Seven's music: "...they, aka Level Seven, possess captivating harmonies. A kind of blissful gentleness permeates their material, yet it is never cloying". Steve Morse, Boston Globe "...theirs is a winning performance. Her voice is a warm gravely alto, his a soft tenor." Thomas Duffy, Orlando Sentinel
You Have an Interesting Sound! I would love to feature the music on Songbird Radio. Best, Programming Director, Acoustic Songbird Radio
Your soothing, healing music will continue to bless... I have been waiting for the opportunity to order your CD! Thank you Chris and Daya for making your music.. James Allen Gravitt, CA.
I'd like to order 5 more copies! I have been listening to your CD for hours...I love every single song! I also need to order 5 more of them for Christmas! -Bonnie; Marlborough, MA Good Work Chris & Daya! …two creative and innovative souls have joined forces to demonstrate their musical talents….! Rev. Thomas Gordy, Sanford, FL
How wonderful to be so talented! …B. & I are hoping to catch your next live performance! M & B. Bivens of Florida Heartfelt, poignant, and inspiring songs. Honest, down to earth, and inspiring…Joy Katzen-Guthrie, Songwriter
Soothing, beautiful melodies, soulful, inspiring lyrics…Very upbeat, and soothing to the soul…. Diane F. FL
"YOU are GREAT!" Bryan Haynes - Florida Entertainment Network

"This is a loving kind of music by aka Level Seven."