Lush atmospheres… mystical sounds… a clear awareness of the spirit… there's no mistaking the inimitable sound of Deuter. With his extensive catalog of albums for New Earth Records, he has cemented himself as the consummate composer; a man whose music has turned scores of people on to the pleasing tranquility of music for the soul.

Deuter's career extends back to the 70s, where he was one of the early pioneers of instrumental, new age and healing music. In the early part of the 90s, he joined forces with New Earth Records, who has nurtured his gentle sound and helped him to become a top selling performer.

"My musical background is my inner nature, my silence, my love to create landscapes of sounds, the love to play and explore instruments and let them talk to each other. I just play what comes naturally and gives me joy."

He says that his primary inspirations come from the natural world.

"Inspiration can come from many sources… the sound of the wind in the trees, a brook singing its watery song, birds in nature, silence, love and gratitude for the miracle of life."

When choosing instruments for his albums, which in the past has included Tibetan bowls, synthesizers, guitar, piano, santoor and the koto, Deuter explains that it is based on the unique sounds they create, not whether they are Eastern or Western.

"For me, instruments and the sounds they create are like the colors in a painting… a painting of music. Mixed together, they bring new colors; alone, one strong color is one melody telling a story," he says.

Classic albums like REIKI - HANDS OF LIGHT, NADA HIMALAYA and SUN SPIRIT have long been strong sellers at Music Design. His most recent masterpiece, SPIRITUAL HEALING, was released in March of this year and features an elegant blend of alto flute, Indian strings, shakuhachi flute, dreamy keyboard tones and piano melody. The music was designed to provide a soft, comforting environment for meditation and healing work.

"The focus in the culture we are living in is on the outside, with faster and faster movement toward some unhealthy goals… some slowing down and inward movement is necessary for our survival," he explains.

"This music was designed to create a space, an environment of loving energy where it is possible to relax and let go of the stress and pains of our life. Where it is possible, let's say in a massage, to sink deeper into the healing silence of our being."

He says that the music has a very even flow and, when listened to through headphones, can help you enter a state of deep meditation.

Deuter plans to continue making music that appeals to the quiet, introspective side of life, choosing instruments and sounds that spark his imagination.

--Dan Cowan, MusicDesign