from: http://www.eians.net/2004/12/18/18mus.html

Musician was named by Indian mystic
From Indo-Asian News Service
New York, Dec 18 (IANS) Musician Devendra Banhart is a master of what is becoming known as 'freak-folk'. His music has been described as "quiet, soothing and childlike." Banhart, barely 23, is not Indian by ethnicity but his Indian connection comes from the fact that he was named by an Indian mystic whom his parents followed. With no fixed address and a musical style that has been called avant-folk or freak-folk, Banhart is attracting a lot of attention. His two albums in 2004, "Rejoicing in the Hands" and "Nino Rojo", have not sold a large number - 50,000 CDs so far - but he seems to be gaining ground. Banhart's persona is a throwback to the 1960s - an ear that he says he feels connected with. Perhaps that partly explains his indirect Indian connection. "If there's anyone we relate to, it's our moms and dads, and older hippies, people into Eastern philosophies and new age," Banhart told the New York Times in an interview. Banhart's name - Devendra, which means "king of gods" - was first suggested by Prem Rawat, described as a "controversial, spiritual leader" who has lately been denounced by many of his former followers. Quite in keeping with his persona Banhart is also a compelling artist when it comes to drawing. Many of his etchings appear on his and his friend's CDs. His drawings are on display at the Roth Horowitz Gallery. A website of the Prem Rawat Foundation says, "Born in India, he started speaking to audiences at the age of three and gave his first published address when he was only four. At the age of eight, he started presenting his message of peace throughout the Indian subcontinent. At 13, he was invited to speak in London and Los Angeles. Since then, he has presented his message to more than 6.5 million people in over 250 cities and 50 countries around the world." Indo-Asian News Service For clarifications/queries, please contact IANS NEWS DESK at 2616-5778/8546, 2617-3369 or mail us at support@eians.com