Dyan Garris is keyed into the New Age scene | News

Tucson resident Dyan Garris is modest about her success.

She earned accolades for her internet program, New Age Notes Radio, making her one of the genre’s foremost authorities.

Garris has released 14 albums of her own, with another one on the way.

“We feature the best New Age artists in the world,” she said of the show, which began four years ago. 

“I’m pretty picky about who I have on there. We have annual awards, too.”

Among her award winners is internationally renowned pianist Wayne Bethanis, who is based in Downtown Los Angeles. 

“People like Dyan Garris make it possible for new age and contemporary artists to flourish,” said Bethanis, who recently released the album “Sonic Bloom.”

“Not only has Dyan created a platform for new music to be heard, but she is also an established artist; having an artist’s soul allows for the special inspiration to promote and feature other talented artists.”

Garris’ 3,000-track playlist also includes Bethanis’ mentor, pioneering pianist David Lanz; pianist and composer Lisa Swerdlow; classically trained guitarist Michelle Qureshi; and jazz guitarist Shambhu.

Like most roles in the music industry, Garris’ position is challenging, as she spends hours reviewing song submissions.

“I do listen to everything,” she said. “It’s a curated station. I hear a lot of people who are — let me put it this way — recording in their bedroom. They’re not having it professionally produced. You can really tell the difference.

“You have to have good production quality along with talent.”

Garris looks for high-quality relaxing music that transports the listener and soothes the soul.

“The definition is broadening. Now, there is even hip-hop New Age,” said Garris, a Chicago native. 

“I don’t have any of that on here, but what I offer is calming, soothing and meditative. There’s a whole ambient movement that does not have a definite melody. We even have some vocals.”

New Age Notes Radio stands out for its ability to pay royalties to artists. 

“A lot of times, we get asked, as artists to waive our royalty or pay for play,” she said. “It’s just not fair to the artists.

“Plus, streaming platforms are notorious for not paying artists what they should be paying. I wanted to be fair to the artists and to the listeners, of course, by having commercial-free music without subscriptions.”

Garris’ talents go beyond hosting radio shows and performing music. She is considered a visionary mystic, voice recognition psychic and trance channel medium who reads from the Akashic Records. 

Her music and guided meditation CDs earned the National Health and Wellness Stamp of Approval. 

Garris is also the author and artist of “Voice of the Angels: A Healing Journey Spiritual Cards,” along with the accompanying music, journal and guided meditation the angel cards are based on, as well as several books, including the best-selling, award-winning finalists “Money and Manifesting” and “Money and Manifesting II.”

Her music catalog includes 2016’s “Mystic’s Nine,” an award-winning concept collection.

“My music is melodic,” she said. “We have orchestration, usually. I’m getting ready to do a new album. You really can’t go more than three or four years without new music.”

Considering Garris’ background, her move to radio was organic, as she sought to support those who give back to her.

“Dyan really wants talented artists to succeed,” Bethanis said.

“She is a gem in this industry. She is always encouraging; always eager to hear my latest releases. Our place in the music world is so much brighter because of Dyan.”