Spiral Rhythm is a pagan band with 3 decades of history. Its growth mimics its name. In the 30 years of ritual, bonfire drumming, performing and recording, its spiral has expanded and reached out. We’ve created and shared in countless chants and rhythms, and still strive to connect to the divine through music.
Rung 3 “Tribe of Friends” – Music is a link to the divine
Spiral Rhythm didn’t form as a band. It had a pupa stage.
A “Tribe of Friends” organized in the mid 90s shortly after I’d moved to Atlanta. Some of the friends had been in Pagan groups previously, so Ritual was integral. But, being raised Roman Catholic and living that lifestyle through high-school, calling quarters or being guardian meant nothing real to me. Music, however, was always present so drums replaced trumpet, and circle replaced church. We wove chants into the rituals we created, adding subtle heartbeat rhythms to tie it all together. I could feel the energy, and I found my place. Drumming got me in touch with rhythm. Rhythm underlies everything.
For the rest of the 90’s we participated in and helped facilitate countless rituals at gatherings close enough for a weekend trip. Talent shows were often the Friday night entertainment; enter “Tribalaka”, the performing side of the tribe.
Any of the tribe at any particular gathering who wanted to perform, was welcome. One of the first was May Moon Magik. We would practice a few songs, then as many as 16 of us would get up and sing and drum. It was chaotic and glorious at the same time. As the century was ending, though, due to divided interests and geographic differences, Spiral Rhythm spiraled off to NE Atlanta.
Rung 4 “Spiral Rhythm Fest” – Tribal involvement
Our performances were often at local, then regional, gatherings where we would participate in, and help facilitate their rituals. We even hosted five years of Spiral Rhythm Fest. Over the years we’ve performed alongside many talented acts, and I’ve learned a lot. I’m grateful for the friendships we’ve developed.
In all that time, many of our songs were designed for and used in ritual. We’ve developed an extensive selection of original songs, as well as “Spiralized” versions of many traditional pagan songs. We’ve done multiple versions of Ohm, created a toasting song; even created a song for “tying the knot”. Kiki gifts each couple with a verse of their own.
Om Jam (3) by Spiral Rhythm from the album Roll of Thunder, released by Spiral Rhythm January 1, 2003
Jam and Toasts from the album Thinkin’ of You, released by Spiral Rhythm June 20, 2023
Round Round from the album We Are Light, released by Spiral Rhythm January 1, 2007
Kira and Ayramysque Mahsati dancing
Though the roster has changed over the years, performing with from 5 to 9 members, we have kept a core of four of the founders. With each new member we’ve evolved. PJ brought a gospel flair to her pagan songs such as “I Am Pagan”. And, Kira’s dancing has brought us eastern influences. All spiralized, of course.
I Am Pagan from the album We Are Light, released by Spiral Rhythm January 1, 2007
Queen of the Dance released March 5, 2025, lyrics by Ric Neyer; performed, composed and arranged by Ric Neyer & Spiral Rhythm
Rung 5 Musiphysical – studio times
Spiral Rhythm formed intending to record. However, it took time to discover a way to record the number of us and our variety of instruments. Finding that, we started recording with Musiphysical Productions then moved to Root Cellar Studios. Lately, we’ve been recording and mixing in house.
Over almost 3 decades, our discography includes 5 studio and 2 live albums. And, In an attempt to keep up with the times, we are releasing singles as they are ready.
Earlier recordings focused on our chants and rounding songs, as well as songs recognizing aspects of the divine. They are ideal for rituals of various lengths. We’ve also created and are currently working on drum along / meditation albums.
Drum Circle by Spiral Rhythm, released January 1, 2005
Rung 6 Bardapolooza – As the spiral widens, the rhythms weave more intricately
As our spiral widened, performing along side others evolved to performing and recording with some of them. The fateful flood that canceled the 2015 Pagan Spirit Gathering facilitated what what was known as “Bardapolooza.” The Event was canceled, so the entire week of acts got on stage together that last night. We’d all worked hard and decided to share our music together. Each act led a few songs and we all joined in. It was another gloriously chaotic moment that became an annual event due to its popularity.
Some of us have been included on projects by Skyypilot, Mother Moon Lullabies, Tuatha Dea, Heather Jinmaku and Meren King. We were also invited to and felt compelled as a group, to donate original songs for rain-forest protection and women’s rights. And, it still puts a smile on my face when I think of Talking to Ancestors being in the movie Isn’t it Romantic.
Help It Grow written by Kiki Williamson, performed by Spiral Rhythm, from The Green Album released May 26, 2016
Mother Of lyrics and music by Kiki Williamson, performed by Spiral Rhythm, from The Red Album released June 24, 2023
Talking to Ancestors from the album Drum Circle by Spiral Rhythm, released January 1, 2005
Rung 7 The “Spiral Rhythm Project” – Evolution of a rhythm
As we spiral ever wider, The “Spiral Rhythm Project” endeavors to cooperate with other artist, and create and share the spirituality of music. We are actively learning, teaching, recording and reaching out.
Epiphany
Looking back, I realize all those rungs represent my musical growth as well, hence starting at rung 3.
Rung 1 Music – exposure to beauty, harmony and rhythm
There was always music in our home. Albums on Sundays and dad playing Christmas music on the piano were highlights of my childhood. He even put a tape deck in the ski boat. And when those weren’t enough, I had my own yellow pocket radio. 60s and 70s pop, jazz, rock and disco filled my formative years. I would close my eyes, let the music wash over me, and absorb it.
Rung 2 Creating – the hands on approach
Herb Alpert and Chuck Mangione are inspirational, and why I played trumpet through high-school. Playing and performing in marching band, as well as the comradery of bandmates made high school in Cincinnati bearable. Not in band anymore, I spent my 20s experiencing, but not creating music. I could feel it at the clubs and on my stereo, but it was more than 10 years and relocation before I was hands-on again. Drumming allowed me to create music in a way I had never done before. I was hooked.
Rungs 8 and 9 Orchestration and Herding Cats
As my spiral widens, my skills have grown. Feeling the need, I’m writing music; some intended for ritual like Flow Like Water; some contemplative like Life’s Illusion.
Flow Like Water and Life’s Illusion are both from the album Thinkin’ of You, lyrics by Ric Neyer, performed by Spiral Rhythm, released June 20, 2023
And, since herding cats to a recording studio is nearly impossible, I’m learning to record music. Thinkin’ of You is the first attempt at creating depth and texture through the mixing, balancing, and panning.
Rung ???
Who knows how many rungs and how intricate our spiral is. The goal is to keep expanding and interweaving.
“Thanx” to those who have and do teach me.
“Thanx” to Kerri, Kiki, Jon, Kira, Alan, Eris, Kathy, Madison, Mark, Mark, PJ, Richard, and Trey for being part of my spiral.
And, where spirals intertwine: Tribalaka, Skyypilot, Heather, Tuatha Dea, Meren King, and Bardapalooza
Wishing You…
Peace and Love, Happiness and Harmony
Ric Neyer for Spiral Rhythm
For more information about Spiral Rhythm, including their collected articles here on Pagan Song, their bio, and links to Spiral Rhythm’s site on the web, check out the Spiral Rhythm page on Pagan Song
All photos including the featured image were provided by Spiral Rhythm.
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