Jdavyd Williams began leading Kirtan in 2009. His interest in Kirtan was prompted by a Mahashivaratri Celebration at Satchidananda Ashram, Yogaville, that Jdavyd refers to as “life changing.” In August of 2009, Jdavyd self-released his first album of Kirtan & Chanting, Waves, a seamless blend of ancient chants with sublime and atmospheric electronics, sparked with moments of rich, effected, post-punk inspired guitar. The result is unique and distinctly his own, but has been compared to Dead Can Dance, Delerium, and Peter Murphy.

Live, Jdavyd is joined by an ever-rotating, rag-tag group of musicians dubbed The Basement Bhaktis. Traditional instruments are utilized alongside modern technology to create an experience unlike any other. Jdavyd’s Kirtan has been called “inspiring… absolutely beautiful and uplifting.”

On May 1st, 2010, Jdavyd received Mantra Diksha at Satchidananda Ashram and was given the sanskrit name “Jayadeva,” or “The Victorious God.”