David Hykes (1953 - ) founded The Harmonic Choir, considered by many to be the western world's pre-eminent overtone ensemble, in New York in 1975. He created the terms "harmonic singing" and "overtone chanting" to describe the new form of universal music he began to develop with the group. These terms are now generic and Hykes' music and ideas have influenced countless musicians. The Harmonic Chant, developed by Hykes, is based upon the natural harmonic overtones present in sound and fundamental to all music.
The Harmonic Chant, developed by Hykes, is based upon the natural harmonic overtones present in sound and fundamental to all music. Hykes was inspired by traditional world music of Tibet, Mongolia and Tuva, medieval Gregorian chant, North Indian Raga music and singer Sheila Dhar, Just Intonation composers La Monte Young and Terry Riley, and primordial polyphonic singing of Europe.