David "Duke Mushroom" Schommer is a musician and producer, and one half of the duo EarthRise Sound System, whose new album "The Yoga Sessions" hit shelves in January.  

Everything in my life is based on rhythm. There's a rhythm to everything. To our heartbeats and the way we walk and the ebb and flow of traffic up 5th avenue. When I first came to New York, I was in a show called Stomp, and that was all about rhythm. Yoga came into my life while I was in Stomp. I was dating this amazing modern dancer who was like, "You know what would be really good for you? If you did a sun salutations every morning." I still do those to this day. That’s the oil for my body and soul! 

About a year and a half ago, I was kind of in a funk musically. An artist I had worked with passed away, and I decided the only way to get out of the funk was to do something that scared me. So I went to Jivamukti. And I just really connected with the place. On my third class there, I had this crazy experience. My ears caught what the teacher was playing and something clicked in my head, and I was, like, oh my gosh, I can do what I want to do musically — this blending of cultures and worlds musically — I can bring that to the yoga world in the truest way. They’re open to it. When you’re creating something for yoga, it has to be serious in its intention. It’s not just, “This is a great money maker.” But if you’re coming from a correct place in your intention, it shows and you can hear it, and people will pick up on that vibe. 

"Everything in moderation, including moderation" is my favorite theme. Nights that I have to stay up and work till 5 a.m., I can’t say I gotta get to sleep tonight at ten. There are nights when I should be at home in bed, but I just want to dance. So I give myself some leeway, but I do try to crack a sweat every day. I think that’s essential. Even if i’m just walking up a hill or down or hill. Whatever you can do, it’s worth it. 

I really watch my diet. I think everyone has to be the custodian of their own body. I found out I can’t eat wheat. I figured it out because i did a fast, and then I slowly introduced different foods back into my diet. And when I got to wheat, I felt terrible. I think you just have to be intiutive and listen to your own body. I try to eat one third raw. I think the planet would be a better place if everyone cut down on the amount of meat they ate. I think the way that animals are treated in this country, and the karma of that, it’s just not a good thing, so I avoid it. I love the coconut water. Coconut water smoothies! I use a lot of raw nuts. You know how you wonder, who's the guy that eats goji brries? I am the guy that eats goji berries.