Mohini Dey is a name that resonates with musicians, aspiring music lovers, and dedicated music listeners alike. She has revolutionized the style of playing bass and has collaborated with numerous renowned artists worldwide. These artists include Guthrie Govan, A. R. Rahman, Jordan Rudess, and Salim-Sulaiman, among many others.
Mohini began her professional career at the young age of nine. Her journey took a significant turn when she started playing with A. R. Rahman, leading her to meet other esteemed musicians like Louiz Banks, known as the Jazz King of India. She quickly established herself in the mainstream music industry as a unique and exceptional bass player from India gaining widespread recognition.
In this blog, we will explore Mohini Dey’s early life, her musical journey, and how she mastered the bass guitar to such an extraordinary level. Additionally, we’ll share her advice for aspiring musicians who aim to excel in their craft. Feel free to share your thoughts in the
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Early life
Mohini Dey hails from a Bengali family deeply rooted in music. Her father, Sujoy Dey, served as a session bassist in Bombay, while her mother, Romia Dey, was a vocalist. Music was not just a passion but a way of life for them, shaping Mohini’s early years. Mohini’s journey with music began at the tender age of three. Her father, noticing her keen interest, would serenade her with songs and play guitar, capturing her fascination. Inspired by his daughter’s potential, Sujoy envisioned breaking stereotypes by nurturing India’s first female bassist.
Joined by her sister Eshani, who also took up the guitar, Mohini embarked on her musical odyssey. Her first bass, a Fender Jazz, marked the beginning of rigorous daily practice sessions guided by her father. For six consecutive years, they honed her skills, leaving no day without dedication to mastering the instrument. At just nine years old, Mohini made her debut on stage, catching the attention of Ranjit Barot, A. R. Rahman’s drummer. This marked the start of her journey into the professional music scene, where she collaborated with luminaries like Louiz Banks, Salim-Sulaiman, Gurdas Maan, and A. R. Rahman himself.
Driven by an insatiable thirst for learning, Mohini eagerly absorbed insights from every collaboration, expressing her desire to work with diverse artists. Her performances spanned prestigious platforms like Coke Studio India, Gaan Bangla, and MTV Unplugged, showcasing her evolving style and technique.
Achievements
Mohini Dey’s journey to fame has been nothing short of spectacular, capturing the hearts of musicians and audiences worldwide. Her extraordinary talent has graced numerous festivals, cementing her status as a sought-after bassist on the global stage. Currently, Mohini holds the prestigious position of bassist for Willow Smith, showcasing her versatility and skill alongside renowned artists like Steve Vai, Zakir Hussain, Quincy Jones, and Stanley Clarke. Her impressive skills allowed her to work with luminaries such as Jordan Rudess, Mike Stern, and A. R. Rahman.
From her beginnings in the Indian music scene to her meteoric rise on the international circuit, Mohini’s electric style draws influence from jazz, Carnatic music, and Indian ragas. Her signature use of slap technique and the incorporation of Konnakol, a South Indian rhythmic system, add depth and innovation to her playing. Mohini’s achievements extend beyond her musical prowess, as she has been featured in prestigious publications like Vogue, Forbes India Under 30, and Rolling Stone. Her work has garnered attention in the bass community through platforms like NoTreble, Bass Magazine,
and Bass Quarterly.
In addition to her collaborations with iconic figures in the music industry, Mohini has lent her talents to Indian singers and directors such as Salim-Sulaiman, Neeti Mohan, and Amit Trivedi. Her performances at esteemed festivals like Lugano Jazz Festival and Garana Jazz Festival have left audiences captivated, solidifying her reputation as a captivating live performer.
Mohini’s influence transcends borders, with promotional partnerships with renowned brands like Jockey, Titan, and OnePlus. Her contributions to the music industry have been recognized not only in India but also internationally, as evidenced by her features in newspapers like DNA, The Indian Express, and Hindustan Times.
As you delve into Mohini Dey’s impressive resume, it’s evident that her multifaceted talents and relentless dedication make her a standout figure in the world of music. With each performance, she continues to push boundaries and inspire aspiring musicians worldwide.
Gears
In her musical journey, Mohini Dey has carefully curated a collection of instruments and equipment that not only complement her playing style but also elevate her performances to new heights. During her formative years, Mohini began with Ibanez and Cort bass guitars, laying the foundation for her musical exploration. As her career progressed, she expanded her arsenal to include a diverse range of bass guitars from various brands, each contributing its unique tonal qualities to her soundscapes.
One brand that has become synonymous with Mohini’s stage presence is Mayones. Renowned for their craftsmanship and innovation, Mayones guitars have become her go-to choice for live performances. The Mayones Comodous 5-string bass guitar, in particular, has become a staple in her setup, providing the versatility and sonic clarity she demands on stage.
To complement her choice of guitars, Mohini relies on Markbass amps to deliver powerful and articulate bass tones. Renowned for their lightweight design and pristine sound quality, Markbass amps ensure that her bass lines cut through the mix with precision and clarity, whether she’s performing in intimate venues or large-scale festivals.
In addition to her guitars and amps, Mohini incorporates a wide array of pedals into her setup, each serving a specific purpose in sculpting her sound. From the warm overdrive of Voodoo Labs to the ethereal textures of TCElectronics and Electro-Harmonix, Mohini utilizes an electic mix of pedals to add depth and dimension to her bass lines. Darkglass pedals, known for their gritty distortion and aggressive tone, feature prominently in her setup, providing the perfect balance of punch and clarity.
Mohini’s meticulous attention to detail in selecting her gear reflects her commitment to sonic excellence and innovation. Whether she’s exploring the intricacies of jazz, delving into the depths of Indian ragas, or pushing the boundaries of contemporary music, Mohini Dey’s gear serves as a trusted companion on her musical journey, inspiring audiences and fellow musicians alike.
Discography
Beyond her mastery of the bass guitar, Mohini Dey has also proven herself to be a gifted composer,
pushing the boundaries of musical genres and weaving together diverse influences to create captivating sonic tapestries. In 2023, Mohini Dey took a bold step forward with the launch of her debut album, a groundbreaking fusion of Carnatic music, jazz, and progressive rock.The album showcases Mohini’s prowess as both a bassist and a composer, offering listeners a glimpse into her musical vision and creative genius. For this ambitious project, Mohini assembled a stellar lineup of musicians to form her band, Mamogi. Comprising renowned drummer Gino Banks and saxophonist Mark Hartsuch, Mamogi served as the perfect foil to Mohini’s inventive compositions, adding depth and texture to her sonic landscapes
Collaborating with a diverse array of artists from around the globe, including luminaries like Steve Vai, Marco Minnemann, and Jordan Rudess of Dream Theater, Mohini brought her musical vision to life, infusing each track with rich layers of melody, harmony, and rhythm. From the intricate guitar work of Jason Richardson to the ethereal soundscape of Dewa Budjana, each collaboration added a unique flavour to the album, elevating it to a masterpiece of modern music.
At the heart of “Convergence” lies Mohini’s singular ability to blend disparate musical elements into a cohesive whole, transcending genre boundaries and defying expectations. Tracks like “Meat Eater” and “Introverted Soul” stand out as shining examples of Mohini’s creative prowess, drawing listeners in with their mesmerising melodies and thought-provoking lyrics.
After launching the album Mohini Dey has not only established herself as a virtuoso bassist but also
as a visionary composer with a boundless imagination and a fearless spirit of exploration. As listeners embark on this musical journey, they are invited to experience the magic of Mohini’s music, where innovation meets inspiration and creativity knows no bounds
A Global Bass Sensation
Mohini Dey’s journey has taken her from the vibrant streets of India to the bustling music scene of America, where she has established herself as a formidable force in the world of music. A pivotal moment in her journey came when she married Mark Hartsuch, a renowned saxophonist, and together, they embarked on a new chapter in their lives, planting their roots in the fertile soil of the American music landscape. Despite the distance from her homeland, Mohini has remained deeply connected to her Indian roots, proudly representing her heritage on the international stage. As the current bassist for Willow Smith, she will go on tour across the USA and Canada, showcasing her remarkable talent and spreading the magic of her music far and wide.
One of the highlights of Mohini’s career was her performance at the NPR Tiny Desk Concert, a prestigious platform that has garnered acclaim from audiences around the globe. This milestone served as a testament to Mohini’s rising star and solidified her reputation as a musician of unparalleled skill and artistry. Looking ahead, Mohini’s journey shows no signs of slowing down, with a multitude of tours and performances on the horizon. With each new opportunity, she continues to push the boundaries of her craft, captivating audiences with her electrifying performances and innovative musical arrangements
At the heart of Mohini’s success lies her unwavering belief in the power of hard work and dedication. She is a firm believer that success is not merely a matter of luck but a result of relentless perseverance and a commitment to excellence. Her mantra, “If you want to master your craft, you have to be loyal to your craft,” serves as a guiding light for aspiring musicians everywhere, inspiring them to pursue their passions with unwavering determination.
In conclusion, Mohini Dey’s ascent from her Indian roots to global recognition is a testament to her exceptional talent and relentless pursuit of musical excellence. With each captivating bassline and groundbreaking composition, she transcends boundaries, captivating audiences with her unique blend of jazz, Indian influences, and progressive elements.
Mohini’s journey serves as a beacon of inspiration, reminding us that with unwavering dedication and a steadfast belief in oneself, anything is possible in the pursuit of one’s dreams.
As she continues to push the boundaries of her craft and redefine the possibilities of music, Mohini Dey stands as a symbol of hope and empowerment for aspiring musicians everywhere. Her remarkable journey not only enriches the musical landscape but also serves as a reminder of the transformative power of passion, perseverance, and the unyielding pursuit of one’s artistic vision.