Mohini Dey: The Bassist Everyone's Talking About

Interview with Mohini Dey

In this interview, Rick Beato speaks with Mohini Dey, an Indian bass virtuoso, about her journey as a musician and the influences that shaped her unique style.

Mohini's Musical Upbringing

• Growing up in a musical family with a bassist father and singer mother.

• Facing challenges due to societal norms regarding gender roles in music.

• Being raised with strict values and a disciplined schedule that included music practice alongside academics.

Early Music Education

• Starting bass lessons at age 6 or 7 but playing since age 3.

• Initial resistance towards pursuing music professionally due to personal interest in fashion designing.

Influence of Mohini's Father

• Teaching basic scales and introducing different music genres like Funk.

Music Influences and Early Learning

In this section, the speaker discusses their early exposure to music influences and how they learned to play by watching musicians on TV.

Early Exposure to Music

• The speaker mentions being exposed to various musicians like Victor Wooten, Jacko Pastorius, Weather Report tunes, Johnson Lewis, Tony Mopine, Dennis Chambers, and more through watching them on TV.

Learning Process

• The speaker describes a routine where they would watch musicians on TV with their father suggesting tunes for them to learn and correct their progress later.

Diversification of Interests

• Despite starting with music at a young age, the speaker diversified their interests over time by engaging in activities like managing bands, running a clothing line, and digital marketing.

Journey in Music Industry and Personal Growth

This part delves into the speaker's journey in the music industry from a young age and how it shaped their personal growth.

Multifaceted Career

• The speaker highlights their involvement in various aspects of the music industry beyond playing bass, such as managing bands, recording for artists, and running a clothing line alongside digital marketing ventures.

Unexpected Opportunities

• Reflecting on touring experiences with renowned musicians like Mike Stern at a young age due to recommendations based on talent showcased in India.

Pursuit of Independence

• The speaker shares transitioning from enjoying the spotlight initially to seeking independence by moving out at 17 years old to have control over their life choices.

Influence of Father's Guidance and Musical Style Development

This segment explores the influence of the speaker's father in shaping their musical style development and fostering independence.

Unconventional Path

• Moving out at 17 was considered unusual but aligned with the father's unconventional approach towards training the speaker not just as a bassist but as an independent individual breaking traditional norms.

Musical Versatility

• The father encouraged versatility in music genres while exposing the speaker to different styles like Funk. He emphasized learning from diverse sources to nurture musical preferences.

Exploration of South Indian Music Influence

Here, the focus shifts towards exploring South Indian music influences that significantly impacted the speaker's musical journey.

Early Exposure

• By working professionally since nine years old, the speaker had opportunities to collaborate with exotic instrumentalists from South India that introduced them to unique sounds and techniques.

Inspirational Encounters

• Witnessing unfamiliar techniques like TAA inspired the speaker to adapt these elements into their bass playing style by translating drumming concepts into bass techniques for innovation.

Innovative Adaptation of Drumming Techniques

This part elaborates on how drumming techniques influenced innovative adaptations in bass playing for creative expression.

Cross-Instrumental Inspiration

Music Exploration and Improvisation Techniques

In this section, the speaker discusses incorporating different finger techniques to play fast, exploring exotic rhythms like quintuplets and septuplets, and how these techniques influence his improvisation style.

Incorporating Finger Techniques

• The speaker started using his third finger, realizing its speed potential.

• Learning exotic rhythms like quintuplets changed his perception of time.

• Viewing sevens as fours initially helped him grasp complex rhythms.

Improvisation Strategies

• Utilizing open strings and hammer-ons for triplets in various ways.

• Experimenting with different triplet playing methods for versatility.

• Adapting Mark King's technique and Victor Wooten's thumb technique for power.

Versatility in Music Styles

This segment delves into the importance of being versatile in music styles, embracing diverse genres, and the speaker's approach to musical exploration.

Embracing Diverse Genres

• Combining triplets with quintuplets for complexity in playing.

• Exploring various music genres without strict categorization due to personal interest.

Musical Adaptability

• Constantly learning from different musical vocabularies and accents.

• Grasping new stylistic ideas from listening to diverse musicians for incorporation into personal playing style.

Importance of Improvisation in Music

This part emphasizes the significance of improvisation in creating soulful melodies, shaping music with emotion, and the necessity of improvisational skills for musicians.

Role of Improvisation

• Highlighting improvisation as crucial for infusing soul and melody into music.

Music and Artistry

In this section, the speaker discusses the essence of music compared to sports, emphasizing soul, feeling, and intention in music.

Music vs. Sports

• Music is about soul, feeling, and intention rather than competition like in sports.

• Soul is prioritized over technical proficiency when hiring musicians.

• Emphasis on improvisation to avoid repetitive performances and create unique musical conversations.

Creating Unique Musical Experiences

The speaker elaborates on the importance of diversity in musical experiences and the formation of a unique trio for innovative music creation.

Trio Formation

• The trio was initiated by the husband's idea to blend saxophone into prog rock context.

• Incorporating jazz elements alongside prog rock for a distinctive sound.

Musical Harmony and Collaboration

Discussion on chord changes, harmony complexity, and collaborative dynamics within the band.

Musical Elements

• Explanation of chord changes as essential components for soloing in jazz music.

• Balancing fixed parts with solo sections to showcase individual skills within songs.

Band Dynamics and Evolution

Insights into band evolution, unique sound development, and long-standing collaborations.

Band Evolution

• Mamoji's distinct sound blending saxophone with prog rock elements.

New Section

In this section, the speaker reflects on a significant part of their life related to music and songwriting.

Reflection on Early Musical Influences

• The speaker recalls a song played by NADA Michael Walden when they were 14 or 15 years old, which inspired them.

• Initially, the groove introduced by the speaker's father in three beats served as an exercise before turning into a full-fledged song.

• The creation process of the song involved incorporating elements from different genres like jazz and fusion, influenced by the speaker's Indian background.

Influence of Fusion Music

This segment delves into the concept of fusion music and its interpretation in different cultural contexts.

Understanding Fusion Music

• Fusion music is perceived differently in India compared to America, blending Indian elements with jazz-rock influences.

• In India, fusion involves integrating traditional Indian musical components like Tad takas and Ragas with Western genres.

• Despite linguistic variations such as "gmock" versus "grace notes," musicians can collaborate effectively through diverse perspectives on music.

Musical Training and Mentorship

This part explores the speaker's early musical training and mentorship experiences.

Musical Education Journey

• The speaker extensively transcribed basslines and solos from renowned artists like Victor Wooten and Mark King during their formative years.

• Intense practice in odd time signatures from a young age under mentors like Ranjit Barot enhanced the speaker's rhythmic skills significantly.

• Mentorship from experienced musicians like Ranjit Barot provided invaluable learning opportunities through practical sessions at Nirvana Studio.

Parental Influence and Sacrifices

This section highlights the profound impact of parental guidance and sacrifices on shaping the speaker's musical journey.

Parental Support and Sacrifices

• The speaker acknowledges their father's hands-on approach to ensure disciplined practice for skill development.

• Parents' hardships post-marriage motivated them to provide a secure future for their children through education despite financial challenges.

• Reflecting on past struggles, the speaker expresses gratitude towards parents for instilling values of hard work and determination in pursuing music.

Learning Business Deals in the Music Industry

The speaker reflects on how their family upbringing influenced their approach to business deals in the music industry, emphasizing the differences in raising boys and girls.

Family Influence on Business

• Learned about business deals in the music industry beyond playing music.

• Contrasts upbringing between boys and girls within the family.

• Mother's role in balancing work and family responsibilities.

Personal Growth and Family Dynamics

The speaker discusses personal growth, conflicts with family members, and taking responsibility for supporting their family.

Personal Growth Journey

• Struggles with father's expectations as a fellow musician.

• Decision to move out to prove independence from father's influence.

• Period of estrangement from father to establish self-sufficiency.

Coping with Loss and Reflecting on Legacy

The speaker shares reflections on coping with the recent loss of their father, highlighting his impact on their life and career.

Dealing with Loss

• Difficulty processing the loss of a significant figure like a parent.

• Struggle to comprehend emotions surrounding the loss.

• Acknowledgment of father's contributions to the music industry and community.

Honoring Family Bonds Through Music

The speaker emphasizes the importance of valuing family relationships amidst professional commitments, reflecting on gestures that maintain connections with deceased loved ones.

Cherishing Family Connections

• Realization of balancing work commitments with nurturing familial bonds.

Finger Style Technique and Pedal Board Overview

In this section, the speaker discusses their finger style technique and provides an overview of their pedal board setup.

Finger Style Technique

• The speaker explains the setup for finger style mode, where the bridge pickup is used heavily.

• When slapping, the speaker combines both pickups and adjusts mid-lows to zero for clarity in tone.

Pedal Board Overview

• Emphasis on clarity in tone due to playing lead instrument on bass; avoids sub-heavy tones for better definition.

• Detailed walkthrough of pedal board setup including synth pedals like Mono Synn by Electro Harmonix.

Exploring Different Sounds with Synth Pedals

This section delves into the various sounds produced using different synth pedals on the pedal board.

• Description of using OC-2 and OC-1 settings for drum and bassy sounds.

• Introduction to Future Impact pedal with a wide range of stock sounds for versatility.

Diverse Soundscapes with Distortion and Pitch Shifter Pedals

The discussion focuses on utilizing distortion and pitch shifter pedals to create diverse soundscapes.

• Demonstration of Brain Waves pitch shifter by TC Electronic for soloing purposes.

• Exploration of Alpha Omega distortion pedal for classic distortion effects.

Enhancing Melodic Play with Reverb Effects

This part highlights the use of reverb effects to enhance melodic play on the bass guitar.

• Application of Hall of Fame II by TC Electronic reverb pedal during melodic or chordal play.

Innovative Bass Effects: Envela Filter and Rig Modulator

The speaker introduces innovative bass effects such as Envela Filter and Rig Modulator for unique sound modulation.

• Utilization of Sub 'N' Up by TC Electronic to emulate Hammond organ-like sounds.

Challenging Musical Techniques: Poly Rhythmic Improvisation

Discussion revolves around challenging musical techniques like polyrhythmic improvisation.

• Demonstrating polyrhythmic improvisation incorporating different time signatures like sevens, sixes, and fives.

Detailed Discussion with Timestamps

In this segment, the speaker reflects on adjusting to a new time zone and shares strategies for combating sleep issues.

Coping with Time Zone Changes

• The speaker mentions the challenge of adapting to a new time zone, emphasizing the difficulty in acclimating due to cultural differences.

• Discusses strategies for overcoming jet lag by staying active during the day and ensuring physical tiredness at night to facilitate falling asleep effectively.

Invitation and Gratitude

• Extends an invitation to visit Nashville, highlighting the proximity to Atlanta and expressing enthusiasm about potential future activities.