Ahead of Midday Mantra: New Year New Sounds, we sat down with the talented Dal Singh to hear more about his musical journey and his line up for our next Saturday’s concert.
When did you first start playing the Tabla? What are your first memories?
My musical journey started at a very young age of 5 years old. I started learning the Tabla with my first teacher Giani Gurbaksh Singh Ji and I later went on to study under the guidance of my Guru Ji , the world renowned Sri Sukhvinder Singh Pinky.
I remember my grandfather taking me to my classes in his Nissan Datsun 3 – 4 to times a week. He would carry my instrument as it was quite heavy. Bless him. He would also recite Sikh hymns at the local Sikh Temple in Leeds. Many years later, I joined Leeds College of Music and studied Indian Classical music and it opened up another world!
I remember it so clearly and loved accompanying my grandfather and fellow students on stage. It was just nectar!
Tell us about your musical style, influences and inspirations.
My style is unique to my own musical journey, experiences and collaborations. I’m classically trained and I’ve been extremely fortunate to make and create music across genres and play alongside some of the most successful artists and performers from the UK including Paul Weller, Ian Brown, Richard Ashcroft, Ocean colour Scene, Aziz Ibrahim, Steel Pulse, Jocelyn Brown, Bollywood Strings and many more over the past 25 years!
I take inspiration from anything that sounds good to me. I love writing songs and melodies embodied with my Tabla with a South Asian Desi vibe. Kula Shaker meets Asian Dub Foundation!
What can audiences expect from Midday Mantra: New Year New Sounds?
It’s a totally brand new, fresh set. Expect a tranquil, meditative and ambient sound, mixed in with some heavy beats. We’ll also be weaving in rhythmic beats with guitar, piano and spoken word, and lacing in vocal soundscapes and synth motifs. We’ll also cover a few of my favourite tunes in our own unique way.
Tell us more the guest artists who are joining you on the day…
Joining me on guitar will be my student Dillon Henry, alongside Kristian Smart who is a fantastic musician. My guests will be Tyriq Baker on keys & saxophone and a spoken world piece by Birmingham’s finest, Vig the Poet! I love collaborations and creating new music for new gigs. I feel I’m in good hands with these brilliant artists.
Thanks Dal! We are looking forward to an energising afternoon of new music and sounds on Saturday 24th January. Grab your tickets here.