Tabla Performances and Studio Artistry
Every beat is a conversation, a way to connect with the divine. Here is a look at my journey through classical tabla, live performances, and studio recordings.
Here is a glimpse of me in the studio, completely focused on getting the right take. For me, every recording session is an honest attempt, an "ek koshish", to bring an authentic and traditional vibe to your music. I work closely with producers to find the perfect tabla groove for each project.
On stage at the NMACC, performing a tabla solo as part of a beautiful ensemble. There is a special energy in live performances, connecting with the audience and fellow musicians. This is a short clip from that memorable evening.
Ready for a music video shoot in a Mumbai studio. I am comfortable in front of the camera and enjoy the process of bringing music to life visually. Whether it's a classical piece or a fusion track, I bring my best tablas and my full dedication to the set.
A moment of riyaz, exploring a traditional gatt composition in Teental. This is the foundation of my art, a practice rooted in the teachings of my Gurus and the Punjab Gharana. It is this daily dedication that I bring to every recording and performance.
With my talented band, a group of wonderful musicians from Punjab and Mumbai. We are all here to create music that touches the soul. Collaboration is key, and I am blessed to share the stage with such kind and gifted artists.
A truly humbling moment, receiving the Bharat Ratna M.S. Subbulakshmi Fellowship Award. I am filled with gratitude for my parents, my Guru Ustad Joginder Singh Ji, and everyone who has supported my musical journey. All credit goes to their blessings.
Playing a traditional Qaida in Jhaptaal, surrounded by nature. Sometimes, taking the music outdoors brings a different kind of peace and inspiration. The rhythm of the tabla feels connected to the rhythm of the world around us.
With my Ustad ji, my teacher. On Guru Purnima, I offer my deepest respects. Everything I know and play is a reflection of his grace and teachings. This connection to my Parampara, or tradition, is the most important part of my life as a musician.
About Featured
When I sit for a recording session, I do not just play notes. I focus on the taal cycle and the emotional weight of the composition, whether it is for a classical piece or a modern fusion track. My setup is portable, and I tune my tabla specifically to match the scale of your song, ensuring the resonance is perfect before we hit record.
My musical foundation lies in the Punjab Gharana, where the emphasis is on 'Khula Baaj' or open-hand resonance. This style brings a powerful yet graceful quality to my recordings. Whether you need a subtle tabla accompaniment for a ghazal or an energetic percussion track for a fusion project, I bring the same sincerity that I pour into my daily riyaz.
Studio and Live Experience
I have spent years honing my craft in both environments. In the studio, I work directly with composers to ensure microphone placement captures the true treble and bass frequencies of the instrument. I am equally comfortable on large stages, having performed at venues like NMACC and Shanmukhananda. My process is collaborative; I prefer to jam, listen to your vision, and then layer the rhythm to fit your melody.
Why Collaborate
- Technical Precision: I provide raw, 24-bit WAV stems for remote sessions, ensuring your production stays clean and high-quality.
- Adaptability: From classical Teental or Jhaptaal cycles to complex fusion rhythms, I adapt my playing to your music's requirement.
- Professionalism: I respect the time of everyone in the studio. I arrive prepared, fully tuned, and ready to contribute to the music.
My journey as a musician has been blessed, most notably by receiving the Bharat Ratna M.S. Subbulakshmi Fellowship Award. However, I consider myself a student first and foremost. I am always open to exploring new soundscapes and helping artists find the right heartbeat for their songs.
Surjeet Singh
I am Surjeet Singh, a tabla player rooted in the Punjab Gharana school. For me, music is a spiritual practice, and I bring that same sincerity to every recording and performance, whether it is for a film score or a live classical concert.
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