Fusion and Contemporary Tabla Rhythms
Blending traditional Indian percussion with modern genres. Whether you need a fresh groove for your track or a live collaborator, I bring the tabla to your sonic landscape.
This is a reimagination of a groovy hip-hop track by Hanumankind, where I layered tabla, shakers, and other hand percussion. It’s a great example of how traditional Indian rhythms can add a unique texture to contemporary music.
It was a blast to have an impromptu jam session with the incredible drummer Nicco from Sweden. This clip shows how I collaborate in real-time with other musicians, finding a common language between the tabla and a full drum kit.
A wonderful in-studio session in Kolkata with a sarod player and a drummer from Sweden. This image captures the collaborative spirit of my work, bringing together artists from different musical worlds to create something new.
A focused moment during the jam session in Kolkata. You can see the professional microphone setup I use to capture the nuanced sounds of the tabla even in a multi-instrument environment.
A wider view of the studio setup for our cross-cultural jam. My tabla setup is in the foreground, with the drum kit separated by a screen, showing a typical professional recording environment.
Another angle from the Kolkata studio session, showing the dynamic between me on the tabla and the drummer. This kind of musical dialogue is what makes fusion projects so exciting.
Here I am backstage with my tablas before a live performance for an NBA event at the Dome, Worli. I love the energy of playing for live events and bringing the sound of the tabla to diverse audiences.
This video gives a peek into my remote recording process. I am using Ableton to create a groove with my own tabla samples and then jamming over it, showing how I build layered, high-quality rhythm tracks for clients anywhere in the world.
A demonstration of how I can build a full rhythm section for a track. I move between the Cajon for a bass beat, the tabla for intricate patterns, and shakers for texture, all within one project.
A special piece for World Music Day with fellow musicians. I am playing tabla alongside others on cajon and various hand percussion, creating a rich, multi-layered rhythmic conversation.
About Fusion & Contemporary Rhythms
I record remotely by syncing with your BPM, providing separate stems for the Dayan and Bayan that sit perfectly in your mix. If you have a specific vibe in mind, I also layer instruments like the Cajon or shakers to build a complete rhythm section, not just a standard tabla loop.
When you book a session for fusion rhythms, we start by discussing the emotional core of your track. It is not just about keeping time; it is about how the percussion breathes with your melody. I work primarily in Ableton, ensuring that the tabla aligns with your grid while retaining the organic, live feel that samples often lack.
Whether it is a hip-hop beat that needs a sharper swing or an electronic track craving earthy textures, I adjust my playing style accordingly. I offer granular control over the final output, providing multi-track stems that you can manipulate in your DAW. This means you get the full, resonant bass of the Bayan and the crisp, articulate treble of the Dayan as separate elements to mix into your project.
I am equally comfortable working remotely as I am sitting in the studio with you. If you are based in Mumbai, we can track live. For remote projects, I deliver high-resolution WAV files (24-bit) that are ready to drop into your arrangement. My goal is to make the tabla a dynamic character in your music, not just a background element. Let us find the rhythm that makes your song stand out.
Unmesh Banerjee
I treat every session as a fresh jam, whether it is for a polished studio track or a live performance. My sound is rooted in traditional training, but I thrive on the challenge of blending percussion with electronic, jazz, or hip-hop elements. It is always a pleasure to find that perfect pocket where two musical worlds collide.
Find the right rhythm for your music
Search by instrument or musical style to find the perfect fit.
More from Studio & Session Tabla Recording by Unmesh Banerjee