Anmol Mohara's debut album 'Across the Sea' bridges Nepali and global music traditions

Anmol Mohara, a UK-based musician with roots in Dharan, Eastern Nepal, has achieved significant milestones early in his career, including winning the UK Young Drummer of the Year title and graduating from the Guildhall School of Music & Drama. His recently released debut album, 'Across the Sea,' is a sixteen-track collection that highlights his drumming prowess, musical versatility, and a deep-seated connection to his homeland.

The album serves as a bridge between personal reflection and cultural remembrance. Tracks like 'Sakhiye Ho,' 'Shilu,' and 'Sorathi' pay homage to Nepal's rich musical traditions, merging them with contemporary expressions. 'Migrant' delves into the emotional complexities of living away from home, touching upon themes of displacement and belonging, while 'Momo in My Mind' humorously expresses a craving for a taste of Kathmandu. Mohara states, "Once you leave your country, it makes you love your country more. You observe Nepal from a different perspective. I have included my love and observations about my country in the album."

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Once you leave your country, it makes you love your country more. You observe Nepal from a different perspective. I have included my love and observations about my country in the album.

'Across the Sea' is largely a fusion of Eastern and Western musical styles. Mohara skillfully blends indigenous Nepali melodies, such as the Tharu community's 'Sakhiye Ho' and the Magar community's 'Sorathi,' with jazz-inspired compositions. His goal, he explains, is to make Nepali music more accessible to international audiences. "At university, I studied different musical traditions and began exploring ways to fuse them with Nepali music," Mohara says. "I have always wanted our music to reach a global audience."

Mohara himself plays traditional Nepali instruments like the tabla, madal, and nagarah on the album. Collaborating with international musicians, he found great enthusiasm for engaging with Nepali music, which was a novel experience for many. To facilitate this cross-cultural exchange, Mohara arranged the songs with a contemporary sensibility, allowing ample room for improvisation. This approach enabled foreign artists to contribute their unique interpretations while respecting the essence of the original Nepali melodies. Mohara's musical journey began at the Nepal Music Centre, where he was involved in fusion music from a young age, blending drums with traditional instruments.

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At university, I studied different musical traditions and began exploring ways to fuse them with Nepali music. I have always wanted our music to reach a global audience.