Who Is Mohini Dey? Indian Origin Bassist Performs On The Jimmy Fallon Show

Mohini Dey Hartsuch, born on July 20, 1996, in Mumbai, is a distinguished Bengali Indian electric bass player. She has made notable contributions to the music industry, being a part of Gaan Bangla's Wind of Change and Coke Studio India, as well as playing for the renowned composer AR Rahman.

Early Career and Mentorship

Dey's parents, Sujoy and Romia Dey, played a significant role in nurturing her musical talent. Her father, a session musician and jazz fusion bass guitarist, recognised her potential before she turned three and began to foster her musical abilities from a young age. Mohini's journey with music started at the age of three, spurred on by her parents' encouragement. This early start instilled in her a deep appreciation for discipline and dedication, values that continue to guide her musical pursuits. By the age of nine or ten, she had received her first Fender Jazz Bass guitar, marking the beginning of her journey as a prodigy. 

By the age of eleven, Mohini was already performing, catching the attention of her father's friend, Ranjit Barot, who included her in his band's tours. Additionally, she was mentored by jazz exponent Louis Banks, further perfecting her skills and shaping her musical career.

Music Career

In August 2023, Mohini Dey released her self-titled debut album, marking a significant milestone in her career. She and her husband, saxophonist Mark Hartsuch, formed the band MaMoGi, along with drummer Gino Banks. Dey's collaborations span a diverse range of artists, including Steve Vai, Marco Minnemann, Jordan Rudess of Dream Theater, Jason Richardson, Dewa Budjana, Zakir Hussain, Sivamani, A. R. Rahman, and Willow Smith.

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Personal Life

Mohini's father, Sujoy Dey, passed away in November 2023. Her mother, Romia Dey, is a classical Hindustani singer, and her younger sister, Esani Dey, is a guitarist. Mohini speaks Marathi, Hindi, Bengali, and English, and is married to Mark Hartsuch.

Music has been an integral part of Mohini Dey’s life from an early age. Surrounded by the rich musical traditions of her family, her parents' influence exposed her to a wide range of genres, shaping her unique musical identity.

In an interview with The Indian Express, she shared how her early years were filled with various genres as her parents always played different kinds of music at home. Exposure to traditional forms and Western jazz and fusion artists like Marcus Miller and Jaco Pastorius significantly shaped her musical identity.

Musical Style and Inspirations

Dey's approach to music is characterized by a fusion style, incorporating groovy music with singable melodies and big band arrangements. She writes all her music on bass, creating drum grooves and playing chords and melodies. Her inspirations include her father, Victor Wooten, Gary Willis, and Jaco Pastorius. She often blends Konnakol with her slap bass techniques, bringing a unique voice to the bass as a melodic and harmonic tool.

Expanding Musical Horizons

Mohini's musical journey includes notable collaborations, such as playing alongside Willow Smith. This opportunity arose when Willow discovered Mohini’s album through mutual friends and reached out after being captivated by her music. This led to performances at NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert and the Jimmy Fallon show. "Willow gave the band a lot of freedom, making it an honour to represent diversity globally," Dey remarked.

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Beyond Music

Apart from her musical endeavours, Mohini is passionate about fashion designing, personally creating her stage outfits for performances and tours. She finds this process therapeutic. Additionally, she is involved in social media marketing, content creation, video production, and crafts like interior design and painting.

Mohini Dey Hartsuch's journey in the music world is a testament to her exceptional talent and dedication. From her early beginnings to her recent collaborations and personal pursuits, she continues to make a significant impact on the global music scene.