ABOUT THE ARTIST
VARUN DAS is an emerging star drummer, composer, and educator based in New Jersey/ New York. His musical playing and composing comes from the sophisticated rhythms of Indian classical music, the rich soul of Black American Music, and the energetic atmosphere of progressive rock. In addition to his work as a bandleader, Das is a notable Bollywood drummer and a nationally recognized sideman and studio artist especially in the jazz and fusion world.
At the age of 13, he received his online Specialist in Drums Certificate from Berklee College of Music (2013); years later, he obtained his bachelor's degree from Manhattan School of Music (2018-2022), and is currently a Masters student at the same institution (2022-2024) where he has worked hands on with John Riley and Kendrick Scott; he has also worked hands on with Paquito D’Rivera, Elio Villafranca, Miguel Zenon, Jim McNeely, and Harvie S.
As one of the most in demand Bollywood drummers in the United States, Das has performed with Dr. KJ Yesudas, Kavita Krishnamurthy, Chinmayi Sripada, Jeffrey Iqbal, Shankar Tucker, Aima Baig, Anup Rubens, DSP, Mani Sharma, Koti and many others. In August 2021, he became a core member of world renowned fusion band Red Baraat.
Das was selected for several prestigious national jazz honors. Notably, in 2018, he was selected as the GRAMMY Jazz Band drummer (also Grammy Alumni band drummer in 2019, 2020 with pop star Bebe Rexha, and 2022). In 2019, he was recognized as a National YoungArts Foundation finalist in jazz percussion. He was recognized by DOWNBEAT Magazine as “Best/ Outstanding Soloist” in the years 2019, 2020, and 2021 in the college category of the annual student music awards.
In 2021, Das released his debut EP entitled Solitude, consisting of 5 duets for vibraphone and piano. Additionally, his composition for five saxophones, “State of Mind” was chosen as the winner piece in both the All-Eastern and New Jersey All-State composition competitions in 2017.
Through his music, Das communicates his outlook towards society and tells stories of individuals and places that have been of significant impact to him and his upbringing.
(Release Dates of “Childlike” and “City of the Mind” albums TBD)