Aloke Dutta Interview
As promised in a recent post, I collected questions from many Fourtheye readers, and then presented them to Aloke Dutta via the wonders of Facebook. A couple of hours later and I had a response! How's that for efficiency! Without further ado I present the answers:
Is there any possibility of you playing with Tool again?
ALOKE DUTTA: Sure, once they get their shit together! Individually, all four band members are so occupied with their own artistic projects that I hardly see them. But, possibility of sitting with them will never die.
Have you been asked to contribute to their new album?
AD: Not directly.
What was the catalyst in working with Tool on a recording ? Or rather what attracted you to Tool?
AD: Love and respect between Danny and I for our personalities and our music are the main reasons I worked with them. Besides Danny, I adore other three guys’ musical depth, artistic sense, and their ability to articulate their emotion in a sophisticated way.
Since the tabla is more of a delicate acoustic instrument, was the overwhelming noise difficult to deal with playing onstage with Tool?
AD: Modern technology always helps. I remember wearing ear plugs when I played with them on stage a few times a long time ago.
Danny Carey's drumming has a tribal texture to it. Did he actively study tabla under your guidance or was he more interested in learning some specific idiosyncrasies of the instrument and incorporate that into his technique/sounds ? Or both ?
AD: All of the above. Because, true knowledge does not have a brand name, not even a cultural identity. The divisions we know of are created by politicians not by genuine artists/writers/musicians. I do not teach people how to play my music. I, instead, teach them how to play their OWN music. I try to help them to make connection with their own music god. Once you are in contact with your deeper self, then all different music styles begin to sound like ONE. The state of mind at that level transcendence all the cheap human labels. Danny was already there when he came to me. He came to me only to verify it. (He also helped me the same way as I did to him, he just does not know it!)
In what ways does learning to play the tabla translate to ones overall drumming ability and technique?
AD: Tabla carries the wisdom of all drumming. Ancient Hindu sages provided lots of materials for all drummers to understand the time factor in music. This knowledge is not just essential but vital for all musicians as writing technique barely writes a poem. It is the philosophical understanding of the story helps one to write a meaningful poem not the way writer holds the pen. Tabla training by a true teacher can discipline everybody’s mind, body and emotions.
Are your lessons suitable for musicians of of levels of expertise?
AD: Most certainly. I do not show off. I try to feel the need of a student regardless of their status in the music world, and try to help them accordingly.
Are there any artists that you would like to collaborate with in the future?
AD: Hard to tell, because I am not talented enough to sit with anybody. So, currently, I try to create art all by myself like a poet, a painter or a sculptor who does it alone!
What are your musical influences?
AD: My father, Anadinath Dutta and his spiritual Hindu upbrining. Later, my close friendship with one of the greatest sitar maestro Nikhil Banerjee has a significant influence in the way I think about music.
What are some of your favourite Eastern artists?
AD: Anadinath Dutta, Nikhil Banerjee, Ravi Shankar, Ali Akbar Khan, Amir Khan, Jnanendra Prasad Goswami.
Who are your favourite drummers?
AD: Anadinath Dutta, Keramatullah Khan, Max Roach, Danny Carey.
What music are you currently listening too?
AD: Aloke Dutta’s Spondaic Oblation only to improve next time.
What is your favourite film/video game soundtrack and why ?
AD: I don’t watch film or play video games. But, a bunch of movies have my music on them though!
What is your favourite Indian dish? Do you enjoy cooking, and if so do you have any recipes to share?
AD: Blair Blake’s Chicken Vindaloo. You have to ask him for the recipe. All I know that it is a secret.
What is your favourite Simpsons episode and who is your favorite character?
AD: Again, I do not have a TV, but I have to say Lisa since she once wanted to play some tabla at her school.
Boxers, briefs or commando?
AD: Mostly commando, of course. It is all authentically pure tantric, baby!!!
Thanks very much to Aloke for answering the questions, and I'll be chasing Blair up for the Chicken Vindaloo recipe!
Don't forget that he will be playing in New York and Boston this weekend, and you can find more details here.
Is there any possibility of you playing with Tool again?
ALOKE DUTTA: Sure, once they get their shit together! Individually, all four band members are so occupied with their own artistic projects that I hardly see them. But, possibility of sitting with them will never die.
Have you been asked to contribute to their new album?
AD: Not directly.
What was the catalyst in working with Tool on a recording ? Or rather what attracted you to Tool?
AD: Love and respect between Danny and I for our personalities and our music are the main reasons I worked with them. Besides Danny, I adore other three guys’ musical depth, artistic sense, and their ability to articulate their emotion in a sophisticated way.
Since the tabla is more of a delicate acoustic instrument, was the overwhelming noise difficult to deal with playing onstage with Tool?
AD: Modern technology always helps. I remember wearing ear plugs when I played with them on stage a few times a long time ago.
Danny Carey's drumming has a tribal texture to it. Did he actively study tabla under your guidance or was he more interested in learning some specific idiosyncrasies of the instrument and incorporate that into his technique/sounds ? Or both ?
AD: All of the above. Because, true knowledge does not have a brand name, not even a cultural identity. The divisions we know of are created by politicians not by genuine artists/writers/musicians. I do not teach people how to play my music. I, instead, teach them how to play their OWN music. I try to help them to make connection with their own music god. Once you are in contact with your deeper self, then all different music styles begin to sound like ONE. The state of mind at that level transcendence all the cheap human labels. Danny was already there when he came to me. He came to me only to verify it. (He also helped me the same way as I did to him, he just does not know it!)
In what ways does learning to play the tabla translate to ones overall drumming ability and technique?
AD: Tabla carries the wisdom of all drumming. Ancient Hindu sages provided lots of materials for all drummers to understand the time factor in music. This knowledge is not just essential but vital for all musicians as writing technique barely writes a poem. It is the philosophical understanding of the story helps one to write a meaningful poem not the way writer holds the pen. Tabla training by a true teacher can discipline everybody’s mind, body and emotions.
Are your lessons suitable for musicians of of levels of expertise?
AD: Most certainly. I do not show off. I try to feel the need of a student regardless of their status in the music world, and try to help them accordingly.
Are there any artists that you would like to collaborate with in the future?
AD: Hard to tell, because I am not talented enough to sit with anybody. So, currently, I try to create art all by myself like a poet, a painter or a sculptor who does it alone!
What are your musical influences?
AD: My father, Anadinath Dutta and his spiritual Hindu upbrining. Later, my close friendship with one of the greatest sitar maestro Nikhil Banerjee has a significant influence in the way I think about music.
What are some of your favourite Eastern artists?
AD: Anadinath Dutta, Nikhil Banerjee, Ravi Shankar, Ali Akbar Khan, Amir Khan, Jnanendra Prasad Goswami.
Who are your favourite drummers?
AD: Anadinath Dutta, Keramatullah Khan, Max Roach, Danny Carey.
What music are you currently listening too?
AD: Aloke Dutta’s Spondaic Oblation only to improve next time.
What is your favourite film/video game soundtrack and why ?
AD: I don’t watch film or play video games. But, a bunch of movies have my music on them though!
What is your favourite Indian dish? Do you enjoy cooking, and if so do you have any recipes to share?
AD: Blair Blake’s Chicken Vindaloo. You have to ask him for the recipe. All I know that it is a secret.
What is your favourite Simpsons episode and who is your favorite character?
AD: Again, I do not have a TV, but I have to say Lisa since she once wanted to play some tabla at her school.
Boxers, briefs or commando?
AD: Mostly commando, of course. It is all authentically pure tantric, baby!!!
Thanks very much to Aloke for answering the questions, and I'll be chasing Blair up for the Chicken Vindaloo recipe!
Don't forget that he will be playing in New York and Boston this weekend, and you can find more details here.
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lachrymologist said
After reading the answer to the first question I immediately thought it was a joke. But after reading the rest of the interview and realizing it was his actual response it's even funnier. Thanks for the laugh Aloke and HB!
Um, I'll be honest - that's how I felt at first.
But then I realised that fuckin' Hellboi wouldn't TOOL us (yep, it's a verb - let's all get on to that). And that there are people out there who aren't complete smug dicks when it comes to giving straight-up answers to questions from fans.
I suggest we all buy every product that this dude has put out immediately just for being a cool dude.
Anyone else? Am I completely way off?
After reading the answer to the first question I immediately thought it was a joke. But after reading the rest of the interview and realizing it was his actual response it's even funnier. Thanks for the laugh Aloke and HB!
Um, I'll be honest - that's how I felt at first.
But then I realised that fuckin' Hellboi wouldn't TOOL us (yep, it's a verb - let's all get on to that). And that there are people out there who aren't complete smug dicks when it comes to giving straight-up answers to questions from fans.
I suggest we all buy every product that this dude has put out immediately just for being a cool dude.
Anyone else? Am I completely way off?
O love will you read the letters I will send to you.
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Crow just gave me an idea. Aloke Dutta offers online lessons now, and not just for playing tabla. He offers instruction that would be beneficial to the playing of any instrument. Aloke offers these lessons via Skype, and I have contacted him to purchase one. If everything works out, I am going to speak to Hellboy about running a contest of some sort, with the winner getting a free online lesson with Aloke Dutta. Such a lesson would not benefit me as greatly as it would others as I am a piss poor guitar player. I will post the details as soon as I hear back from Mr. Dutta.
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M0gZilla said
Crow just gave me an idea. Aloke Dutta offers online lessons now, and not just for playing tabla. He offers instruction that would be beneficial to the playing of any instrument. Aloke offers these lessons via Skype, and I have contacted him to purchase one. If everything works out, I am going to speak to Hellboy about running a contest of some sort, with the winner getting a free online lesson with Aloke Dutta. Such a lesson would not benefit me as greatly as it would others as I am a piss poor guitar player. I will post the details as soon as I hear back from Mr. Dutta.
I don't hate the idea, but there is no way that that idea will ever make legs.
But I dig your enthusiasm. As an aside, I think that this is exactly what the "toolbois" need to see - we dig TOOL, so much that this is the kind of thing that gets us off.
I love the idea of a fuckin' tabla player (which is awesome, if you follow) giving their time to us - and how much we respect it.
Couldn't be happier. Thanks again for the opportunity, Hellboi.
Crow just gave me an idea. Aloke Dutta offers online lessons now, and not just for playing tabla. He offers instruction that would be beneficial to the playing of any instrument. Aloke offers these lessons via Skype, and I have contacted him to purchase one. If everything works out, I am going to speak to Hellboy about running a contest of some sort, with the winner getting a free online lesson with Aloke Dutta. Such a lesson would not benefit me as greatly as it would others as I am a piss poor guitar player. I will post the details as soon as I hear back from Mr. Dutta.
I don't hate the idea, but there is no way that that idea will ever make legs.
But I dig your enthusiasm. As an aside, I think that this is exactly what the "toolbois" need to see - we dig TOOL, so much that this is the kind of thing that gets us off.
I love the idea of a fuckin' tabla player (which is awesome, if you follow) giving their time to us - and how much we respect it.
Couldn't be happier. Thanks again for the opportunity, Hellboi.
O love will you read the letters I will send to you.
The Boss said
M0gZilla said
Crow just gave me an idea. Aloke Dutta offers online lessons now, and not just for playing tabla. He offers instruction that would be beneficial to the playing of any instrument. Aloke offers these lessons via Skype, and I have contacted him to purchase one. If everything works out, I am going to speak to Hellboy about running a contest of some sort, with the winner getting a free online lesson with Aloke Dutta. Such a lesson would not benefit me as greatly as it would others as I am a piss poor guitar player. I will post the details as soon as I hear back from Mr. Dutta.
I don't hate the idea, but there is no way that that idea will ever make legs.
But I dig your enthusiasm. As an aside, I think that this is exactly what the "toolbois" need to see - we dig TOOL, so much that this is the kind of thing that gets us off.
I love the idea of a fuckin' tabla player (which is awesome, if you follow) giving their time to us - and how much we respect it.
Couldn't be happier. Thanks again for the opportunity, Hellboi.
Can't imagine it will be a problem. I am going to buy the lesson, hellboy runs a contest of some kind, winner gets the lesson I paid for.
M0gZilla said
Crow just gave me an idea. Aloke Dutta offers online lessons now, and not just for playing tabla. He offers instruction that would be beneficial to the playing of any instrument. Aloke offers these lessons via Skype, and I have contacted him to purchase one. If everything works out, I am going to speak to Hellboy about running a contest of some sort, with the winner getting a free online lesson with Aloke Dutta. Such a lesson would not benefit me as greatly as it would others as I am a piss poor guitar player. I will post the details as soon as I hear back from Mr. Dutta.
I don't hate the idea, but there is no way that that idea will ever make legs.
But I dig your enthusiasm. As an aside, I think that this is exactly what the "toolbois" need to see - we dig TOOL, so much that this is the kind of thing that gets us off.
I love the idea of a fuckin' tabla player (which is awesome, if you follow) giving their time to us - and how much we respect it.
Couldn't be happier. Thanks again for the opportunity, Hellboi.
Can't imagine it will be a problem. I am going to buy the lesson, hellboy runs a contest of some kind, winner gets the lesson I paid for.
So stoked to see such harmony in here finally. Good thought Hellboy and thank you so much for going out on a limb. Thanks to Mr. Dutta as well! What an honest guy, not trying to throw up smoke and mirrors or anything, just being honest.
Mog, I dig the contest idea it's such an awesome thought! Again, the harmony in here just from this one intimate interview is phenomenal.
For us to all get some honest answers from someone (somewhat specifically relevant) with regard to TOOL just puts us at ease, just makes everything else seem so... lame...
Thanks again Hellboy that was a great thought!
Mog, I dig the contest idea it's such an awesome thought! Again, the harmony in here just from this one intimate interview is phenomenal.
For us to all get some honest answers from someone (somewhat specifically relevant) with regard to TOOL just puts us at ease, just makes everything else seem so... lame...
Thanks again Hellboy that was a great thought!
Great interview. I had meant to add questions, thought I did, but see I never did. Bummer.
I think I can see the answer to one of my questions from his answers to other questions though. Wanted to know his thoughts on Zakir Hussain and his father Ustad Alla Rakha - two of my favorite Indian artists. No mention.
Also wanted to hear his thoughts on being a solo artist exclusively in his own music.
Thanks, HB and Aloke.
I think I can see the answer to one of my questions from his answers to other questions though. Wanted to know his thoughts on Zakir Hussain and his father Ustad Alla Rakha - two of my favorite Indian artists. No mention.
Also wanted to hear his thoughts on being a solo artist exclusively in his own music.
Thanks, HB and Aloke.
Ki77aan
Great Q & A although I did spill my coffee when reading the answer to the first question. Still have my doubts about whether some answers are from Dutta himself heh. If they are, Dutta is the shit.Â
Thanks hellboy for arranging this and taking in the questions. Much appreciated it.
@Kittan:Â Yeah, I totally forgot to ask question about Ustad Zakir Hussain ( seen him live, a maestro in every sense ! ). Oh well, maybe in another interview.
For those who don't know who Zakir Hussain ( and his dad ), here is a glimplse:
Thanks hellboy for arranging this and taking in the questions. Much appreciated it.
@Kittan:Â Yeah, I totally forgot to ask question about Ustad Zakir Hussain ( seen him live, a maestro in every sense ! ). Oh well, maybe in another interview.
For those who don't know who Zakir Hussain ( and his dad ), here is a glimplse:
Aloke is an amazing musician and seems like a great guy. I went to a group lesson of his once in Portland, OR while on a trip there and it was pretty cool. Having said that...it's hard enough to understand him in person at times, I can see a Skype lesson being kind of difficult. Is a cool and generous idea though Mog!