JAYEN VARMA’S INDIAN SLAP BASS GUITAR!
JAYEN VARMA comes from a town called Tripunithura, capital of erstwhile Cochin State, in the southern part of India. “I never knew I could ever play an instrument until I became 20 years of age, says Jayen. I was an introvert and never had the courage to face the public when I was a child. I started playing drums at the age of 21. At the age of 25, I started playing bass in a band in India.
My dream is to play bass at the major venues in the World to popularize the Indian Slap Bass technique. It is also my mission to make the instrument bass guitar popular in India.
Yes, I wish I could connect with my soul with the music I play. Music is just one of the ways to communicate with the soul. Above all I believe that there is God and I am still trying to convince myself that the said God will help us. I mean, I am always trying to have faith in the infinite intelligence or God!
Jayen, welcome and thank you for participating in this project. You are such an incredible bass player, I am really honoured to do this article with you. Let’s get on with the questions, shall we.
No. 1) What is music to and for you? (generally and personally)
In the midst of problems in life, for me, music is just one of the ways to heal the pain.
No. 2) What inspires you?
The sound at the ‘lower end’ always inspires me.
No. 3) When you are playing, creating, where does it take you? Where does your mind travel?
If I am confident in playing something, my mind travels to the direction I want. But complication in music can’t take me to where I wish. So I always prefer to simply groove enjoying what others play along. Good mood takes me to a place with lots of joy, a feel of freedom from pain.
No. 4) Do you find music, visual art and health are related and if so, how?
Yes, everything in the world is connected. Music is just a very very small thing when we talk spiritually. It all leads to love and truth.
No. 5) How do you feel when you are playing for yourself versus for an audience?
I don’t get a good feel when I play alone. But I get so much energy when I play in front of others.
No. 6) Do you identify with your music and if so, on what level?
Yes, my music is not connected with the rules. I don’t usually play with a plan when I play alone. But when I play with others, I play what they expect from me.
No. 7) Under what conditions do you work best?
Throughout my life, I always have felt that there is nothing easy in life. And I have realized that I work best under high pressure. Yes, I have experienced the power of faith. I used to chant certain mantras and I believe it helped me a lot to overcome my struggles in life. I have always believed in the following words of Sage Pathanjali (father of Yoga):
When you are inspired by some great purpose or some extraordinary project,
all your thoughts break their bonds,
your mind transcends limitations,
your consciousness expands in every direction
and you find yourself in a new,
great and wonderful world
dormant forces, faculties and talents come alive
and you discover yourself to be a greater person,
by far, than you ever dreamed yourself to be.
No. 8) Do you find playing music helps you connect with your
higher self, whatever that is for you?
Not always, but sometimes, I get a feeling of connecting to my inner consciousness, when I play my bass guitar.
No. 9) How do you feel about creativity in the public school system, in helping students develop their creativity as well as using creativity in problem solving?
I go to schools in India and do workshops for them. I have felt that activities other than academic studies can increase their mental strength. Many children don’t always find the talent inside them until someone encourages them to do it. Doing something which someone loves to do it self is enough to solve may problems.
No. 10) In your opinion, what could be a simple solution to improve creativity in the public school system?
Like I said before, many children don’t always realize the potential inside them until someone ignites their mind. Giving motivation to a child is very important to make them ready for the future. I am happy that at least one out of hundred during a workshop will get inspired.
No. 11) What is jazz to you?
I relate jazz to Indian classical music. Jazz is something which can make a musician’s mind free. I started listening to Jazz from the early 1980 at Jazz Hour in Voice of America.
No. 12) How do you feel about improvisation?
Yes, improvisation can break the bonds within us and help us to get the feel of freedom. Everything in the World from Science to Art happened through improvisation.
No. 13) What made you choose bass versus another instrument? I mean what attracted you to bass in the first place?
I was a drummer and I used to play a little bit of the six string guitar. In 1986, my friends Vichoo (Lead Guitarist) and Sriram (Drummer) asked me if I could play bass guitar in their band Melting Maids. Then I took the bass, I loved it and the journey continues.
Again, Jayen, thank you for sharing with us your thoughts and feelings. I wish you success in all your endeavours and surely our paths will cross again. Be blessed!
TO THE READER :
You are invited to visit Jayen’s links to learn more about him and hear more of his music. Your comments are always appreciated, thank you so much and enjoy!
http://www.myspace.com/jayenvarma
http://www.facebook.com/jayenvarma
http://www.facebook.com/notes/jayen-varma-innovator-of-indian-slap-bass/indian-slap-bass-a-new-genre-funk/154816651207740
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Comments
Nice work. Jayen is an amazing bassist
I get inspired by hearing the guitar top players at their craft. I have the urge to get at it and try to be like them.
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