Across The Sea is the debut album from Nepali percussionist, composer and lyricist Anmol Mohara, written in 2023 during his final year at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama. Drawing on his experiences since moving to the UK in 2015, Mohara fuses traditional Nepali instruments and folk melodies with jazz, global contemporary sounds and modern production, creating a rich musical tapestry. “My music is deeply inspired by the rich culture and traditions of my homeland, Nepal,” says Mohara. “I blend these roots with my love for the improvisational element of jazz and a wide range of musical influences that have shaped me.”
The album features Mohara’s original compositions and arrangements of three traditional Nepali folk songs – ‘Sakhiye Ho’, ‘Sorathi’ and ‘Silu’. Track highlights include ‘Migrant’, which explores feelings of belonging, displacement and starting over. With its Eastern textures and moving melodies, it will resonate with anyone who has ever felt caught between two worlds. ‘A Rhythmic Guy’ is a playful, groove-driven tune that celebrates introversion and individuality, full of personality, it shows off Mohara’s feel for rhythm and sense of humour. ‘Sakhiye Ho’ is a lively reimagining of a folk song from Nepal’s Tharu community, celebrating Maghi, one of Nepal’s major festivals, with food, energy and a real sense of togetherness.
Alongside Mohara on drums, percussion, vocals and traditional South Asian instruments (madal, nagara, tabla), the album features an outstanding lineup of musicians: Tereza Catarov and Nicole Petrus Barrack (vocals), Simeon May (flutes, tenor saxophone), Daniel Fawcett-Tuke (electric and acoustic guitars), Rory Hudson (electric and double bass), Cody Moss (piano, synths, Rhodes, keys), James Knight (soprano and tenor saxophones), Jansen Santana (percussion), and Prince Nepali on the sarangi.
Across The Sea is a personal exploration of identity, tradition, migration and belonging. Rooted in Nepali musical heritage and shaped by Mohara’s love of jazz and global sounds, the album bridges past and present with subtlety and imagination. It marks a powerful debut from a distinctive new voice in contemporary music.
