From Mumbai to Orlando: Mohini Dey’s Lifelong Music Journey

When Mohini Dey steps onto the stage at Judson’s Live at Dr. Phillips Center, it’s more than a performance. It’s a conversation. For this artist, music is about connection, vulnerability and shared experience.

“There’s something incredibly special about performing in a space that values musicality and storytelling as much as Judson’s Live does,” says Dey.

Dey is a renowned bass guitarist who was hailed by Forbes India as the “Most Successful Musician Under 30.” She is also the only female bassist to rank within the Top 10 Bassists in the 21st Century on MusicRadar. Known for revolutionizing the instrument with her technical prowess and multicultural jazz fusion style, Dey continues to push boundaries in the music world.

As a trailblazer in modern bass guitar, she is sharing insight into her musical background and what to expect as she prepares for her shows at Judson’s Live in January.

A Childhood Rooted in Music

Her story begins in Mumbai, India, in a home where music was a way of life for her family. “I come from a deeply musical family,” she says. Her mother was a classically trained singer, and her father, Sujoy Dey, was a session bassist who worked with legendary Bollywood composers and played in jazz fusion groups across Mumbai. Surrounded by a family who loved music so fervently, it’s no surprise that music found her early.

“My father would practice bass and give me his headphones, and he noticed how naturally I tapped along to the rhythms. He even built me a small handmade bass guitar out of wood because I was so tiny.”

Her father nurtured her musical journey by introducing her to pioneers such as Miles Davis, Weather Report, Jaco Pastorius, Chick Corea and Yellowjackets. Those influences shaped her musical identity from the very beginning. With a tiny bass guitar and a natural ability to pick up rhythms, Dey was destined for a future in music.

The Power of Music Spaces

For many artists, the venue can inspire the performance. The feeling of the space, the audience and the community can shape the show in profound ways. When it comes to Judson’s Live, Dey explains:

“In a space like this, every nuance matters — dynamics, emotion, the space between the notes. I tend to shape my set in a way that feels like a conversation rather than a performance.”

Judson’s Live is known for its immersive setting, and Dey believes the cozy space transforms the way she performs. For her, an intimate room allows for a deeper, more honest connection.

“It becomes less about playing at people and more about experiencing the music together.”

What to Expect at the Show

Mohini Dey’s upcoming performances at Judson’s Live promise fresh energy and creativity. She will explore new musical textures and rhythmic ideas, along with fresh arrangements of her original music.

She is also excited about the interplay she will share with the onstage band. That collaboration creates a musical dialogue between her, the other musicians and the audience.

“There’s a lot of trust and freedom between us, so you can expect moments of improvisation and unexpected turns. That’s the beauty of live music for me.”

Bringing New Music to Orlando

Orlando is home to incredible local musicians and serves as a cultural hub for visiting artists. Acting as a showcase for musical talent, Judson’s Live hosts a diverse range of genres, from Afro-Caribbean folk fusion to hip-hop–driven jazz fusion. Dey is thrilled to share her music with the community.

“Orlando has such a diverse, open-hearted community, and bringing my music here feels like sharing a piece of myself with people who truly appreciate artistry.”

She hopes the audience feels the emotional arc of her music: “If they walk away feeling inspired or connected, even in a small way, that means everything to me.”

Catch Mohini Dey While She’s in Orlando

Big news for fans: Dey revealed that her second album is on the way.

Dey shares, “I’m really excited about the music and the direction it has taken, and I can’t wait to share it with everyone.”

Stay tuned for her new music and be sure to catch her shows at Judson's Live in Orlando.