Photo credit: Kshitij Rana
Please tell us about your new album?
Across The Sea is a joyful album that offers a contemporary reimagining of Nepal’s rich culture and tradition. It explores themes of culture, identity, migration, and belonging. I was born and raised in Nepal and moved to the UK in 2015, so it’s now been a decade since I left my homeland. Living away has deepened my appreciation for my roots, while also exposing me to music from around the world, especially during my time at Guildhall. That experience inspired me to begin composing my own music, and I wrote this album during my final year there.
The album features 16 tracks in its digital release and 17 on the physical CD, combining my original compositions with three arrangements of traditional Nepali folk songs. You’ll hear some traditional Nepali instruments like the Madal, Nagara, Sarangi, and Jhyali alongside the Indian Tabla, creating a rich and layered soundscape. I was incredibly fortunate to collaborate with amazing artists from Nepal, the UK, Romania, and Finland on this project.
With Across The Sea, I’m sharing my vision as an artist. I’m exploring a new concept, one that blends the rich musical traditions of Nepal with jazz and my own diverse influences. To me, this record feels like looking back at my homeland through a new lens. This is my story, so for the full experience, I invite listeners to enjoy the album from top to bottom without skipping.
I’m very grateful for the support from Arts Council England, PRS Foundation, Help Musicians and Youth Music on this project.
What other projects are you currently involved in?
Apart from my own project, I regularly perform with the band Talkline and with Amena, a UK-based Egyptian singer. I also take part in occasional one-off shows. Most recently, I performed with Syrian composer Iyad Rimawi at Barbican Hall.
What are you currently listening to and what was the last CD or download you bought?
Lately, I’ve been listening to a mix of artists; Vivian Chidid, Karim Ziad, Rastak, Dave Matthews Band, A.R. Rahman, Toe, and Trilok Gurtu. The last album I bought was N’Ga Funk by Brice Wassy.
What is your all-time favourite album and why?
My all-time favorite album is Ifrikya by Karim Ziad. It’s brilliantly produced, blending Gnawa music and jazz in a way that feels seamless and fresh. The musicianship on the album is outstanding, and I think Karim Ziad has done a remarkable job of capturing the live, communal spirit of the music in a contemporary context – something that can be quite challenging when presenting a cultural tradition.
Who has caught your attention recently that we should be listening out for?
I recently discovered a UK-based band called Mandalakia, and I’ve been loving their self-titled album. It’s a beautiful blend of traditional Greek music presented in a modern setting, performed by some truly incredible musicians.
Across The Sea by Anmol Mohara is released on CD & Digital Download on
Friday 10 October 2025
For more information visit anmolmohara.com
