Daya Sankar
Drums
Hailing from the vibrant musical city of Calicut, Kerala, Daya Sankar is a versatile drummer and percussionist whose musical journey is deeply rooted in rhythm, discipline, and an instinctive connection to music.
His relationship with rhythm began at an early age. He trained in tabla for thirteen years, developing a strong foundation in Indian rhythmic traditions and an intricate understanding of timing, groove, and percussion. At the age of ten, he took up the drums, and what began as a natural extension of his fascination with rhythm soon evolved into a lifelong musical pursuit.
Over the years, Daya has established himself as a highly sought-after session musician and live performer, collaborating with some of the most respected names in the Indian music industry. His session work includes performances with acclaimed artists such as Shankar Mahadevan, Hariharan, Sujatha, Karthik, Srinivas, Vijay Prakash, the late violin virtuoso Balabhaskar, and Padma Shri awardee and legendary chenda artist Mattannoor Sankarankutty, among others.
His musical journey has also taken him beyond India. Daya has shared the stage with the Berklee String Orchestra in the United States and has toured extensively overseas, performing for audiences around the world. These experiences have broadened his musical vocabulary and strengthened his ability to move seamlessly between diverse musical styles, cultures, and performance environments.
Today, Daya Sankar is an integral member of Masala Coffee, where his rhythmic sensibility and dynamic drumming form an important part of the band's distinctive sound and high-energy performances.
Beyond performing, Daya is equally passionate about nurturing the next generation of musicians. He is the founder of Sticks n Strings, a music school where he conducts drum classes and mentors aspiring drummers, sharing the knowledge and experience he has accumulated throughout his career.
His work in music extends into the world of recording as well. Daya owns and operates AudioHive, a full-service audio recording studio, creating a space where musicians and artists can develop, record, and bring their musical ideas to life.
From the traditional rhythms of the tabla to the power and versatility of the modern drum kit, Daya Sankar's journey represents a continuous exploration of rhythm. Performer, session musician, educator, and studio artist, he continues to build a career that connects Indian musical traditions with contemporary sounds and a truly global stage.