15 and fearless: In Conversation with bass prodigy Deshna Chettri

At just fifteen, Deshna Chettri is already carving out a powerful space in the global bass community. With thunderous slap techniques, fearless experimentation, and a musical maturity far beyond her years, Deshna is redefining what the bass guitar can be. From blending rock and metal energy with Indian classical nuances to earning endorsements from leading global brands like Markbass and Sadowsky, her journey is as inspiring as it is electrifying.

In this conversation, Deshna opens up about discovering the bass, navigating the fast-growing world of online audiences, collaborating with her father on The Songs of Society, and the mindset that keeps her grounded while her music travels far beyond borders. Honest, energetic, and refreshingly self-aware, this interview offers a glimpse into the mind of a young musician whose story is only just beginning.

1. When you first picked up the bass, did it feel like the bass chose you or you chose the bass?

I chose the bass. Something about the sound and the feel pulled me in right away, and I knew it was the instrument I wanted to grow with.

2. You are officially endorsed by some of the biggest global music brands. What was the most surreal moment from those journeys?

The most surreal moment was being endorsed by Markbass and Sadowsky, the brands I’ve loved and admired for years. I used to look up to the artists who played their gear, so having them recognize me felt unreal.

3. If “Bassline to the Beyond” had a superhero version of you, what would her powers be?

I’d have Superwoman strength with Hulk-level power, strong enough to smash anything in my way 🙂.

4. You perform rock and metal but also sneak in Indian classical flavors. How do you mix all these worlds inside a fifteen year old brain?

I enjoy playing rock and metal bass, but my dad always says every instrument has a depth beyond its usual role. Since bass is mostly seen as a backing instrument, he encouraged me to bring it to the forefront by adding Indian classical elements and taking a soloist approach, which lets me explore the bass in a whole new way.

5. You work with your dad in The Songs of Society. What’s the funniest or most chaotic father daughter studio moment so far?

I think I was 12 when I first started recording bass on my dad’s tracks after doing a few bass covers. There haven’t been many funny moments, but a lot of chaotic ones. Whenever I was playful or didn’t give the perfect take, my dad would get frustrated, and we’d end up arguing. Sometimes he’d even walk out of the recording room, but it was all part of the process, and we’d always laugh about it afterward.

6. You have fans across India and outside. What is one message from a fan that made you go “Okay wow this is real”?

I’m just 15 and still learning, and when I get messages from people saying their 5- or 6-year-olds have picked up instruments after watching my videos, it makes me pause and think, ‘Wow, this is real.’ It’s truly amazing to be able to inspire others.

7. If you had to explain the bass to a five year old in one sentence, how would you describe it?

The bass is the big guitar that makes you want to dance.

8. You’re growing at lightning speed online. How do you stay grounded when likes and views go wild?

Likes and views are always exciting and encouraging, and I have immense respect and gratitude for all my followers, but I stay grounded by focusing on my love for music and on learning and creating every day.

9. If you could jam with any three artists from any era, who would make the dream trio with you?

I have immense respect for legends like Jaco Pastorius, Victor Wooten, and Marcus Miller for their contributions to the global bass community, as well as for the iconic Indian bassist Mr. Keith Peters, whose bass playing has shaped Indian cinema’s music.

My dream trio, however, would be Vincen Garcia, Brian Burkheiser, and Rhythm Shaw. Jamming with them would be an unforgettable experience, a mix of groove, emotion, and guitar mastery.

10. What does success look like to you right now as a young musician still discovering her own voice?

For me, success right now is about growth, consistency, and loving the process rather than being perfect. It means practicing, improving each day, and enjoying playing bass while learning to become a better musician.

Rapid Fire

• Pick one: Slap, tap or groove.

Slap ! Anytime

• Your guilty pleasure song to play on bass.

Another one bites the dust By Queen

• One pedal you would save in a fire.

My Tuner Pedal

• Morning practice or midnight practice.

Afternoon Practice

• Fast riffs or deep pocket grooves.

Fast riffs

• One musician you would love to prank on stage.