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Rahul Vanamali

@rahulvanamali.com
450 followers 248 following 199 posts

📍Chennai, India Percussionist, performer, educator, session musician. Video game music arranger, Pokémon geek. He/him. Available for remote recording!

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Rahul Vanamali @rahulvanamali.com · 07/07/2026
Emerging from Bsky hibernation to share the biggest and most challenging project I’ve ever worked on, check it out 🫣 Big thanks to Julia for the stellar mix!
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The Game Brass @thegamebrass.com · 07/12/2025
With the release of Metroid Prime 4 and the encroaching winter months, it seemed high time to launch our latest cover. Presenting "Phendrana Drifts" from Metroid Prime! Stay warm, friends! youtu.be/Zu61uXDhHkg?...
youtu.be
Metroid Prime "Phendrana Drifts" Brass Quintet
YouTube video by The Game Brass
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Rahul Vanamali @rahulvanamali.com · 20/11/2025
I've been working on my guitar technique lately
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purpleschala.bsky.social @purpleschala.bsky.social · 19/11/2025
Thanks to @zorakc2c.bsky.social @musiconthedlo.bsky.social @rahulvanamali.com, I have finally achieved my dream of covering a Yakuza jazz bar theme: Silky Night (Yakuza 0-5), for when you're being educated on fine whiskey, or reflecting on that run-in with the Korean mafia (youtu.be/6wiBF0lf9Fs?...)
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Rahul Vanamali @rahulvanamali.com · 15/10/2025
Been working on more intentional, offline living lately, but some updates - Sold out(!) solo show in Chennai last month, first of its kind in India - Introducing marimba/vibes to new audiences & genres of Indian music with different bands/ensembles Grateful for the opportunities
A picture of me playing my marimba with the vibraphone on stage in the background
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Rahul Vanamali @rahulvanamali.com · 15/10/2025
I've been gigging a lot with my vibraphone lately and a few weeks ago, something in the pickup system broke, leaving me with two buzzing keys and a non-functional volume knob until I can get replacement parts from the US 😭
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Rahul Vanamali @rahulvanamali.com · 12/09/2025
I hadn't shared this on here, so -- this weekend I'm doing a solo classical percussion show in Chennai, which will be the first of its kind in India! India's biggest classical music magazine did a feature on me too: serenademagazine.com/rahul-vanama...
A poster of me sitting behind my marimba with my hands clasped under my chin. "Many Studies, One Summary" is the concert title, with the subtitle "Rahul Vanamali presents: A Classical & Contemporary Solo Percussion Concert. Indian Premieres of Marimba, Vibraphone, Drum Set, Snare Drum works by Psathas, Séjourné, and more"

It takes place at Aura Studios, in Chennai, on September 14, 2025, with tickets available through Skillbox.
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Sean R. Hanson 🎹 @sean081799.bsky.social · 28/07/2025
New cover! This is an arrangement of Schala's Theme from Chrono Trigger arranged entirely for metallic and glassy percussion - featuring the members of Open World Percussion! Check out the full album "Chambers of Time" by GameGrooves! Info below! 🔽🔽🔽 Full video on YT: youtu.be/-hc_87LCDEA?...
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Rahul Vanamali @rahulvanamali.com · 19/07/2025
I plugged my vibraphone into a guitar amp for the first time in a rehearsal today, and having previously used it almost exclusively with amp sims on my laptop…wow. Someone tell me not to start looking at amps and physical pedals 🫠
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The Game Brass @thegamebrass.com · 06/07/2025
The première of Lumière is now! Please enjoy our version of this gorgeous track from @sandfallgames.bsky.social's Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, arranged for brass quintet featuring @lauraintravia.bsky.social and @johnrobertmatz.bsky.social on vocals! #Expedition33 #ClairObscur youtu.be/UTcQwCpPxFw
youtu.be
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 "Lumière" for Brass Quintet and Voice
YouTube video by The Game Brass
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The Game Brass @thegamebrass.com · 05/06/2025
And now, straight from the newly released Deltarune Chapter 3, a FEATURE PRESENTATION! Enjoy! (And for those who care about spoilers, this scene happens about 5 minutes into the game.) www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2W7...
youtube.com
Deltarune Chapter 3 "Feature Presentation" Brass Quintet
YouTube video by The Game Brass
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Rahul Vanamali @rahulvanamali.com · 21/05/2025
New portrait shots 🥁
A portrait shot of me leaning forward over the low end of my marimba and staring into the camera, with two mallets in one hand, and the other two mallets lying on the marimba keys.
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Rahul Vanamali @rahulvanamali.com · 10/05/2025
Emulating guitar tapping on vibraphone remains the best way to keep my chops up
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Rahul Vanamali @rahulvanamali.com · 26/04/2025
Tfw you accidentally hit Cmd+Q instead of Cmd+S 😶‍🌫️ Thankful Resolve autosaves lol
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Rahul Vanamali @rahulvanamali.com · 14/04/2025
Watched a touching Bluey episode today that was adapted from a Buddha story I read many times as a kid... Bluey continues to be a fantastic show
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Allison Martin ♪ @allisonmartintrombone.com · 10/04/2025
BLUEY!!! I made a big old trombone collab to spread positivity and desire to help those around us 💙 For me, it's for Faye, who is a young Bluey fan battling leukemia. I wanted to do something to help! Now, more than ever--we need to help each other. I hope this video inspires us all to do that!
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Rahul Vanamali @rahulvanamali.com · 04/04/2025
It’s been a while since I’ve posted some shredding, so please enjoy me playing along to some Indian prog ⚡️
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Rahul Vanamali @rahulvanamali.com · 02/04/2025
New Mario Kart and enhanced BotW/TotK/Pokemon ZA, I’m sold and content 😌
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Ro Panuganti @ropanuganti.com · 01/04/2025
🎉🎉ANNOUNCEMENT!!! FIRST LOOK at Dave the Diver: REMASTERED www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVCQ... This looks like something I'd wanna play, finally a GRITTY REBOOT of sweet Dave the Diver ♥
youtube.com
FIRST LOOK | Dave the Diver: REMASTERED
YouTube video by 민트로켓 MINTROCKET
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Ro Panuganti @ropanuganti.com · 30/03/2025
Thank you again @davidwise.bsky.social @grantkirkhope.bsky.social for letting me and @insaneintherainmusic.com jam with you at the WA Expo! Kind of fitting how you got an extra guitar and sax out of us! 🐵🍌 🎸🎷
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Rahul Vanamali @rahulvanamali.com · 24/03/2025
I recently found this folder containing all the music my dad downloaded for me to listen to on my first iPod ages ago 😶‍🌫️ The lack of DS games is a bit misleading timeline-wise lol but this was probably around 2009-2010. I spent sooo many hours listening to these soundtracks
A OneDrive folder containing the soundtracks to most of the Pokémon games from generations I to IV
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Rahul Vanamali @rahulvanamali.com · 18/03/2025
I missed this when it came out, but gave the full album a listen today and can't recommend it enough. Fabulous arrangements from @ericltrombone.com , killer playing all round, and banging mixes from @andy-ru.bsky.social. Check them out!!
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Rahul Vanamali @rahulvanamali.com · 18/03/2025
It’s not in a place that catches my eye frequently, so every so often when I’m putting my vibes back together after a gig, I see the spot where @drumultima.bsky.social signed my instrument and remember the fun trip I had when I first picked it up 🥹
A picture of the side of my vibraphone frame with Doug Perry’s signature on it
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Rahul Vanamali @rahulvanamali.com · 16/03/2025
I played for a singer-songwriter friend tonight at a venue that couldn’t accommodate a bass drum, so I ended up having a really interesting and inspiring time with this minimal setup of snare, floor tom (pseudo-kick) and ride cymbal
A picture of my snare drum, floor Tom, and ride cymbal
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Rahul Vanamali @rahulvanamali.com · 10/03/2025
The Daylight Savings change is messing with me despite living in a country that doesn’t observe it because I have to mentally replan any calls or scheduled events with anyone in NA haha
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Rahul Vanamali @rahulvanamali.com · 27/02/2025
ZA battles look SO interesting, I like that they switched it up from PLA
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Rahul Vanamali @rahulvanamali.com · 27/02/2025
Oh my god is this an official Pokémon Showdown??
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Rahul Vanamali @rahulvanamali.com · 27/02/2025
Happy Pokémon Day 😄
My sleeping Charmander plushie in front of the Pokémon presents stream
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Rahul Vanamali @rahulvanamali.com · 25/02/2025
@viopatti.bsky.social is a lighting wizard 🪄 Follow her new channel and you too, can learn to look as cool as I feel 🐉 youtube.com/@pattirudisi...
An angled shot of me playing marimba with red lighting
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Rahul Vanamali @rahulvanamali.com · 24/02/2025
Lots been happening offline so I've been away from social media for a while; turned 25 today and counting my blessings 🙏🏽
A picture of me crouching on the ground next to my dog Max
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Rahul Vanamali @rahulvanamali.com · 05/02/2025
14 🤓 I did start gaming a few years before that though, when my cousin gave me his GameBoy Colour and Pokémon Red/Silver…and the rest is history lol
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Allison Martin ♪ @allisonmartintrombone.com · 04/02/2025
Putting this here for fun—the Severance theme because I can’t get it out of my head 😂 I’m particularly proud of the Lumon badge and the “Lumon” logo at the beginning lol
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Rahul Vanamali @rahulvanamali.com · 02/02/2025
New drums who dis 🥁 This is my dream setup
Yamaha Stage Custom Hip in Matte Surfe Green, with Istanbul Agop flat ride and hats, mesh heads on toms and kick, and drum tortilla on snare
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Patti Rudisill @viopatti.bsky.social · 30/01/2025
Big news! I’m launching a new channel for solo musicians & creators who want to level up their skills—from video production and recording, to other essentials like navigating copyright and streamlining your workflow. First video drops tomorrow! Follow along here ➡️ youtu.be/DBUlPIM3pUA
youtu.be
The Channel I Wish I Had When I Started (Welcome!)
YouTube video by Patti Rudisill Studio
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Rahul Vanamali @rahulvanamali.com · 25/01/2025
Watching MAGFest Community Orchestra on Twitch and hearing Mystery Dungeon absolutely made my day 🥹🥹🥹
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Rahul Vanamali @rahulvanamali.com · 23/01/2025
Me and my canon Pokémon team I don’t think I have a regional bias, but Johto’s got some top-tier designs
A picture of me sitting in between my vibraphone and marimbaCharizardKingdraPorygon2
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Rahul Vanamali @rahulvanamali.com · 23/01/2025
I won’t be at MAG this year, but hope everyone going has a good weekend!
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Rahul Vanamali @rahulvanamali.com · 07/01/2025
I love overhead shots, this is from a show I did this past weekend!
An overhead monochrome picture of me playing the vibraphone
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Rahul Vanamali @rahulvanamali.com · 03/01/2025
I studied Arabic in school only between the ages of 7-11 but because it was at such an early stage of childhood, it stuck with me a decade and more later. Started 🇯🇵 on Duolingo today and I kinda wish I learnt it when I was a kid lol
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Rahul Vanamali @rahulvanamali.com · 31/12/2024
Here's a few pictures from my return to live performance in India - Debuted mallet instruments at prestigious venues across the country - Premiered classical/contemporary music for Indian audiences - Shared stages with legendary musicians
A front shot of me playing vibraphoneA shot from behind of a band on stage, with me standing behind my vibraphone and next to my marimbaA picture of me on stage playing vibraphone, next to a flute playerA picture from behind my vibraphone showing a large concert hall
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Rahul Vanamali @rahulvanamali.com · 31/12/2024
I typed up this 2024 reflection a couple days ago. I had less time for my own projects this year, but lots of incredible opportunities as far as live performance goes, and looking back on 2024 as a whole made me feel pretty proud of everything I did.
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When I first moved back to India last year, I knew I might end up being one of the only mallet players in the country. An exciting thought, but given the rarity of these instruments - both physically and in the musical traditions that exist here - certainly a daunting one too. 

Hard work, patience, perseverance, and almost two years later...
In 2024, I debuted my instruments at several prestigious venues across the country, gave my first performances as a mallet player since returning, premiered classical repertoire to Indian audiences, and traveled more than I ever had before. 2/4

I spent most of last year making music on my own and ruminating on what I truly wanted to do, while making connections and meeting people online — early this year, a couple of musically enriching trips to Delhi and Mumbai helped me convert those connections into friendships offline. 

The period between August and October was perhaps the most rewarding. Live performance has always been a core part of my musical identity, and with several shows in a variety of genres across multiple cities, I started to feel more musically fulfilled, in a way I hadn’t for a while. 3/4

My musical highlights of the year came in this timeframe; I’m grateful to TICE for bringing me on to a project unlike any I’d seen before, Shirish for partnering with me to showcase more classical music, and Neil for providing me with a platform to showcase my capabilities on my instruments as well as share a stage with musicians I’d long watched from afar. 

All this to say nothing of a first full year of teaching at The Sunshine Orchestra, an orchestra unlike any other in the country, which has been a true privilege. 4/4

Couple more brief thank yous:
to Anantha for always pushing me
to Ranjana and Aniket for making my travel as smooth as could be 

It’s been a quiet end to 2024 as I spend this month recovering from surgery, but with it comes a chance to properly reflect on the year as a whole, and the incredibly opportunities that arrived with it. 

it may have taken a little while, but I can feel the wheels beginning to turn. 
Thank you to everyone who supported me this year. I’m just getting started.
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Ro Panuganti @ropanuganti.com · 31/12/2024
2024 Recap, with a behind-the-scenes clip of my preshow "speech" at MAGFest. This little montage and teaser shows a fraction of what my year was like, starting with a ten-year dream fulfilled.
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Rahul Vanamali @rahulvanamali.com · 30/12/2024
As I review my year, I’m starting to feel a lil’ fomo that I won’t be beginning the next year at MAGFest 🫣 Hopefully I’ll be back in 2026
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Rahul Vanamali @rahulvanamali.com · 25/12/2024
🎄🎄🎄 New gear day and it’s the single most beautiful cymbal I’ve ever owned. Istanbul Agop 30th anniversary 20” flat ride 😍
Istanbul Agop 30th anniversary 20” flat ride
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Rahul Vanamali @rahulvanamali.com · 21/12/2024
A drummer friend of mine was visiting from the US, and we paid tribute to the legendary Zakir Hussain, one of the greatest tabla players ever, who passed away earlier this week
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Rahul Vanamali @rahulvanamali.com · 11/12/2024
First game trailer credit 😄 Huge thanks to @mrhassansan.bsky.social for having me play pretty music alongside some fabulous musicians!
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Hassan DuRant @mrhassansan.bsky.social · 10/12/2024
Honored to have scored such a dazzling animation for Studio Drydock's upcoming game! ✨ The performances from the musicians truly blew me away; please hire these folks for your recording needs! (Credits below) ⤵️
youtu.be
✨ Wylde Society ✨ - Official Game Announcement Trailer
YouTube video by Studio Drydock
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Rahul Vanamali @rahulvanamali.com · 04/12/2024
Reflecting on my own musicality lately - I’d like to spend more time learning music in furtherance of developing my own style/voice across my instruments. My previous choices pursued technique, but they’ve shown me that technically, I can play anything I want…My next goal is to shape that.
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Rahul Vanamali @rahulvanamali.com · 03/12/2024
Glad my new snare wires arrived safely, but the packaging to product ratio was startling and amusing
Grover Pro snare wires in a plastic cover next to a box many times larger, stuffed with paper wrapping
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Rahul Vanamali @rahulvanamali.com · 27/11/2024
Retired my Tama Speedcobras after 12 years of use (including travel for school and MAGFest!) and upgraded to these Yamaha DFP-9Ds, my first direct drive pedals!
A picture of Yamaha’s DFP-9D direct drive double pedals attached to a surf green Yamaha Stage Custom Hip bass drum with an Evans dbZero low volume head fitted to it
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