Vatan Singh Rajan

Vatan Singh Rajan is an Indian drummer and composer. The primarily self-taught drummer has worked on the New York Jazz Scene since 2017 with artists such as Grammy Award-winning pianist Rachel Z, NEA Jazz Master Reggie Workman, and renowned pianist Armen Donelian. Vatan has featured at the International Jazzfestival Bern in Switzerland, Lincoln Center, Smalls Jazz Club, New England Conservatory, Yale University, and The Django in the United States, and several more venues worldwide. Seldom acknowledging stylistic constraints, Vatan has been described as 'An individual who has the ability to connect with the deepest chords of the human experience' (Arun Kapur, India Today Group). 

Vatan's compositional influences range from mentor Bill Stewart to composers Olivier Messiaen and Morton Feldman, with music deeply rooted in the New York School, Musique concrète, and constructed soundscapes – concepts shown on the performer-composer’s debut EP ‘Alone’ (recorded 2022, released 2025).

Awards

Mannes GR Award, The New School (2024)

Global Citizen Award, New York University (2024)

Sir Roland Hanna Award, Queens College (2023)

Dean's Scholarship Award, New England Conservatory (2016)

Best International Delegation, Aitchison ArtFest (2013)

#3 Ranking for Jazz (Reverbnation India, 2012)

Certificate of Distinction, Royal Schools of Music (2011)

Gear

Zildjian 22" Dry Complex Medium-thin Ride (hammered by Bill Stewart)

Zildjian 20" Dry Complex Ride

Zildjian 22" Prototype (hammered by Bill Stewart)

Zildjian 20" 1960s A (Hammered and lathed by Rajan)

Zildjian 15" K Custom Special Dry Hi Hats (pair of 2 tops)

Zildjian 20" K Light Flat Ride Cymbal

Ludwig Supraphonic 6.5x14 Hammered Brass w/Tube Lugs Snare Drum

2x Condenser 25mm Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphones (DIY)

ZIldjian John Riley Artist Series Drumsticks

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