Somesh Putcha

Biography

Somesh Putcha is a drummer and composer whose work has seen him tour nationally and internationally. An avid listener and musical omnivore, Somesh combines strong ties to the straight-ahead jazz tradition with an eclectic mix of other genres. He plays with rhythmic dynamism and a flexibility that sees him at home in any setting, almost disappearing into the music he plays.

Somesh Putcha received the ABC Jazz and Classical Composer Commission 2024

composing an album of original music that resulted in his first album “Ever Playful”, released in 2025. He has since toured the album in both Australia and Taiwan, receiving attention from radio and print media in both countries. In 2022-2023 Somesh studied with his mentor Colin Stranahan in New York City and later composition with pianist Glen Zaleski.

“Blending jazz improvisation, layered storytelling, and rhythmic dexterity, Putcha uses his heritage— both musical and cultural—as a vessel for personal reflection and connection.” – ABC Jazz

Somesh Putcha is a musical omnivore; from writing and leading his jazz projects to working as a sideman in hip-hop, jazz, rock, folk, pop and further afield. His music and artistic taste draws on the melting pot of music he listens to as well as oral and literary traditions of story telling - vedic, poetry, novels.

Somesh received the ABC Jazz and Classical Composer Commission 2024 and composed an album of original music that resulted in his first album “Ever Playful”, released in 2025. He’s gone on to tour the album in both Australia and Taiwan, receiving attention from radio and print media in both countries.

In 2022-2023 Somesh studied with the world renowned jazz drummer Colin Stranahan in New York City where immersed himself in the music culture of the city.