For the love of music

“Anyone who has the money and the contacts are making music these days, which is not right.”

by PRAVAT J GURUNG (wavemag)

If one were to closely scrutinise the path to success, passion would always take precedence. It drives a person to set out on a journey which is difficult and at times unheard of, often taking matters into their own hands. And this month, we feature two fine young lads who are all set to bounce and pounce into the Nepali music industry.

Though he's new, Himalaya Rai has the passion and Rinchen Palzar aka Rajib, lead guitarist of Abhaya and the Steam Injuns, is right behind him teaching him the tricks of the trade. Together, they create a record company and a wholesome package ready to give out their best.

"I was just 17 when I realised that music is what I wanted to do and I'm happy now" says Himalaya, "I am very much thankful to Rajib dai and Abhaya di for taking me under their wings and making me realise that it was something that I could do." Himalaya met Rajib when he was in college while Rajib was here in Kathmandu holidaying from Darjeeling. "He used to bunk college and come to my place to talk about music. I was amazed by his sense of music," says Rajib. A big fan of Abhaya, the conversations were then taken outside the four walls and onto the streets as Himalaya acted as a guide to Rajib around the streets of Kathmandu. "I didn't know much of this place," remembers Rajib.

Rajib always knew music is what he wanted to do and when Abhaya offered him a place in her band, he was more than happy to join. It's been 7 years since he's been playing music and by the looks of it, he doesn't have any plans of retiring any time soon. Besides playing for the band, he also composes music. Himalaya, on the other hand, is a shy 21-year-old but his enthusiasm for music helped him reach where he is now. "My dad understood my love and passion for music and he is the one who encouraged me to start a music label," says Himalaya.

Their similar interests and personalities resulted in the establishment of 360 Degrees Records. "We started the company to promote artists who have the talent. Himalaya wanted to open a recording studio at first but then he changed his plans and we opened 360 Degrees Records," reveals Rajib.

The company of late has produced Nayan, the latest album of Abhaya and the Steam Injuns. "Anyone who has the money and the contacts are making music these days, which is not right," say the duo with a hint of annoyance. But we can't deny it either. A quick flip of the channels on TV attests it, making us question if singers, producers and not to forget the listeners are tone deaf. Hence, 360 Degrees Records aims to promote the fact that music is a gift that only few are blessed with.

Though just on the initial stage of their musical journey, the path has been good for both of them. They plan to produce and promote quality music. But they feel their journey wouldn't have been as smooth without the help of Biplob, Abhaya, Kai, Manohar, Anup Prakash, their band members of the Steam Injuns and all those who've supported them over the years. Tune in to quality music, musicians and artists from 360 Degrees Records soon. For more information, log on to www.360-records.com

Rite of Spring Nepali style

KATHMANDU, March 1(Republica)
How many times in life do you get to see a jazz player sit cross-legged, like a yogi, and match the tunes of a sitar with his saxophone?

The matching was almost perfect and the overcrowded venue at Rashtriya Nachghar at Jamal did not feel the need to note the difference. It was Friday evening at Sukarma´s annual solo concert this year, featuring Mariano from the Kathmandu Jazz Conservatory (KJC).

"I´ve done this a few times," a bespectacled Mariano grinned as his eyes moved to and fro in amusement. "Actually, very few times!" Then he looked at his shoes sheepishly, looked up and smiled before a bunch of admirers encircled him again.

Mariano was joined by Jan on piano in classic folk tunes at Sukarma’s annual gala affair. This time, the band performed nine fresh compositions they had prepared specially for this spring concert. The show christened "Ritu Shrawan" was light and soothing to match the mood of spring.

The trio of Dhrubesh Chandra Regmi, Shyam Chitrakar and Pramod Upadhyaya mesmerizing the crowd again is hardly any news anymore, especially with Shyam playing murchunga, a Nepali instrument akin to the Jewish harp. Rounds of applause swept the hall. Hari Maharjan, formerly of Nepathya fame, was on guitar and Umesh Pandit, his flute a few inches longer than his hand, put in a stupendous performance.

Shekhar Kharel, the event manager, said in his welcome speech that the concert was for "free people of free countries" as music cannot be confined by geography. He forgot to add a tiny detail that pulled many to the concert – the program was free of cost.

"We´re doing this because there is an immediate need to bring classical music to the attention of as many as possible," said Dhrubesh Chandra Regmi, the sitar maestro of the band. "Not many people still want to spend money to come and listen to classical."

Photo: Bijay Rai

Sharing his experience during a recent four-month European tour, Regmi added, "Since we´re sandwiched between India and China, people think Nepali music is a hybrid of the two." According to him, many people in other parts of the world mistake Indian music for music from India. "Indian music applies to all genres of music found between the Indian Ocean and the Himalayas," the doctorate in the history of Nepali music said.

Sukarma is often accused of distorting classical music. But Regmi says in defense that classical music is not necessarily what we´ve been playing for centuries. Dhrubesh, son of renowned sitar virtuoso Krishna C Regmi, added, "Like everything else classical music evolves too."

Sukarma is a folk and classical instrumental trio formed in 1997. Within a decade, the group has established itself as a major presence and represented Nepali music in many country including the USA, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, France, Austria and Germany, to name a few.

Capital to see historic music concert in Shivaratri

KATHMANDU, Feb 22: Namaste, a popular fusion-rock band harking back to the 90s, is set to rock the capital after a five year hiatus on Shivaratri. The Mahashivarati World Music Festival 2009 will see more than three dozen singers, musicians and bands perform on the same stage alongside the Pokhareli band on February 23 at Bhrikuti Mandap premises.

Former Rastafarian Ishwar Gurung will “try and bring as many music enthusiasts as possible together on the day of Shiva, an artist himself”.

The singer argued that the reason it will be a world music event, is because the audience will be able to enjoy different genres of music from around the world, including pop, rock, hip-hop and “metallic-dead” from the same platform.

The frontman of the rock band said Japanese bands such as Kinta Kunte, Jah Taboo and Pilater will perform alongside them, and an American soloist known as Dan will perform with a Nepali instrumental band.

Nepal’s oldest rock group Prism will attempt another reunion at the concert. Prism has not played together for several years. Even though the band does not play any original songs, the veterans are credited for popularizing Western rock music in Kathmandu. Chitwan’s favorite - The Shadows - will face decade-old The Axe. Nepal’s first female rocker Abhaya and the Steam Injuns will try to warm up the cold day of Shivaratri. The ever-static Cobweb will most likely play their Maryo ni Maryo one more time. Teacher-rockers Mt 8848, guitar performer Anil Shahi and Maya Mantra, Stone AMP and Saayas will all come together to rock the capital, where the outdoor concerts has declined with even less crowd turnout.

Organizers hope this event will mark a revival of Nepali music. “The idea is to enjoy music while the musicians learn from each other,” Gurung said.

Other lineups include Om Bikram Bista, Nima Rumba, Sabin Rai, Anil Singh, Mingma Sherpa, Mausami Gurung, Reshma Sunuwar, Nepsydaz, Sugam Pokharel, Avinash Ghising, and a few other yet to be confirmed solo singers.

The event, slated for Monday, will also mark the band’s 20th anniversary.

Ishwar Gurung, a native of Pokhara, formed the Namaste band in 1989 with his buddies Sunil Gurung, Pancha Lama and Shanti Rayamajhi. They have six albums under their belt and are famous for their antics, especially frontman Ishwar Gurung’s. In 2004, Gurung shaved his head, saved for 17 years from any blades, in the name of “world peace”. Their 1998 album “Sandesh” was an instant classic, with hits like Hami Agyani and the original of Nepathya’s Chari Maryo Sishai ko Goliley.

The band also has a historic road show under its record of doing 29 shows in 30 days throughout the country. They even performed at Kalapatthar in Mt Everest region at the height of 5,565 meters to try and register for the “Open Air Concert in the highest location” category with the Guinness Book of World Records in 1998. But their efforts were in vain due to lack of governmental support.

Their music uses ample percussions, powerful rhythm and commanding lyrics, with an aftertaste of Reggae beats.

Gurung has been so critical in the development of open air concerts in Nepal, that Nepal has seen a massive decline in number and audience turnout. The Mahashivaratri Music Festival started in 1994 and went on for the next 10 consecutive years, proving one of the best platforms for newcomers to showcase their talents from Mongolian Hearts to Nabin Bhattarai.

The Maha Shivaratri World Music Festival will start at noon and will run until late in the evening. It will also travel to Pokhara on December 28.
Source: Republica

The new kid on the block

Talented and versatile, Astha is set to start a new chapter in Nepali music
by PRAVAT J GURUNG , From Wave Mag - ISSUE # 157 (January 2009)

She is petite but don't let her small frame fool you. Behind the twinkling eyes and sweet smile is a powerful and distinct voice that is nothing like we've heard till date from a Nepali singer. And, with it Astha Tamang-Maskey is all set to steal everyone's heart. Finding space here for her sheer talent and passion for music, Astha is probably the freshest sound to hit the Nepali music industry.

"I started singing very young, I don't even remember when but I learnt guitar when I was 12 and started writing lyrics when I was 14," said a very happy-go-lucky Astha. Currently living in Canada, Astha is here in Kathmandu to record her new album which will have seven Nepali and one English song. She prefers writing her own songs on an acoustic guitar and is an emotional writer. "I find inspiration just about everywhere. I don't need a special ambience to write," expressed Astha and smilingly revealed that she really would love to write a song about being a hypocrite. "Though I love writing my songs myself, my mom has helped me a lot in this album and is my inspiration. It was kind of tough to write Nepali lyrics but I did write some songs myself," she reveals.

A music driven person, Astha is just 19 years old but her passion for music seems to be oozing out. "I can't stay without making music for even a day. I feel like something's missing if I'm not in involved in the any of its forms," said Astha adding, "I even cry sometimes after writing a song because what I've written are my feelings. I am not really a person who cries in front of people and through my lyrics and music, I can let out those inhibitions within me." Born and brought up in Nepal until she was 12 years old, she is making most of her time these days creating music and is overwhelmed by the amount of talent she has come across in the process of making her album titled Sabai Thikai Huncha.

A person who like's to keep her musical inspiration open, Astha tags her music as independent pop. "I don't have a particular genre. I listen to everyone and everything and my music is just as diverse. But this album is definitely independent pop." Produced by Rohit Shakya, the album is very different from what you hear these days with flavours of R&B to Pop to Acoustic and is sure to bring waves of change in the Nepali music industry. A girl from Canada recording an album in Nepal, she plans to start small and then go around the globe. "When I release my album here and get done with the promotions, I plan to go back to Canada and then push some of my English demo's there with record labels. And if luck permits I could be making music there as well," divulged Astha who admits to being very nervous about her album release here but hopes people will appreciate her music and effort.

"People can buy CD's from shops but I plan to release it online as well," informed Astha who is releasing the album on her own without any help from a record label. Make sure you grab a copy of the album and be serenaded by her sweet and powerful voice. To listen to Astha croon her heart away log on to wwwmyspace.com/asthatm or www.asthamusic.com.

If you want to be among the first to listen to Astha's music and watch the very first video from her album Sabai Thikai Huncha be a part of Acoustic Friday on 23 January, 6pm at The Bakery Café, Pulchowk.

Hits FM Hits Hardest

The Annual Hits FM Music Awards took place on 13 December at the Army Hall, amidst the lights going on and off. Mukti and Revival grabbed 4 awards for there songs Jaba Ma Samjhanchu and Dekhdaichu Ma. Most of the award recipients were established musicians while Best New Artist was awarded to Dawa Gurung. Besides starting half an hour late, the performances were not well-rehearsed but the award ceremony went smooth. Everyone in the Nepali Music Industry looks forward to this event and hopefully was satisfied with the results. For the list of winners, log onto www.hitsfm.com.np.

The night Kathmandu went to party

KATHMANDU, Soaltee Crowne Plaza

Up close, it's a tough job to make out Britney Lorna Spears from the real Britney, though City Post had some doubts after her meet-the-press session for the year-ending shindig. But on stage, two large TV screens flashing real Britney shots, with a bit of distance, and a few pints of booze in the blood, no lying, she is as close to Britney Spears as they get. And sashaying across the dance floor while flanked by her two dance partners, Laura and Johanna, oh, the Cambridge cannonball sent some hearts aflutter, all right.

New Year eve at Soaltee was a night to remember for all those present at the Megha Mahal. Even before Britney took to the stage, the hall was abuzz with live performance by Heart Breakers. Their soothing blend of Nepali, Indie and English songs set the stage perfectly for Britney's hot numbers like "Toxic" and "I'm a Slave 4 U".

No less amazing was DJ Kurly's choice of songs; his eclectic mix reaching its crescendo with the "It's the final countdown" on the stoke of midnight. Astounding, how he matched the tunes to the vibe in the hall!

All in all, a wild and wicked night of partying, made even more pleasurable for those who bagged air tickets for destinations all over the world in door prizes. To the thick of things, add some of the most delicious dishes on offer at the buffet dinner.

So much packed into a single night's entertainment. Good job, guys.


Yak and Yeti

Hotel Yak and Yeti came alive this New Year eve with people from all walks of life huddled inside Club Platinum, having the time of their lives with luscious food, chosen drinks and lively music. The crowd, who numbered in thousands, could hardly fit on the dance floor, but the throng only added to the fun.

“The first thing I did on arrival was attack the food. They are just so yummy!” said Shezma Shrestha, an attendant to the party. The buffet dinner included both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes as well as pastry items for desert.

DJ Surr, as promised, gave the audience a taste of Bollywood music which included House Music, Trans music, hip hop, rocks and Bhangada. “I worked hard to prepare myself for this event in Nepal. Last year when I was here I didn't know what to expect but this time I came prepared.” Indeed!

People from all age groups were enjoying themselves, lost in sheer joy. Drinks, dance and the amazing dinner had everyone on the mood and the New Year was hailed on the strike of 12 with thunderous applauses and cheers.

Radisson

One of the most sought-after events in the capital was the rock and roll themed party “New Year Rock & Roll extravaganza with Mukti & Revival” at Radisson Hotel at Lazimpat. The award winning blues-rock outfit Mukti & Revival played some of their greatest hits like “Dalli Resham”, “Chaubandi Cholo”, “Aakashaima Chil Udyo” and “Dekhdai Chhu”.

The banquet hall was overflowing with people. With lavish buffet dinner and drinks, this certainly was worth the time and money of those who had come to Radisson with their friends and family members.

As the night proceeded, people started moving their bodies to the beats of DJ Santosh. He played all kinds of music, catered to every age group. Besides his spinning remixes, there were dance performances as well which garnered mixed reaction from the crowd. Mukti and Revival made people sing and dance with their hits. On the request of a fan, the band encored “Chaubandi Cholo”. Just for the lucky guy. The music and dance continued till the wee hours of the morning.

Hotel Himalaya

A rich flavour from the '70s distinguished the New Year eve bash at Hotel Himalaya, Kupondole, from boisterous celebrations at other party venues in the capital. People were awestruck at the grace with which the Connection Band performed at the event. The crowd mostly included foreigners who sang away glory songs like "Wild World" and "Pal". The dinner included vegetarian and non-vegetarian food with multi-cuisine. Shriti Pradhan with her songs like “Leaving on a jet plane” made everyone a little nostalgic for the year that has just come an end. People welcomed the New Year with their loved ones by their sides and sparking assorted wine in their glasses.

Insomnia

The most exciting dancing destination of Kathmandu, Insomnia, celebrated New Year in its unique style. For the start, the moovin and grooving continued throughout the night, giving true meaning to the term insomniacs. New Year fever had struck everyone, most of whom could be seen bouncing to the tunes of music, drinks sloshing in their hands.

“The New Year is filled with hope. I am dancing to celebrate it," said Soni Pradhan, dancing with her friends. The bash included mostly youngsters who had come along with their loved ones to celebrate the occasion.

Cube

The Cube left no stone unturned in making the final event of the year as exciting and fun-filled for Kathmanduites as possible. Held in collaboration with Party Nepal, the occasion was a perfect finale to 2008. People young and old, men as well as women, singles as well as couples, could be seen grooving to the tunes of DJ Ali's near perfect blend of Nepali, Hindi and English songs soon as the clock hit 10. Cube extravaganza was successful in capturing the essence of the upcoming year for all those gathered at the venue to welcome 2009.

Vintage

The Vintage restaurant at Durbarmarg had a special music night for its guests. With live music from 'Vishal and frens' who churned out some of the most famous Sufi, Hindi and Nepali numbers, the restaurant entertained its guests till midnight. Those present were delighted by the ambience of the place and appreciated the effort of the owners to welcome the New Year with flair.

Dhokaima Cafe

Manoj Basnet who owns of the classiest Pubs in Manhattan brought a little bit of New York to the valley on New Year eve. Basnet, who practically grew up in a bar, threw one of the most awaited parties of the New Year eve at Dhokaima Cafe in Patan with “New York” as the event's theme. At the entrance was a yellow cab, without which commuting in New York is impossible. A perfect view of the Hudson River over the Manhattan skyline had been set from the dance floor. The statue of Liberty at the bar welcomed the party goers at the entrance. The DJ playing R 'n' B and techno kept everyone on the dance floor till midnight. A lounge with the perfect couches had been set up to keep the people away from the DEAD ENDS!

Tour de Thamel

Thamel was back in business on the New Year eve as Home Minister's 11 0'clock deadline didn't seem to bother the partygoers who thronged the streets in the mood to live it up. With restaurants and pubs filled with customers and the streets flocked with excited fun seekers, it was hard to believe that this place is dead by 11 most nights of the year.

The hottest and the most happening places served their guests with rich packages of entertainment. Almost all of them had a live band or a DJ or both, to liven up the party. Some of the party destinations like Tantra, Celebrations, Tamas, Seesha were jam-packed.

The most interesting sight to see was of people taking to the streets instead of joining any particular party. It was for fun and to get a variety of music without having to pay for it, most of them said. Milan and his gang who enjoying themselves outside a live band restaurant said: “We came up with this idea after spending all our money in the parties. In occasions like this, it costs to get into a party but what we do is listen to music, because that is what we are really interested in. This way, we can switch restaurants where the music is not that good without having to worry about our money going to waste.”

Parties continued till midnight in most locations, some even into the wee hours. The female population which had joined in the celebrations was impressive and some tourists were also seen having a good time.
Source: eKantipur

INdian Idol goes to Nepal

Indo-Asian News Service, Friday, December 26, 2008 (Kathmandu)

A year after Prashant Tamang took India's entertainment industry by storm with his win in the popular television reality show Indian Idol, the 24-year-old police constable is now poised to become a matinee idol in Nepal.

The young man of Nepali origin, who owed much of his triumph to his wild fan following in this country, will now play himself in a biopic being made on his life, struggle and eventual victory.

The yet to be titled full-length feature film is the first venture of debutant director Dinesh Raj Sharma.

The script is by the Indian Idol himself and focuses on the artistic, mental and physical struggles he had to undergo to win a show that is watched by millions in India, Nepal, Bangladesh and the Middle East.

Besides Prashant, the other stars are Nepali film industry's most charismatic hero Rajesh Hamal, action hero Ramit Dhungana and sultry actress Jharana Thapa, who recently stirred a controversy with a media report about Bollywood baddie Shakti Kapoor "misbehaving" with her during shooting for another film in southern Nepal.

Most of the film will be shot in Sikkim and Darjeeling. Prashant was born in Tungsung village in Darjeeling district of India's West Bengal state.

He studied at St Robert's School in Darjeeling and after the death of his father Madan Tamang, who worked in West Bengal Police, joined the force where his singing talent came to the fore in the police orchestra.

Part of the film will also be shot in Nepal, where Prashant received a hero's welcome after winning the contest. Nepal's then prime minister Girija Prasad Koirala invited him to tea twice and his first concert in Kathmandu valley was sold out despite bad weather.

The shooting will start early February after Prashant, who won a Rs.10 million contract with Sony, is free to take up other commitments.

Prashant has already released an album in Nepali and has featured in a book on people who brought fame to Nepal.

He will sing his songs in the film as well besides another popular singer of Nepali origin, Bollywood celebrity Udit Narayan Jha, who was one of the Indian Idol judges.