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

A Musical fight - Sprite Band Challange

by SANDESH ADHIKARI FROM ISSUE # 151 (July 2008) of Wavemag

Guitars riffs playing at deafening volumes; those in the mosh-pit banging their heads to blazing drum beats; you just got hit on the chin by someone's elbow and with all the head banging, you won't be able to move your neck for a week. But it's all good. Welcome to a rocker's paradise. It is probably the dream of every adolescent teenager to one day live the life of a rock star. Earning a living on what you love to do: making music. But not every teenage dreamer gets his wish of a life of fame, fortune and rock 'n' roll. As AC/DC puts it "It's a long way to the top if you want to rock and roll".

The Sprite Band Challenge has provided an opportunity to many such aspiring rock stars of Nepal. There is a lot of talent in the country but not many platforms where these talented musicians are able to show the world what they are all about. "For us, Sprite and youth are synonymous" says Sangam K.C, regional marketing manager of Sprite. "We wanted to do something that would appeal to the youth of the country. This competition provides a platform where many young bands get exposure." Because of the encouraging response they have received, the organisers are hoping to make this an annual event in the future.

The contest saw 50 bands vying for the cash prize of Rs. 1,00,000 and a free music video for one of their songs. The judges have chosen the crème de la crème among the 50 competitors and have formed the 'Top Six'. The organisers are also providing the viewers an opportunity to choose their best bands with an 'Under the Cap' scheme where the viewers can vote for their favourite bands. But once it's all said and done, only one band will emerge victorious.

The judges for this competition are some of the most respected musicians in the Nepali rock music scene. Dev Rana, Robin Tamang and Manoj K.C. are the ones that decide who stays and who goes home. "It is not the judges' job to kick out 44 bands", says Manoj K.C. "It is our job to pick the best six and I believe the best six among the 50 have been rightly chosen." The judges say that they are enjoying themselves and are quite satisfied with the contestants. "On tv, it seems as though we aren't having fun and are tired of the bands," says Manoj K.C. "It's just that we are exhausted because sometimes we need to judge about twenty bands a day," he clarifies.

Though the feedback of the show and participation have been positive, the judges had a shared opinion that there were a few good bands that could not participate because they were not informed about the contest and missed the last day of registration. Most of the bands were serious but there were a few bands that had come just to get on tv. "The participation of the bands was encouraging," points out Dev Rana. "In the future, I hope to see more female rockers in what most people nowadays believe to be male dominated rock bands"

"For me, music is music. It doesn't really matter which genre you pick," says Dev Rana, "To make it as a rock band, you need dedication, chemistry among the members, some financing and practice, practice, practice." The beauty of rock and roll is not in the flashy videos, scary make-up or the wardrobe; it is in the raw energy that is brought to life on stage. As Robin Tamang points out "If you have the talent, you will find opportunities. This contest is a great platform but the winning band needs to follow through to make it as a rock and roll band."