As the name suggests, Robin and The New Revolution, with its charismatic front man Robin Tamang, has been revolutionizing not just rock n’ roll music in Nepal but also the youth psyche through powerful lyrics and stunning music.[break]
After five successive hit albums, the band’s new gift, “Hamro Desh” is going to get some extra attention as it is also a work of philanthropy.
The band has decided to donate all the money from the sales of the album to Nawa Asha Griha (NAG), a home and school for underprivileged children.
Mukti Shakya, front man of Mukti and the Revival, Nicole Thakuri-Wick, director of NAG, and Ashesh K Sharma of Mu’az Entertainment Pvt. Ltd jointly launched the album on August 13 at Attic, Utter Dhoka.
The band performed the songs from the album at the venue.
Nicole also briefed about Nawa Asha Griha. “NAG is not an orphanage, it’s a family,” said she. “We have 640 kids and 240 of them live with us. We have nice little love stories and a lot of dramas.”
Nicole showed a picture slideshow of the school and the kids while talking about what NAG has been doing. She explained how the lives of the kids, who were rescued from the streets in Thamel, Bouddha and other parts of Nepal, have transformed. “We also support students in government schools,” Nicole informed.
“Robin cares about Nepal and sings about Nepal,” said Nicole, adding, “He believes in the new generation.”
“It’s a privilege for me to be a part of this great project,” said Robin.
The video of the song Hamro Desh was also screened at the event.
“We need to promote the album to raise money for NAG,” said Ashesh K Sharma.“The money is going for a good cause.”
Here’s the conversation with Tamang regarding his latest venture.
Why have you decided to title the album “Hamro Desh”?
We have a very nice song titled ‘Hamro Desh’ and that’s where the title of the album comes from. This song was written by Dr Krishna Hari Baral.
It’s a traditional folksong. I was very lucky that he let us use the song. I changed some words here and there in the song and it turned out well.
The song has all the elements to make us realize what it’s to be a Nepali. It also reminds me the values of Nepal.
Tell us something about Hamro Desh.
It’s about encouragement and is an inspiration to the youth to move ahead in their life no matter what the situation of the country is. It’s also about inspiring people to do something very positive. If we can inspire the youth to move ahead in life, that means a lot to the band. I’m just out to make a difference, not to change the world.
This album is also about education and kids. It’s about making our society better. This generation is gone; they can’t even write a Constitution. If we can’t make it better for them, let’s educate them so that they will be able to make it better themselves. After all, Hamro Desh is about all the kids.
Why have you decided to link up with Nawa Asha Griha (NAG)?
I’ve known Nicole for the last eight ears. We’ve been friends. Our kids went to the same school. That’s how I knew her. I visit them at their anniversaries and other home parties.We wanted to give back to the society. It’s time for us to give back to the society.
We’ll make money from live shows and all, but not from the album. My band, Nicole, my family and I are happy with this and that’s what matters to me.
Money will be made in the future.
Various other non-profit organizations have been asking me to help them. But I didn’t know how legitimate the NGOs are.
I’ve known these kids for a long time. I’m trying to portray a message that there are kids who don’t have access to education. Education is very important to the society. Our investment should be in the next generation.
All the sales of the album will go to NAG. I like the motto of the school which is “Free Education For All.” So we’ve printed the logo and the motto on the back of the album cover.
What are the differences between your previous albums and this album?
“Kta/Kt” was about kids in the war; “Bhulma Bhulyo” was about how we were lost; “Nepal” was all about Nepal; “Adhunikko Anganma” was about the new era; “13,000” was about the political insurgency and “Hamro Desh” is about education for the next generation.
I’m always trying different flavors of music. My fan base has a bunch of rock ‘n’ roll lovers between 19 and 27 years of age.
So, most of the nine songs in this album are rock ‘n’ roll. Well, there are also two songs that are fusion of rock and folk. We also have two slow songs this time.
How will you be promoting the album?
We’re booked up till the end of September. We have promotional gigs at four other restaurants this month. We’ll also be playing at the Bagmati River Festival, Nepal Engineering College, and Pokhara Music Festival.
We’ll be playing at these places just to get intimacy with our fans. I think that will be enough for us to promote.Your message to the fans!
I want all my fans to buy the album. This is an opportunity to give back to the society. Buying this album is a direct way to contribute to those kids without home, parents and education. This could be one of the best investments in their lifetime.
The schedule for the promotional gigs in Kathmandu and Patan are:
The Factory, Thamel:
Friday, August 19
House of Music, Thamel :
Friday, August 26
Vesper, Jhamsikhel:
Saturday, August 27
Moksh, Jhamsikhel:
To be announced.
Related story
George Clooney admits 'Batman & Robin' wasn't a good film
