After a four-year hiatus, she has released a compilation of four songs, the title track of which, “Timro Haat Saamai,” is already hitting big on music charts.[break]
One song for every year that passed by, is it? Just four? That’s rather measly towards your fan!
“Four years just flew. I went abroad for studies, came back, and started looking for work. Inspiration and music don’t come easy (or cheap), plus you can’t really rush music,” Rawal shared between squeals of laughter, adding, “You make me sound lazy!”
Rawal’s career took to instant flight with her debut album “Entrance.” The title song “Chahana Sakiyo” bagged a plethora of nominations and awards for her.
But she dropped everything in the middle and went to Japan to pursuit beautician course. But the pull of music was too strong. And so she’s back now, for good!
No regrets!
I won’t call my overseas time a complete loss. I discovered many things about myself. For once, I realized music is an intrinsic part of my existence. I’ve always had an interest in beauty. And let’s face it, you gotta have an alternative when you’re in the Nepali music industry. I’ll complete my course soon and then it’s beauty and music side by side.
My voice, my identity
Many people don’t associate me with my voice. It has that rough edge, so I guess people are surprised when they see me in person. I would like to try pop, bubbly kind of songs but it doesn’t go with the texture of my voice. So for now, I’m sticking to slow rock, ballads with tinges of blues. I would really love to sing songs where I can go hard and heavy, and rock is definitely on the cards.
Friendship matters
It was during my stint in Japan that I realized the value of family and friends. In a land full of strangers, speaking an alien language, when someone shows compassion, you are so relieved. I’ve tried to recapture that feeling in my song “Timro Haat Samai,” which I wrote while in Japan. I guess when you write from your heart and are earnest about your feelings, it comes across and that’s when the song hits the chord with the listeners.
Quantity or quality?
I’ve done around 40 songs in the eight years I’ve been involved in music. The qualitative aspect of music is what attracts me. Quantity is not my priority. Currently, I’m trying my hands at writing and composing songs. In fact, I did two of the songs in “Saathi” and as an artiste, it’s very fulfilling. The pace of the album is very smooth with shades of rock and folk. I’ve just released the video of “Timro Haat Samai” and it’s come out pretty decently. Next on the agenda are stage shows and promotional tours. I’m excited about the coming days.
I will survive
I was prepared for the struggles and the industry did test my patience. One has to be extremely resilient to survive in this dog-eat-dog world. I won’t say there’s any discrimination against women as such, but being an artiste itself is a challenge in Nepal. Music definitely takes a backseat when you have to do another job to sustain yourself. But you can’t give up on your dreams. I love music, and that’s where I see myself happy!
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