After completing Bachelor’s and Master’s in Ethnomusicology from Kathmandu University, he flew to Massachusetts to get a PhD. Backed with an educational expertise in music, he is a superb musician who deftly handles guitar, dhime, tabla, keyboards, viola and sarangi. [break]
He has been a part of Jazzmandu and Blues Festival and also teaches at Kathmandu University.
Your inspiration?
It’s my state of mind and inner satisfaction. At some point, I regret that earlier I jumped into concerts and mostly listened to my producers while working on albums. But now it’s more about producing good music and satisfying the audience as well as myself.
Audience response is also one of the factors that inspire me. I don’t want to perform just for the sake of it; I also want my audience to enjoy. I’m inspired by anybody whose honesty can be seen in his or her way of expressing oneself.
Teaching music and its outcome?
Being a musician doesn’t support a decent life in Nepal! I took up teaching music as a sustainable backup profession but now I feel great about it. It brings a sense of responsibility in me for what I teach my students.
Some people are born talented and don’t require much training, like many loved and established musicians.
Promoting local music is a great effort
Sadly, music has been commercialized to such a large extent and we’re only looking forward forgetting what’s behind – our roots and origin. It’s good that we’re progressing with the influence but our attempt to preserve our own music isn’t strong enough.
I visited many parts of Nepal and recorded music with the locals. I must say, our music is very rich and I can’t play folk instruments like those local artists do.
Is family support is important for you?
When I chose to study music, my family was shocked; but after all that, they were the ones who supported my decision. I’ll be settling down as soon as I submit my PhD thesis on ‘Transmission of Music in Nepal.’
Favorite musicians
I have many; the list keeps growing and changing. Mohan Gandharva, Baaba Maal are inspirational and I would love to work with them.
Nearly every school or college has amateur bands. Is it good or bad?
That’s very inspiring. It’s a learning and experimenting phase. One also gets to enhance one’s skills and realize their potential. It’s sad that school curriculum doesn’t include music. If these young people are aware of commercialization, we may surely see some of such band members establishing themselves in the music industry.
Your upcoming projects?
My single albums Chetana and Sukha Dukha will be released soon. I’ve collaborated with the world famous mastering expert Leon. We have simple music, live recording. Bhushan Dahal will be directing the video for me.
To learn more about Lochan Rijal, log on to www.lochanrijal.com.
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