For me, music is my solace and I find relief in music. Music has played a role in every aspect of my life, every highs and lows. It has always been my friend and a companion. 

I started my musical journey by learning ‘Sa Re Ga Ma…” from Gurukul. I grew up listening to Kandhara Band, Nima Rumba and Bon Jovi. As a musician and as an audience, I have always idolized Bon Jovi, his music and his singing style. Among the contemporaries, I like Bipul Chhetri, for his different music and singing style. 

I did my high school education from People’s Campus, Paknajol and bachelor’s degree from Shankhardev Campus, Putalisadak. I was also in a band called Skanda, and did some gigs here and there during college days for various social causes. Our band also released an album in 2002 — ‘Saath Deu’ — but, it was not that successful and the band members went their separate ways later in life.

It’s understandable that parents want their children to have a stable job, and 10 years ago, music was not an acceptable profession. Though I loved music, I had to choose a moderately paying job to shoulder the responsibility of my family and make a living.

I dropped my dream of making music and started a nine-to-five job at a pashmina company some 16 years ago. There was a time when I didn’t even have a few spare minutes to think about music. I got too busy to practice or make music. 

However, my passion for music always remained in my heart. I stole time from my busy schedule and used to hum along during work. To continue my musical passion, I have now decided to pursue music again. 

I’m trying to gradually make a comeback to the music industry and started my YouTube channel about a year ago. So far, I have uploaded only three videos, including two originals and one cover song. I collaborated with Subani Moktan for one of the original songs, ‘Timrai Lagi’, while another original ‘Maya’ is a solo. I’m now working to upload more videos on my YouTube channel.
I wake up daily at 5:30 in the morning and spend an hour practicing music. After spending my day at work and evening with my family, I again get back to making some music before going to bed. That’s when I feel I’m most productive.

Despite having worked at the company for over 16 years, my passion for music has never died. After all, music had played a role in my love life too. I met my wife in 2006 and music created a bond between us. I used to sing songs to her. She and my family have supported me in all my musical endeavors. 

Although much has changed in the music industry within these 10 years, I hope I can deliver what the audiences demand. Earlier, an album that had about 10 songs would become a hit, while nowadays, albums with that many numbers of songs don’t even sell. From the taste of music to the way they are shared, things have changed tremendously. 

Comparing music industry of the past and present, I believe today we have immense opportunities in the field. Today if you’re good, you get instant fame, a larger audience and invitations to perform at places. A growing musician needs such opportunities and I hope to witness similar environment in my journey so as to establish my identity though music.

As told to Nasana Bajracharya

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