The tunes of Rock and Blues come from the home of Ashesh Dangol, the lead singer of the band Ashesh and Nekhvam, where the band have set up a rehearsal studio.[break] The two-room space produces music that lures Rock and Blues aficionados in the local and international music scenarios alike.
Called “Jimi Hendrix from Kathmandu” by the German press, the band has mesmerized audiences at Norway’s Fauskivalen Rock Festival, Asker Blues Club, Blues & Balance in Helgeland and Husvaer; in Fabrik of Hamburg, Germany, and the Alamar Festival, and in Almeria, Spain.
Formed a decade ago with a different lineup of members, the band names the Jimi Hendrix Experience, Buddy Guy, Muddy Waters, BB King, Eric Clapton, Led Zeppelin, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Albert King, Chuck Berry, and AC DC among their favorites and categorize their music as Psychedelic Blues Rock.
The band will be performing this Friday at Cafereena Restaurant on Durbar Marg as part of Tribute to Rock T2R.
Ashesh Dangol, the only constant member and lead vocalist/guitarist who wishes to do an open concert where “anyone who loves music can come and savor Blues and Rock,” shared with us a few of his thoughts on music.
How did you decide on forming a band?
I began listening to Blues from a very young age. There’s a reason behind my inclination to this genre. Having been born into a lower middle class family, I had a lot of compromises to make, and it was obvious that sad moments were aplenty in comparison to happy ones. Listening to Blues back then gave me a kind of comfort, as if I was listening to my own stories. I and my brother then formed the band because we both felt a connection to this genre. Music for us was like venting out, and it also relieved us.
You being the premier band in your genre, how do you see the scenario of music in Nepal as whole, and in your specific beat?
Well, it’s more than obvious that the Nepali music industry is completely dominated by Pop. All other genres, be they Rock, Jazz or even Classical music, take a back seat. There are, however, a few local bands who play good Rock music. Sadly, though, these bands are limited to the pubs in Thamel. There might be various reasons for this. It could be the society’s outlook on this genre, or maybe some other reasons. We have to change this. But for that, all music lovers will have to come together.
The band has given a lot of international concerts. Tell us how it is different from performing locally?
The difference is huge, right from the instruments used to the stage setup and the whole atmosphere. Here, it’s not unusual for a band to get abused verbally while performing.
Sometimes, they are also thrown stuff at. This is demeaning for the artists and very discouraging. However, bands too need to realize that when audiences pay a sum for their tickets, they have expectations and it’s upto the band to fulfill it. Only performing covers won’t improve the situation. Originals need to be composed and played. Only then, audiences will buy your albums and respect your work.
Your band does a lot of charity and social cause events. Is it a set priority for the band?
The band’s priority is education. We do concerts that are fundraisers for educational endeavors because we believe every child in the country needs to be literate. I’ve gone through experiences when I couldn’t join certain music courses because I wasn’t able to pay the required tuition fees. Therefore, my band and I make it a point that we help as much as we can in the field of education.
What are you looking forward to, and what can the audiences expect from the show?
We’re looking forward to having a great time. We’ve been practicing a lot for our tour to Europe in July. Then T2R came along, and our practice sessions have merged. We’re taking this opportunity to rock our local audiences. We’ll give them the best we have. In terms of the band’s expectations of the audience, it was a full house last year with a very enthusiastic group. We’re hoping for the same. All in all, both the band and the audience will have a great time.
Current lineup of the band
• Ashesh Dangol: Guitar/vocal
• Suraj Lama: Bass guitar
• Rajiv Tuladher: Drums
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