“I want my songs to be evergreen”

KATHMANDU, June 26: Singer Dipak Limbu is back with his new album 'Shrabya' which released earlier this week. The album is his third solo presentation after 'Nepali Tara' and 'Shrota'. The winner of the first Nepali Tara, his voice has captivated many in popular songs like 'Nai Nabhannu La', 'Maile Maya Garna', 'Simple Simple', and 'Maile Tei Bhayera Mann Parako'.

Here, he speaks about his new album and future projects.

What is 'Shrabya' all about?

The album has 10 songs, and it is a mix of peppy and soft numbers. The peppy songs are meant for stage performances which keep me really busy. I actually had more than 10 songs ready but I decided to go for these only. I will use the rest later. I've been working on this album for more than two years. I've worked with different musicians like Prakash Gurung, Sachin Singh, Basanta Sapkota and Prakash Mukarung, and lyricists like Raju Dhakal and Dr Krishna Hari Baral. That's why it took me quite a long time to get it out in the market. I also have a duet with Shreya Sotang. I expect the first two songs 'Timro Herai Bhulaune' and 'Oh, My Darling' will do well with my fans.

This is your third album and it's come out after a gap of four years. What have you been doing in the meantime?

In recent times, I was busy with collecting and distributing relief materials for people affected by the recent earthquake. I have also been traveling around the country and abroad for shows in the past years. I realize people feel that I've been missing from the music scene so this album is also to show that I'm still very much invested in music. What's new is that I have a recording company now call Shrabya Music Private Limited. It's difficult for singers to always have to go to the companies and ask for permission to use their songs. Having my own company will give me the freedom to use my songs as and when I want to.

Do you have anything specific in mind when you're making music?

It's always my goal to create music which will linger in people's minds for more than a few months. I want my songs to be evergreen. I have done around 1,500 songs but sadly, I can't say if many of those songs have that quality. I still have so much work to do and I hope to have a repertoire of evergreen songs to leave behind me.

How will you proceed with your career now?

Looking at my past record, I've brought out my solo albums after considerable gap between each one. I'm consciously trying to stop this. In fact, I have an album coming out around Dashain this year with another recording company. My own company will also help me be more creative and take out more albums for my fans. I have a few shows lined up in Korea and Hong Kong for two months later.