“Heading out of Kathmandu and reaching people beyond the valley is something close to my heart. It might have been the absence of five years but our agenda hasn’t changed nor has it diminished,” shares Amrit Gurung, Nepathya’s lead vocalist. He says he likes speaking for children and the future generation.[break]
Asked why the band chose the same theme for the tour, Gurung justifies, “Nepal’s conflict period was especially harsh on children as they were subjected to political and other exploitations. And though its effect might have receded in the post war scenario, it’s not completely out of the system. Thus, we decided to continue with our slogan – Education for Peace.”
Managed by nepa~laya in collaboration with local organizations in the places where the concerts are to take place, the entourage will leave Kathmandu on January 3 and stop at Hetauda, Fikkal, Sindhulimadi, Nepalgunj, Dhangadi, Butwal, Waling, Baglung, Pokhara, and concluding in Gorkha on 21st of January.
“It was five years ago when we went on a tour like this. We look forward to share messages of happiness and sorrow with our fans. All of us in the band are excited to be back on road,” adds Gurung.
Education Sans Politics
Politics shouldn’t interfere with education, there’s no two way about it. But unfortunately it happened during the time of conflict, and it still prevails. Back in 2002 when we advocated “Shantiko Lagi Shikchhya” it was a must and today we feel the same. It’s not just school, politics should be banished from colleges as well.
Forums for addressing the concerns of students are fine but it is not good when they become wings of mainstream political parties. Young minds are highly impressionable and shouldn’t be misused by any groups to fulfill their objectives.
On The Road
A language that draws people, music evokes the same response from all audience, whether inside or outside Kathmandu. However, outside the valley concerts have a level of intimacy and the crowd is more appreciative. We have short listed ten cities for now and have decided on enlisting the help of the local organizers, which mainly include community educational institutes, and local social organizations.
Local participation is important and by seeking the help of locals we want to instill a sense of communal responsibility among them. This time too, a major chunk of the proceeds from ticket sales will go to local welfare through local organizers.
Music is music
I grew up listening to traditional music, songs my grandparents would serenade us with. My years of traveling exposed me to tunes from far and beyond from Australia, Africa to Japan. I did research, met lots of artistes and one thing I realized was music is music.
At its core are beats, harmony and melody that speak to the heart. The only thing different is the language, which is made by us human. And it’s this universal appeal of music that we aim to use for our cause of spreading the message of peace, harmony and love.
Nepathya - Musical Identity
When Bhim Pun, Deepak Rana and I decided to start Nepathya back in 1990, we said that whatever our style, genre, it should reflect Nepali-pan. Over the years we did a lot of things, experimented, had fun, but at the core we always stayed loyal to our Nepali identity.
A band from Nepal with Nepali sound is what defines us. I’m not boasting but when our music is played around the world at any pub, lounge or concert people ask, “What’s this tune?” That spark of curiosity makes me real happy.
Be an artiste, first!
There’s no originality in music these days. People are looking for easy way out. Music-making has become more of a compiling than creating. Remake culture is ruining the industry as people don’t realize where to draw the line.
It’s easy to become a star. One hit and you’re everyone’s darling, but a flop song and the popularity fades swiftly. Be an artiste first, it’s fulfilling and satisfying in the long run.
Post Tour
I’m thinking of embarking on a 27 day walk from Rara to Jhomsom with my friend. Apart from music, I spend my time at my farm that makes me feel close to nature. It’s my solace.
For more details on the tour dates and concerts log on to nepa-laya.com
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