The 23 years old's life has certainly picked up pace ever since he was named the new lead singer of 1974 AD. Though Rohit had amassed his own loyal following with his solo efforts, there's renewed interest in him from the public as well as the media. Still, he seems to be taking it in his stride. He calls this new appointment 'a step up.'
Between the eastern classical and folk music classes, he takes private lessons at the Kathmandu Jazz Conservatory (KJC). He sat down with The Week's Priyanka Gurung to elaborate on the matter.
To start with, let's not beat around the bush. There have been some controversies about Adrian Pradhan not being aware about you filling in for him in the band. Would you like to address that? What's your side of the story?
I'm confused about this part of the story or how it came about. As far as I knew, we all had an understanding. Adrian Dai and I have known each other for a long time now. We go to the same church and we had met around Christmas. Then he had even joked around about me taking his place. He was well aware that there was going to be a new lineup. There were no such controversies.
So how do you feel about becoming a member of such an iconic band?
I'm very, very excited and I'm looking forward to working with the band. To collaborate with this particular group of musicians, share ideas and make music together is a very exciting prospect.
Were you expecting such an offer?
I certainly hadn't expected it. I have always been a huge fan of 1974 AD. I used to sing their songs all the time from competitions to functions; so this still feels like a dream.
When you were asked to front 1974 AD, was there a moment's hesitation? Do you feel the pressure of having to live up to the legacy of the band?
No, I pretty much jumped at the chance. I had been on tour with Adrian Dai and the rest of the band before. I really wasn't thinking about the pressures or legacy when Sanjay Dai approached me. I instantly said yes. It was like a five-star hotel asking a small dhaba cook to work for them. So I just went for it. And why not, too?
How did this decision come about?
Starting off from about three months ago, we had been playing a number of gigs together. Those had gone well. We all had a lot of fun as well. But I guess that helped convince the members that a new lineup was a good idea. The recently held show at Moksh made things official.
So are you already working on new tunes? Is the band going to have a new sound now?
Obviously it's going to be a little different because at 1974 AD, all the members work on the arrangement of the music together. Plus, we've brought in a horn section. They are absolutely brilliant. So such additions are bound to add new elements to the band's tracks. Though, as it is, 1974 AD has never restricted themselves to one particular kind of tune. So we shall see.
During our last concert, we had performed a new song called Jhyaure Funk we had all worked on together. There's one new song that I've written, there's another that Sanjay Dai has come up with. So we shall continue like this. Eventually we'll be releasing new singles.
Surprisingly, your solo project is on its way as well?
Yes, I'm hoping to release my album this April. I'm actually calling it 'Bistarai Bistarai' because it has taken me so long to officially bring it to the market. I was working independently, which mean I was looking after everything from the production bits to recording. I was taking classes, doing gigs and supporting myself. So that took a while. Plus, I also got to amazing opportunities to work with session musicians. KJC has many international teachers and I've collaborated with them as well as several talented Nepali musicians. Everything in this album has been played live. Some of the tracks were also rerecorded. Now my solo record should be on the way.
Do you prefer live shows or recordings session in the studio?
I would say live. There's this different kind of energy when you're performing live. You have interactions with the crowd as well as get a chance to vibe out with the band on the stage.
You write your own lyrics as well. For those who are curious, what's your writing process like?
I prefer to work on the lyrics and the music together. It's what I did with 'Bistarai' and 'Pani Paryo' as well. Also for me, it doesn't work if I sit down with the sole intention to write a song. Usually, there are some thoughts or feelings that I want to express, and I just go about penning them.
What do you think about your musical journey so far?
I remember releasing the Bistarai video in September 2013. From back then to today, I'm pretty satisfied with my progress. Everything's going pretty well. In fact, it's sort of exceeded my expectations a little. Further, my classes have also helped me hone my skills. We not only have to train our vocals but also our ears. My understanding of music has grown as well.
What's been your most memorable experience so far?
There have been many. But the gigs are always special, and when the audience's response is positive, it automatically becomes memorable. For instance, just recently at the St. Xavier Mela, we had sung 1974 AD hits and the crowd was so enthusiastic about it. Those cheering and singing along stand out in my memory.
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