A side project of 1974 AD sans the lead vocalist Adrian Pradhan, enter the scene, Supersonic fronted by Subani Moktan.[break]
The entourage boasts Moktan on vocals, Nirakar Yakthumba on bass, Manoj Kumar KC on guitars, Sanjay Shrestha on drums, Mariano Abello on Sax and Santosh Gharana on Eastern Percussions. All five members, well known and respected in the music business are ready to rock and in Yakthumba’s words, “Rock you like never before!”
The spawn of Nepal’s premier rock outfit, 1974 AD, Supersonic consists of members coming from different musical backgrounds, which means it’s not your typical cookie cutter band.
“We are musicians doing what we do best– make music. And sometimes it helps to break from the norm and try something new,” gushed Yakthumba, who confirmed that it was a conscious choice of the band to select a female lead. “In a predominantly male dominated music scene we wanted to promote and encourage female talents and it just so happens Subani fits the bill.”
Singing since the age of 14, Moktan’s breakthrough came in the year 2005 when she bagged the “Best New Artist” at Hits FM Music Awards. Her 2009 hit “Mero Maya” got her nominations in the “Best Rock Vocalist” and “Best Rock Composer” category, and it was this very song that caught the attention of veteran rockers.
In a project titled “Nepali Ho” produced by Alejandro Sánchez-Samper, the Assistant Professor and Assistant Director of Commercial Music at Florida Atlantic University, Subani’s Mero Maya was featured alongside 1974 AD’s Jati Maya. Already in search of a female lead, the band approached Moktan, and rest they say is history.
Currently a vocal teacher at Kathmandu Jazz Conservatory, the 22 year old singer says she was overwhelmed at first, but enormity of the situation soon dawned and she jumped at the opportunity of working with a band that she idolized.
“Making music with rock veterans, can it get any better? I’m totally thrilled. I personally adore rock genre and with elements of jazz and folk, it’s simply out of this world,” shared Subani.
According to Sanjay Shrestha, Supersonic will retain the original band’s rock sensibilities with added elements of folk and jazz. “It’s unlike our previous works and is definitely something we would love to record in near future,” shared Sanjay, who added that there’s no reason for the fans to fret just yet, “1974 AD is still intact. We’ve not disbanded!”
Music by the musicians for the love of music - by the sound of it, Supersonic isn’t trying to compete with anyone else in the mainstream but trying to create their own niche in a music industry that runs the risk of going stagnant.
Born to a musician dad and a singer mom, Subani has been writing songs since the age of 14 and says the learning process never stops. In fact it’s one of the incentives behind joining Supersonic. “Every day I get to learn something new, and I can’t wait to record new materials and broaden my musicianship.”
The band will be performing at Moksh Xmas Celebration at Moksh Jhamsikhel on Dec 24, Saturday.
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