LAKHEY; World's First Ethno-metal Band

Lakhey, the instrumental band, are Anil Dhital on guitar, Ashish Maharjan on flute and vocal effects, Yuson Maharjan on dhimeh, Rabindra Maharjan on bhusyah, Naresh Prajapati on khin, Gokul Atreya on bass, Sudan Raj Bajracharya on dhyangro, Ashish Dangol performing as Lakhey, the dancing demon, and Guidoo Wyss of Commando Noise Terror as their guest drummer.      Incorporating sounds of more than 15 Nepali/Newar musical instruments ranging from the dhyangro that jhankris (faith healers) play to drive out spirits to kaa and pongraa played during funerals with seven-string guitar riffs and bass, most of the band members take on multiple instruments, creating what they call ethnic metal music.       The current ensemble of eight members in the room is a mix of musicians from different bands. Five of them come from Vairabi, a traditional folk music outfit who were lost in the shadows of Kutumba, the band that popularized folk music in recent years. And it was during one of the many concerts of Kutumba that Vairabi discovered their missing element in versatile guitarist Anil Dhital, then on stage with Kutumba.      “I first saw Anil dai when he was playing a set with Kutumba at the tattoo convention,” the always eager Rabindra says, “As soon as I saw him perform, I realized that his metal guitar riffs would sync with the aggressive traditional beats we played during Jatras in our hometown Kirtipur.”         The youngster then Facebooked Anil to get together and jam up. And because “No” is a rare species when it comes to the world of musicians jamming together, Anil agreed.                   “I always had this idea of mixing folk with metal,” says Anil in his characteristic casual drawl, “So we got together one free evening. I had some of my own tunes ready, we then played along, and by the end of the session, we knew we had something khatraa (awesome).”                       Soon they were looking for a name for their joint project and “Lakhey” stood out as they could associate their ethno metal music with furious sounds played during the Jatras with the vibrant dancing demon.              A year later, the band members share amicable relationship, always laughing and joking with each other. As they share how they had a full photo shoot with their costumes and masks even before they had a concrete composition, each one has a playful smile curved up his lips.            “It did push us to complete what we’d started, though,” says a smiling Anil. For the boys from Vairabi too it was an opportunity to do something new, something innovative and something different.           As most of the initial band members came from the Newar town of Kirtipur, Ashish shares, they were passed on the musical traditions by their forefathers and their Guthi where many youngsters were even obliged to take on the responsibility of playing the traditional instruments for the cultural occasions they endorsed for their sheer love of music.             “We’ve been playing (traditional instruments) since we were kids,” he says, “We never actually learnt to play these instruments but picked it up as we played along for fun during the several festive occasions and Jatras in our community.”            Even while playing traditional beats, the band says, the metallic sounds of the bhusyah and fast drum beats of dhimeh and khin sounded “brutal” to them, they say. The gennext couldn’t help but associate it with the metal music many of their friends and themselves were listening to.            “Many traditional music compositions, especially the ones played during Lakhey dance, with the aggressive tunes evoking a sense of fear and fright are very similar to the musical patterns of metal music,” says Rabindra, “As we delved deeper, it was like we already had metal pioneers playing the fast paced musical patterns way before Metallica.”           That’s where Lakhey stemmed from – the roots of traditional music that was already there and infused it with contemporary metal essence.           For skeptics who believe that metal is a recent phenomena in Nepali music, Lakhey brings to light the existence of metal in Nepali music roots. And it’s only Newar music the band has mostly explored which still leaves the potential of many different tribal music of Nepal untapped.               With their single titled “Lakhey” that they released on the Internet just past New Year, they’ve already created a fan base for themselves. In the very first listening, from the eerie guitar intro to the crashing sounds of dhimeh, khin and ghungroo with piercingly sharp flute parts scattered throughout the track, the music leaves you with a haunting feeling that reverberates in the mind.             In the practice room, the excitement and the readiness is even more apparent not just in their furious sounds but also in their ecstatic faces, wild heads banging, body jerks, jumps, screeches and screams. Playing in a circle, all the while the boys pick up on each other’s cue, keeping pace with each other. And their Anil dai has all sorts of facial expressions, from creased brows to wide open eyes and crooked smiles to signal them exactly where they need to work on to sound perfect. LAKHEY...... \m/

Sugam Pokhrel

Sugam Pokhrel (born 20 September, 1979 in Mangalbaaray, Morang) is one of the most renowned singers of Nepali Music Industry. He is also a popular RJ. He is well known as both singer and composer. He is the youngest child of two brothers and two sisters. He was a very shy kid in his child days. He used to listen the songs of Sanjay Shrestha, Deep Shrestha and Harish Mathema which unknowingly influenced him towards his destiny.

From his earlier life he had an interest in music and used to sing in his school function and gatherings etc. Sugam Pokhrel used to be praised for his voice which made him inspired to be a singer. He initially had no intension of becoming a singer. Soon after his SLC, he rushed away to kathmandu as all the students do. Initially having no desire to sing a song as a professional singer or having not any aim to be a singer, later he thought of recording a song and had a wish to record a song. Therefore with some pocket money that he had saved, He and His friend Sudin Pokhrel popularly known DA 69 in music world recorded a song named ‘ma maya garchu’ but they did not released it because the song lacked good lyrics and composition. After that they recorded another song ‘Payera Timilai’ but it never tallied their expectations. So they dropped the idea of recording songs. Then with the help of guitar, he started learning the chords. He also learnt music with sir CB Chettri for around three years. In this period, he got job as an RJ in Radio Sagarmatha.

At the end of the year 2058, Sugam recorded his third song “Mero Sansar” which comprised of his own lyrics and composition. The song was released. People loved the song. Sugam Pokhrel was successful to throw an impact on the music lovers. Then followed another single song “pheri tyo din” which successfully captured the no. 1 position of music countdowns for months and months. With two popular single songs in row, Sugam’s debut album “Shunya” hit the music stands. The album was the great success. Overnight, Sugam Pokhrel turned into a popular music star.

His hobbies includes listening to music, watching television and playing guitar. He also reads novels of Laxmi Prasad Devkota and Dhurba Chandra Gatam. His favorite Nepali Singers are Narayan Gopal, Bhakta Raj Acharya, Ambar Gurung, Nabin k. Bhattarai, Sur Sudha, Sanjay Shrestha.Good music all around influences him a lot. Sugam Pokhrel is one among few nepali singers who have actively been participating in lots of stage shows.

Sugam Pokhrel is the one among few nepali singers who is continuously giving a hit numbers from the beginning of his carrier till now. Sugam is popular for his versatile singing. He will be using his singing talent in different genre. He therefore was able to get a lot of rewards including ‘Hits FM New Best Artist Award’ ,’Hits FM Best Male Vocal Pop,Top 1 Pop Singer and Album of the Year  School Pathashala at 11th anniversary of Radio Kantipur “Radio Rastrako”  and lot more.His voice proved to be a great boon to the Nepali music.

EDGE

The EDGE BAND

Formed in 1998 in Pokhara, The Edge came into the Nepali Rock scene with a self titled debut in 2000. The video of the single mero aasu from the debut album, witnessed a country wide popularity surge within a week of its official release. This success gave the band a much needed break into the mainstream music industry in Nepal. The album included other hits like Jeewan Mero, Pagal Nabhana, and numerous jams and rehearsals, Jeewan(vocalist) connected with three talented seasoned musicians in Pokhara. They shared similar views, attitude, and taste for the music they envisioned haheyko.

This state of halcyon didn’t last long. In just a few years, the band found itself in a deep crossroads. With other priorities vying against the commitment to continue making music it became obvious that the original line-up would falter. The disbanding became the inevitable reality.

The hiatus that followed the disbanding, front-man Jeewan continued with his singing. The incessant passion proved to be a rewarding experience. In 2003, through to create.

The new line-up is perhaps the most talented ever. Emerging from a deep break the band cut their second album Vibes with Vajra Records in 2006. The album contains some of the most intelligent originals the band has in its credit till date. Recorded and mastered at Sacred Sound Studio, Kathmandu, Vibes showcases the band’s technical prowess, endurance, and lyrical maturity. Thaha chaina, an orchestral arrangement; Shanti ko sandesh, a hard rock with patriotic theme; kasailai, a steady rock groove; Bhramma, an alternative experiment; ballads, Jiuna lai garo and Duukha diyera; and soothing Prastab and Lekhiyeka shabda demonstrate the cohesion amidst diversity in composition.

After the release of the video for thaha chaina on major television channels, The Edge’s popularity spread far and wide. Since the album release, the band has played some dozen shows in their hometown Pokhara. They have played numerous sold-outs including charities and festivals. Their concerts are popular for a flawless performance and a powerful stage presence.

Thus far, The Edge has received couple awards and nominations. The song Duukha diyera bagged the best lyrics award at the Pokhara Music Award. The song received critical acclaim for its soulful words. In 2006, following the release of Vibes, The Edge was nominated at the 9th Tuborg Annual Image Awards in the category of Rock Vocal Performance. Although it was only confined to nominations, The Edge has come out of age to demonstrate their ability to deliver beyond anyone’s expectation. Currently, the band is working on the new materials. They are often seen playing live around town and in their own oxygen lounge bar in Lakeside.

Basanta dai (Drummer)

Rockey dai (Bassist)

Jeewan dai (Vocalist)

1974 AD ; The Legendary Band

Band Members Adrian Pradhan: Vocals and Drums Nirakar Yakthumba: Bass and Backing Vocals Manoj Kumar KC: Guitar, Keyboards and Backing Vocals Sanjay Shrastha: Precussions and Backing Vocals Phiroj Shyangden Guitars and Vocals(out of Nepal)

 

Albums Released Time Out: 1996 Samjhi Baschhu: 1998 Satabdi: 2001 Jungi Nishan: 2002 Limited Edition: 2002 Pinjada ko Suga: 2004 On Air: 2007

The Band was formed in 1994.

 The band experiments with all genre of music including nepali folk, ragas, rock, funk, blues and sometimes jazz as well.

ADRIAN PRADHAN

     Adrian played with the band in 1994 for a very short time, right after he landed from Kalimpong but he became a permanent member of the band in 1998. Adrian is a vocalist, he plays harp and drums, and he is a composer and sometimes writes lyrics as well. His musical journey started from his school days where he learned music. 

He has released his solo album called 'Aaja' as an extra project apart from the band. Adrian doesn't talk much but when does it's full of humour. Born on August 18 (Leo) Adrian has travelled to Hong Kong, India, Qatar, UK, Australia, Germany and USA on musical ventures.

Interested in: to be with nature, watching movies & hiking

Musical inspiration: friends and school teachers

MANOJ KC

Manoj Kumar KC  is best known as the lead guitarist and keyboardist of one of Nepal’s most successful rock bands, 1974AD. His diverse musical interests include Eastern and Western Classical music, blues, funk, electronic and jazz. Manoj has performed with accomplished musicians from around the world including Jessie van Ruller, Richard Hardy (Dave Matthews Band), Carol King, HFT, Jim Surley and Frank (Jefferson Airplane) among others. He has toured the US, UK, Australia, Germany, Belgium, South Korea, Thailand, India, Qatar, Italy, Denmark, Norway and, of course, his native Nepal. Manoj was nominated as the “best music programmer/arranger 2006’ and 2010' by Image Music Awards. Manoj has produced music for popular Nepali artists such as Nabin K. Bhattarai, Nima Rumba, Sugam pokharel, Deepesh Bhattarai, Sabin Rai, Adrian Pradhan, Phiroj Shyangden, Mausami Gurung, Prasna Shakya, Saroj Dutt, Sukmit Gurung, Sanjeev Singh, Sanjeev Pradhan, etc. He also scores movies and documentaries and has composed jingles and station IDs for Nepali TV and radio stations. As the instructor of Midi and Audio programs, Manoj offers courses focusing on developing fluency with prominent industry software programs including ProTools, Apple Logic Pro, Nuendo, Cubase, Sonar and other re-wire programs. An intensive 12 week program is offered where students can learn the basics of recording and work gradually up to the mastering level. Students can choose any of the above software programs, or platforms, as their main host. The Kathmandu Jazz Conservatory will be launching a 9 month core audio engineering program soon.

NIRAKAR YAKTHUMBA

 It's all in the groove! That is what bassist Nirakar Yakthumba feels. Born on March 8th, this Piscean was influenced by bass greats like James Jamerson (Motown Records), Francisco Rocco Persia (Tower Of Power) and the late great Jaco Pastorious. He believes that the key factor behind any rock, funk, jazz, or style band is a tight rhythm section on top of which soloist can ride their flights of fancy.

Nirakar loves to listen and play all types of music. He also studied various Nepali hand drums and the bamboo flute in the Bhaktapur Music School. He loves traveling and has traveled to Hong Kong, India, Qatar, Bhutan, UK, Australia, Germany, Belgium, Thailand, South Korea & the United State of America, playing music and studying different styles of music. .

Interested in: Sports & Acting

SANJAY SHRESTHA

Sanjay Shrestha has been playing music since he was a student at St Xavier’s school. He played in numerous school bands and Brother Josh Niraula, who noticed his talent, gifted him his first guitar. In 1997 he formed Shristi with fellow Xaverians Ashish Sinha and Parangat Moktan while studying in Campion Academy in 12th Grade. Shristi is remembered as bringing 'fusion' music to the mainstream audience in Nepal and was one of the first bands to cut a CD album in Nepal. Sanjay deferred his studies to tour America twice with Shristi, recording three albums: Made in Thamel, One Night in Kathmandu and Namaste. Sanjay joined 1974AD in 1999 as a percussionist, moving to drums in 2009. He has recorded 5 albums with 1974AD – Jungi Nishan, Limited Edition, Pinjada Ko Suga, On Air and Aath Athara. Although he is not a vocalist, he has co-written the lyrics to many of the songs and sings the song ‘Swargadapi gariyasi’ on the Album ‘On Air’. 1974AD has taken him to the four corners of the globe playing to audiences in America, the United Kingdom, India, Qatar, Australia, Germany, Belgium, Korea, Thailand and Hong Kong. Last October 1974AD played to over 20,000 people in Darling Harbour, Sydney. But this is not the largest audience they have played to: in 2001 they played to around 40,000 at the National Stadium in Nepal. In addition to his busy touring schedule, Sanjay has performed and recorded with many high profile national and international musicians. He played percussions on the hit album ‘Moments of Bliss’ for renowned Buddhist nun and vocalist Ani Choyang Dolma. He has also collaborated in live shows with Mukti Shakya, Robin Tamang, Deep Shrestha, bamboo flutist Manose Singh, Grammy Award winning bluegrass singer Peter Rowan, British folk singer Donovan Leech, Max Lolo from Benin in West Africa, the Sunny Jain Collective from New York, Richard Hardy the saxophone player for Carol King and the Dave Matthews Band, and Sachal Vasandani, jazz vocalist from New York, among others. While Sanjay's first instrument was the Nepali folk maadal, his experience has led him to experiment with all kinds of drums and percussions and various forms of music including fusion, rock, classical, jazz, reggae, and heavy rock. He has been a part of many ‘side projects’ including The McTwisters (led by Berkley trained Czech saxophonist Peter Kroutil), Stupa (with Spanish sax player and educator Mariano Abello), and Project Experience (with Robin Tamang, Nirakar Yakthumba, Mariano Abello, Vikku Chhetri and Raju and Ruben from Kutumba). He was also a member of Rusty Nails and Alt F4 briefly, in 1999 and 2010, respectively. Lately, he has developed a taste for reggae and performed a season with Australian reggae band Pachooka and is currently livening up the Kathmandu party scene with Joint Family Internationale. In 2009, Sanjay started Musicology, a music promotion company. Musicology has teamed up with Hits FM to hold a concert series ‘Music by the Museum’ at Patan Museum featuring Nepali musicians in fresh ways. In August 2009, Sanjay and some fellow Xaverians founded House of Music, which has gone on to become one of the premier live music venues in Kathmandu. As this goes to print, Sanjay and 1974AD are playing a music festival in Genoa Italy and then on to Norway and Denmark. 

Their Official Website: www.1974ad.com.np

Brief about Nepali Music

  Nepal is a multicultural and multiethnic country. Music is an integral part of all cultures.  There are numerous musical genres in Nepal. Comprising of more than fifty ethnical milieus, the music of our country is a highly dispersed one. Although genres like pop, rock, folk and classical music exist, a huge number of such genres are yet to be catalogued. Many musical bands exist in Nepal, with a growing number in Kathmandu - most of the recent ones focused in pop and rock. Hip-hop or rap has been known to emerge on the charts from time to time. Also, Metal is being popular nowadays with number of sprouting metal bands and metal band competitions.

What is Music?

           Music is in everything.  As soon as a child is born it either cries or laugh, whatever it may do….but the sound is cheer melody and bliss to the parents and everyone around. Music is not just the sound of musical instruments. It is much more. It is that link that connects and resonates within every living soul. No one can live without music. Every country, culture, ethnicity, religion, creature have music. But music is the only thing that belongs to everyone. All have right to it. It defines joy, gloom, anxiety, pain, sorrow, happiness and freedom. All in all; Music defines Life.