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Candid talk with Mausami Gurung
Updated On 9th October, 2007

-By Preity

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After the song "Parelimai Chau", Mausami made her place firm in the music industry and then begun the journey as a featuring artist and playback singing.

Now, after four years, Mausami Gurung is in the news for her second album "Pal". Let's talk about the music album and her musical journey so far in the Candid Talk segment.

1. Was it difficult to make an entrance in the industry? How did you get into music?

Yes, it was difficult because I was totally new in this field and didn't know anything about it. I used to learn music at Gandharva Music Institute, Ason.

When I was learning music, I used to listen to various compositions and eventually my interest into music grew. I used to help my colleagues in the chorus who were recording songs then. So, the studio visits and the musical environment inspired me to record a song and that's how it started.

2. Is this how you started recording for your debut "Unforgettable"?

Yes, after I recorded a song, I received a good feedback and then did another song and eventually, the number raised.

3. As a new artist how did you manage to come up with the music and ideas for the album then?

It was really very difficult. At the time I didn't have as much knowledge about the music too. It was difficult to decide and choose the composition, the studios and approach the companies. It was then; I realized that entering in the music field doesn't only require talent but other things as well. I didn't know how to do the whole thing systematically. Later, after I approached 2, 3 companies, Dhaulagiri Cassette Centre approved it and the album was released. It was a pretty tough experience though!

4. Now after four years, things are different. Mausami is a popular name in the music industry. How does this feel after so much of hard work?

It feels good. You know, people know you and all that I've done hasn't gone for a waste. Everybody is not fortunate with it, I'm lucky to be one of those lucky people!

5. Did you have this much expectations then?

Honestly not! I was so frustrated approaching the music companies. It was already late for the album to release and at the time, the musical trend had also changed so, instead of dumping the songs, I thought of releasing it. Fortunately the response was good.

6. After the popularity of the album, you were noticed featuring various artists and since then the practice is on. Mausami is never free from recording songs. Tell us about your experience as a featuring artist.

I take this as an opportunity. It has helped a lot in bridging the gap. Otherwise within these four years artists have been mushrooming rapidly, it is even difficult to remember the names. I basically select the songs and sing if I like it. I feel glad that I was offered to sing "Cyangba Hai Changba" by Raju Dai.

7. There maybe advantages of featuring for various artists but are there any disadvantages as well?

Like I said it has helped me a lot in bridging the gap. I have been able to give my music continuously through various albums. So, it's a great advantage. But what I have felt is that, people are so used to listening me in remix songs and as a featuring artist, they expect the same from my album. But in my album, I want to give the original songs.

8. Let's talk recently released album "Pal". Any reason for this particular title?.

This has a connection with my first album. I had thought of keeping the album's title "Unforgettable Moments" but at the time "moments" was left out. So, in this second album I wanted to keep "Moments" as the title but I came to know that there was already a music album under the name. So, I thought of using a Nepali word. This is how "Pal" was titled and I think it is easy to pronounce and sounds better too!

9. What is "Pal" all about?

"Pal" is all about the moments of life. There are eight songs in the album and each one is different from the other song. The songs are based on different feelings and the melodies are also completely different. The 1st track in the album is a soft romantic song whereas the second one is a Tamang selo. The 3rd track follows a bit of R&B touch; similarly, the 4th track is a film song. There is also a duet which is actually my dream song. I've sung it with Sugam Pokhrel and it's a soft romantic number. So, there's a fast beat song, slow rock, Adhunik (modern) numbers and a lot more.

10.How is the commercial response so far?

It's ok but it's not as much as I'd expected. I had a high expectation from the album. It's understood that the situation is not so favorable for commercial response these days. But it also seems like the company (Sky Music) is not putting so much of effort for the promotion. Before when the album was not released, the promos were televised very often but now I watch it only through Nepal 1. As it's a new company, I had thought they would put much more effort in the promotion because promoting the album means promoting the company as well. But I received just a fair support from the company.

11. It is also noticed that the albums of female signers are not so much saleable in the market. Is it because of that? What do you think is the reason behind it?

Yes, it is true. But now we've got to take this thought out of our mind and try promoting good music. Honestly speaking, there aren't so much of loyal fans in Nepal who buy the CDs. Especially what I feel is, female supporters are less supportive to the female artists. Say if there's a male artist they show that craziness; buy CDs collect pictures blah blah but male listeners are not like that. They do not show that and are least interested. So, this is what is happening as I could feel.

12. So, why do you think all the music listeners should buy your album?

All I could say is because you'll find variations in the music. Every song is different, entertaining. After you listen to one song in the album you'll findanother one completely different from the other one. So, I'd like the listeners to listen to the songs and give me feedback accordingly.

13. Do you want to remember any name with the music album "Pal"?

Yes, Anil Sthapit dai has done the cover design and he has helped a lot. I would go to his place and ask for suggestions. He has supported me a lot. Another name I'd like to remember is Sammy who has featured one of the songs in the album. I forgot to out his name!... (la, giggles)

14. Any unforgettable experience during the album preparation?

Yes, I'd had to shout a lot to Rajan Dai (Rajan Ishan). He was so busy and I had to finish the work soon. I was tired of visiting him. But finally the work was good and must say he's a cool person!

15. Mausami is also a famous stage performer. Any recent concerts that you've done or are scheduled to happen?

Recently went on a musical tour to German, Belgium and USA for 2 months. I have show at Katari during on 23rd October and on the November 3rd there's a concert in Kathmandu organized for a social cause.

16. What do you do during the free time?

I just stay at home and do the household work or watch TV. I don't have many friends and I don't usually hang out.

17. How is your fan following? Has it put you into any difficult situation?

I don't think there is any such celebrity charm in Nepal. It's not like other countries so life is not so difficult, it's very normal. You can easily walk around like normal people and don't need to maintain that celebrity status.

18. Any message to aspiring music artists?

It's not so easy to reach to your goals so please do not keep high expectations. Work hard; learn before entering in this field. We are here to do good work and earn fame more than money, so, keep up with the good work. Especially for aspiring female singers I would like to say something…
I had received a mail from a girl, who aspires to become a singer. I was surprised that people have such negative thoughts over female singers in the industry. She wanted to know if it was necessary to do it in order to become famous (.. I think you understand what I mean to say). I was shocked to hear that I mean…that's ridiculous! I want to convey this message to all the people who have this feeling inside. You've got to have the talent and impress the listeners. They are the one who support you. We are here to earn good name, if we can't keep our self respect, it's no use.

19. At last do you have anything to say?

Love Nepali music. Support Nepali music artists. Please be selective and buy good music. Please give us the feedback; we need your support to go further. Your support will help us come up with more and more music albums and create better music. Thank you.

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