CyberSansar : Exclusive

Candid talk with Surendra Man Singh
-By Preity Acharya

(The article and photos may not be reproduced in any medium without the written permission of the publisher.)

"Karma" band is an established name in the music industry of today. Songs like "Hukka" and “Maunta" have won many hearts of the Nepali music listeners. And now they are back with their new album "SMS". Cybernepal got exclusive with Mr. Surendra Man Singh for a candid talk. Let's see what he has to say about "SMS".


Why is the album's title named SMS? Why did you choose this particular name?
Our album contains different type of songs and we have tried to deliver different messages through the songs. So the title means 'short message songs'. It matches to my name also, "Surendra Man Singh". We've chosen this particular name as it is common and catchy. People will remember it at once.

What type of songs does "SMS" concentrates on?
We've tried to explore a whole package of varieties in this album. It contains Nepali melodies, funk, rocks, sentimental etc.

What is the important message that you wish to convey through your music?
We want to be with our listeners to share different moments of life with them through our music. The message of our music is connected to various aspects of life like happiness, sorrow, love, tragedy etc.

"Karma" is popularly known for a different kind of music. What is the same "Karma" flavored songs included in "SMS"?
The songs "Kaha Hola Gharbar", "Chhaina Maile" and "Mero Maya" are the similar flavored songs.

Have you tried to give any new taste beyond these?
Yes, we have experimented a funk rock “Maaryo” in this album . We have expected this song to cover a good market and we are planning for its visual also.

How have you compiled the lyrics, arrangement, music and voice in your album?
We take care about every possible minute details. We sit together, discuss and decide about the kind of music, notations and the way of performances of the band.People say that pop songs do not have proper lyrics and music. So we take care of each and every aspect. That's how a quality song comes out.

Now let's move on to your musical carrier.How were you influenced to music?
I used to study in India where we were given music classes. At first I wasn't too interested but when I saw small children playing guitars and drums, I felt like joining in. We used to sing choirs and group songs in schools.Later on, music enticed me so much that I continued exploring its charismatic beauty. These days,I am going on a commercial way.

So how did Karma band come into existence?
We had our band in Birgunj named "Narrow Beats". When I came to Kathmandu, I and other members decided to start a new band from Kathmandu. That's how we started as "Karma".

Now there are less number of members in the band. What kind of difficulties did you face to bring out this album?

Now we are only 3 of us. Vashudev, me and Prashant. We were fortunate that they were not many problems. We used to discuss together about the arrangements and notations of the songs.We have worked extremely hard.We also took help from guest musicians. We have Sonam on the drum, Pramod on rhythm and Pravin on base guitar.We practiced a lot together and finally recorded the songs.Maybe there wasn't much difficulties because we loved what we were doing.

Do you think the replacement of performers will have any affect on the music?
Not at all. The songs that we have given now are comparatively better than Hukka. We have given good music than before. Listeners always seek for good music. They don't bother who performs.Even when the band members left, Karma band did not disperse. Yes, they were times when I would get frustrated and also thought of coming out with a solo album.But Karma Band's identity has already been recognized and I do not want it to diminish from the Nepali music scenario. Even now, we have good performers who are playing satisfactively.

What kind of responses are you receiving from the album?
Good .I am happy and satisfied. (He smiles)

How does it feel to be a public figure?
I am happy. It feels very good. We had expected this way though it was only started as a hobby.But our journey of music has not been a pathway of roses.When we first entered the industry with our 1st album in 1996,the album did not do well.We were in lack of recognization and money.We were so depressed that we even thought of giving up. But then again, we thought that we might not have understood our listeners. We had done hard rocks, heavy metals and jazz etc in the first album. We realized that we must present our listeners what they want.So we finally came out with Hukka.Now, even if we quit this field we won't be disappointed that we were not appreciated.

Nepalese music industry has become commercial. Do you think it is possible for a singer or musician to totally survive on this field?Well, it depends upon the talent.There is very high competition and one needs to transcend higher every time. Many musicians and singers are leading a decent life through music. So, I think it is possible.

Lastly few words to your fans?
I would like to thank all of our listeners on behalf of Karma band. Thanks a lot for all your love and support.And yes we expect the same in the future too.

WE NEED YOUR HELP!

Candid talk is a new column started to promote new music artists and bring them closer to the listeners. Well, what do you think should be added here to make this column better, interesting and spicy?? Whom do you want to see featured in this column? Send in your responses here.

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