By Mannu Shahi

The prolonged effect of lockdown and being unemployed for months without no assurance of anything happening soon has taken a toll on all of us. Every sector of the society has been driven to a severely dysfunctional state because of the unpredictable times and the mismanaged political state of the government of nations globally. And music field is no exception to this disaster as majority of musicians survive off their live performances and tours. Musicians working as studio techs, music teachers, Youtubers, session artists, music journalists, video makers, editors and more still can continue their work and earn some money for basic survival but having no public performances has completely shut down any way of generating income for the uncountable families whose livelihood depended upon their earning musician member.
Yet some concerts maintaining social distance are being organized, tours for 2021 being announced and pre-booked, local shows happening from September and similar positive actions are apparent abroad. While, the situation here is getting worse, as the government is planning on reversing the lockdown and thus robbing the citizens any other chance of earning money for their basic survival. The only left medium for everyone now is turning to the digital platform with an expectation of making it in the universal algorithm of the internet. Thus, releasing covers to writing new original music, creating Youtube accounts, sharing knowledge, skills and everything is more apparent in the digital realms now more than ever. And many artists are writing and publishing original music as that is a more valid way to earn money from the internet if the song goes viral or even just gains a decent following.
Rohit John Chettri is a musical persona that needs no introduction to anyone, the pop sensation got his first break from his debut single BistaraiBistarai and there has been no turning back for him ever since. From being the front person for the legendary act 1974 AD (new lineup) to touring around many nations of the world, collaborating with a lot of big names of the industry and much more Chettri’s vibrant musical career gives hope to many aspiring musicians influenced to pursue a solo career like him. His recent release Badal, the third single from his upcoming album Bidaai, premiered on 23rd July and has already crossed hundred thousand views on Youtube. Starting with Chettri singing and playing his guitars the video further features his band consisting of PratickBaniya on bass, SubashSiwa on guitars, SiddhantBasnet on drums and Sanjok Sharma on keys/synth.
Similarly another fresh release trending in the Nepali music market that premiered on 5th August is a musical film, Teenpatey that takes the existing practice of musical storytelling in Nepal to an entirely new level. The song portrays a story of an ordinary village youth who pursues his dreams as an entrepreneur in Chhurpi production, following his family legacy. While his contemporaries leave for foreign employment elsewhere the main character remains in his village pursuing his interest in the family business. Through his hard days, the character is genuinely supported by his childhood girlfriend whom he eventually marries and lives happily ever after. The story is therefore a happy one, where the protagonists succeeds and thus promotes entrepreneurship-driven economy than the phony glories of foreign employment. Sang by SujanChapagain and Bidhya Tiwari, the lyrics is penned by Hark Saud, the music is arranged and produced by Ganga Thapa, mixed and master by KobidBazra, recording engineer Shardool Shrestha, audio programming by Kushal Singh, the musicians employed for this project are Eileen O’Neall on cello, Prince Nepali on sarangi, SwarnimMaharjan on flute, BhimBardewa on panchebaaja, DhanBaharGurung on sahanai, Ganga Thapa on guitars, HemantaKanchha on sarangi and Rubin Shrestha on flute.