NJK experiments with alternative pop

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By Mannu ShahiNeetesh Jung Kunwar is a prominent Nepali singer/songwriter whose music has influenced an enormous following smitten by his adept narrative and luscious vocal chops.

Born on May 26, 1994, in Lalitpur, the songster was lured into music very young by his father, who used to play guitar and listen to blues and reggae music. Highly influenced by his father’s fascinating hobby, Neetesh took-up guitars at the tender age of six and began contemplating music as an important part of his life.

After many years of rapid hustle and unhinged dedication, the singer is at a point in his career where he stands firm. 

From a solo musician with simply his acoustic guitar and a loop pedal to forming many bands and quitting music by accepting a socially convenient career path, NJK overcame several highs and lows with nothing except his songs.

His first big break followed after uploading his debut viral tune “Gedai Jasto Jindagi” which addressed everything wrong going on in his life. During this period, the singer worked as a full-time salesman at a local music store.

However, now NJK is one of the most prolific singers in the country and has massive releases under his belt, including his albums: “NJK 2018” (2018), “Alter I” & “Alter II” (2019), “Sugar Rush” (2022) and many more singles. 

And last Sunday, January 22, the songwriter released a new single ‘Psycho’ through all major platforms. Currently at #21 on trending for music according to Nepal moderated YouTube broadcast, the tune is written, composed, and produced by NJK and mixed/mastered by Mr. Brownie. The lyrics video showcases Neetesh tracking the vocals in a studio while the video credit 

remains anonymous. 

Unlike the majority of his discography, ‘Psycho’ from the very first listen stands out for its alternative pop rock inclination rather than his usual repertoire. The singer, with his new avatar, was indicating a sense of change following his hiatus in 2021-2022. Nevertheless, the aftermath saw his new persona with a backup live band, and NJK honed his electric guitar playing skills and portrayed an overall rocker aesthetic. 

However, most of his recent releases remained more on his safe trajectory publishing catchy trending pop tunes fused with R’n’B influences. But, ‘Psycho’ right from the intro kicks off like a 90s pop-punk song with slightly distorted guitars and capering melodic phrases. The auto-tuned vocals and programmed drums elicit a rather modern texture as soon as the chorus takes over. In chorus B, the upbeat drums enhance the flow, and the palm mute guitars and melodic piano works protrude most for me. 

The interlude amid the song also is very reminiscent of the late 90s to early 2000s alternative hit soundscape. The bridge, particularly, resonates more with his prior work and dynamically softens a bit from the otherwise vibe of the tune. Immediately after the chorus repeats, the song returns to the alternative pop flow the composer intends to deliver. 

The lyrics appear as a monologue of things the singer has faced in his life: about how his life and ethics 

differ from regular society, how being a vulnerable creative has earned him all sorts of positive as well as negative attention, how scary is the fragility of life, how even when he is trying not everything is accomplished and so forth. Thus, it is a must-listen NJK tune.

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