The band in their extensive travels from the east to the west in the country has collected various local instruments which they have incorporated into their compositions. The band has mastered the art of using instruments such as yelambar, tyamko, tungna, sishyah, sarangi, pwanga, karnal, dhyangro, dhime, to name a few, and blend it well with the contemporary music they play.[break]
The current lineup of the band includes Sumnina Nepali as vocalist, Jiwan Lama as percussionist and guitarist, Kushal Karki on vocals and guitar, Prem Gurung as the bassist, Birat Basnyat, drummer and percussionist, Jason Kuwar on flute, sarangi, guitar and vocals, and Niraj Shakya as keyboardist and percussionist.
Established five years back, a few of the band’s original members couldn’t continue due to their personal obligations. Jiwan was once a part of the audience and he used to make sure not to miss any of the Night’s shows until he himself joined the band as a member a year back.
(L–R) Jason Kunwar, Jiwan Lama, Sumnima Nepali, Kushal Karki and Niraj Shakya. Photo: Bhswor Ojha
“Many members left the band to go abroad and I was ecstatic to get an opportunity to be a part of this group,” says Jiwan.
Though the band had been working on their original numbers and a few of their songs had been released, their first ever album “Ani Ukali Aangai Orali” is coming out in January which includes 11 songs for which they have used 24 different Nepali instruments.
Their first music video “Kathor” is already out and has even received 38,000 likes on the YouTube page. “It’s surprising that within such a short time, our video got such positive responses and that’s a motivating factor for us,” says Kushal.
Jiwan explains that usually fusion is all about the merge of classical music with western music. But their concept is a blend of old Nepali folk songs along with modern Nepali music and sometimes western as well. In one of their songs “Rain of Colors,” the narration part has been done in English as well.
Their lyrics speak of hardships and poignant reality of village life and you can feel the local vibes in their music. The various cultures that they observed during their travels have heavily influenced their music.
Jason mentions that forming a band was never a conscious decision.
“Back in 2006, there wasn’t anything specific that we wanted to create. But we knew we needed to do something different. I was abroad and was tied up with studies. But I managed to compose a few songs that I shared with some friends and that’s how the band happened,” he explains.
Jiwan talks about how he first got into music just out of curiosity and interest. With time, he feels that the definition of music has changed a lot. As he grew up, he was convinced enough to make a career out of it.
“20 years back, times were different and things may change in the future, too. But the passion is still there and we’ve grown mature along with our music.”
According to Kushal, the challenge of being a band that promotes folk music is that many people mistake them for some another established folk band. Jason adds that the financial aspect isn’t bright, either. “It’s tough to sustain yourself as a fulltime musician. That’s why many of our members have side jobs as well.”
Jiwan says that struggle is a part of any field but there are more instances where artists are taken for granted. “Many assume that we’re in the entertainment business. So they ask for favors but they don’t see the hours of hard work that we put into our practice.”
Members of the band, however, have been involved in music exclusively. “I teach music in school and even jam up with other bands at gigs. So whatever we do, it’s all about music. It’s how we sustain ourselves,” says Jiwan.
Also a professional playback singer, Sumnima feels that the songs she sings for the band are different in the sense that they need more clarity and precision. “Movie songs are quite catchy, upbeat and modern but though the songs that I sing for the band sound simple, I need more time to practice and I still feel there’s a lot of room for improvement.”
It’s difficult to take up music seriously because the social hierarchy has been constructed in that way, believes Jason. “If we talk about the roots of music, we don’t really have a culture of performing music like in the western society. In Nepal, music used to be played by a certain tribe or caste.”
He is of the opinion that if the society changes this perception and catches up with the western philosophy, then things might change in future.
“The psychology of the society hasn’t developed to encompass music and art seriously and we have to accept that. But transformation will take place gradually,” says Jason.
From their travels to Nepal’s remote areas, they have observed that music is still part of the rituals. But they have seen that people are transitioning from this mindset as they have slowly come to realize that they can make a career of it and that it’s also a performance art.
“After all, music isn’t associated with any caste, and when we break that caste barrier then the philosophy will surely change,” he adds.
Though challenges and struggles are ongoing phases for the band, Jiwan feels that the road ahead definitely looks constructive.
“My brothers had told me that it wasn’t an easy way out but I chose this field and I’m still here. It’s just that you need to follow your
passion, and if you want to be in music, then you got to learn it the right way.”
Taking time out from their own busy schedules, the Night Band makes sure to practice together at least three times a week, as they will be working on their second album shortly.
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