The Dharan native came to Kathmandu four years ago to learn conga but instead found his way to a drum set. A class 8 student of Midland English Boarding School, Anmol goes to Nepal Music Centre everyday for his music classes and to practice. [break]
While he is learning drums, tabla and madal, Anmol’s priority is the drum. He likes funk music and scrunches his nose at the mention of metal.
Tell us something about your bands.
I became a member of Blue in Silence two years ago. There are four of us in the band and I’m the youngest member. We’ve performed in six shows and we’re also the winner of last year’s Alliance Francaise Kathmandu Music Contest. Due to that, we got the chance to perform at Nepal Academy Hall and Khula Manch. We try to practice at least three times a week. We have four original compositions, and when we sit down to compose music we have an equal participation. The other band that I’m involved with is called Atom AK47, started one year ago. We are a two-member band and my friend plays the djembe while I play the drums. We’ve performed at Moksh and Nanglo Bakery Café. The name comes from the fact that we are both young and the way we play our instruments sounds like an AK47. Or that’s what we like to think. In both the bands I play the drums.
What does music mean to you?
I don’t know how to explain this but for me, music is like medicine. Every time I feel sick, or sad, music makes me feel better instantly. It lifts up my spirits and makes me excited and happy. It gives me relief from everything else.
Who are your favorite musicians?
I admire Hari Maharjan from the Hari Maharjan Project. He was a former student at Nepal Music Centre. I also like Daniel Rasaily and Dave Weckl. My favorite bands are the Dave Weckl Band, 7th Gravity and the Dave Matthews Band. My teacher, Nikhil Tuladhar, is also an inspiration.
What goals have you set for yourself?
I want to be known as a versatile drummer. I have plans of composing music when I grow up and it’s that dream that pushes me to practice for four hours each day. Though I take two hours of class each day after school, I still practice every morning before I leave for my school and after my music class ends.
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