Nepathya

Nepathya (Nepali: नेपथ्य also spelled as Nepathaya) is a Nepalese folk rock band that was formed in the early 1990s by three students from Pokhara while studying in Kathmandu, Nepal. Nepathya was formed by Deepak Rana (now a chopper pilot), Bhim Poon (settled in Hongkong) and Amrit Gurung. They started recording songs which after 25[1] years have made them the greatest band ever of Nepal.[2] Nepathya is best known for blending folk melodies with modern western-influenced rock music. Nepathya has enjoyed both commercial and critical success. Nepathya is well known for contemporary tunes that have strong ties with indigenous music and songs sung using regional dialects from rural Nepal.[3][4]

Nepathya
नेपथ्य
Background information
Also known asNepathya
OriginPokhara, Nepal
GenresFolk rock
Years active1991 (1991)–present
Labelsnepa~laya
Websitenepathya.com.np
MembersAmrit Gurung (Vocalist)
Suraj Thapa (Keyboard)
Subin Shakya (Bass Guitar)
Dhurba Lama (Drums)
Niraj Gurung (Lead Guitar)
Shanti Rayamajhi (Madal)
Past membersRabin Shrestha (vocals)
Bhim Pun (Drums)
Deepak Rana (Guitar)
Gautam Gurung (Vocals)
Hari Maharjan (Guitar)
Daniel Don Karthak (Bass Guitar)

Amrit Gurung

The moving force behind this band is Amrit Gurung who is generally from Pokhara(Nepal) who wears Gandhian frames (supposed to have been presented to him from one of his aunts who was a staunch follower of Mahatma Gandhi) and sings about peace and harmony. He is the only currently active founding member of the band. His songs encompass all of Nepal and are not limited to Kathmandu Valley. By hobby, he is a photographer and a traveler. He has been to more than 70 out of the 77 districts of Nepal, most of them on foot. Nepathya has seen many changes in its band's line up. Till date, more than 19 members have joined and left the band. But the founder and the brain behind Nepathya is unfazed. "Being in Nepathya is like being part of a serious journey. Anyone who deviates from team spirit and artistic commitment finds it hard to stay with the team", says Gurung. They have toured The UK, The US, Australia,Japan,Israel, Germany, Finland, India among others with their live performance. They have performed in the United States in Summer 2012 and they became the first Nepali band/artist to have performed in Wembley Arena, the UK on August 3, 2013. The band is also planning for such shows more around the world[5][6]

Nepathya live at Wembley Arena
Nepathya performing live in Helsinki World village festival 2006

Nepathya became the first Nepalese band to perform at Wembley Arena, UK on August 3, 2013.[7] The concert was jointly presented by Parcha Productions (Nawal Rai and Samir Gurung) and Subsonic Routes. Nepathya was successful to charm the 8000 strong Wembley crowd (mostly Nepalese living in the UK and Europe).[8] The concert was a huge commercial success. Nepathya's Wembley Arena concert is also the biggest ever performance by a Nepali band.[9]

Albums

Nepathya has released nine albums to date.[10][11][12]

  • Nepathya – 1991 (featuring Barashat Ko Mausam)
  • Himal Chuchure – 1993 (featuring Chekyo Chekyo, Euta Chitthi)
  • Min Pachas Ma – 1995 (featuring Jomsom Bazar Ma, Chari Maryo Shisai Ko Goli Le)
  • Shringar – 1997 (featuring Saruma Rani, Yarling, Yatra)
  • Resham – 2001 (featuring Resham, Yo Zindagani)
  • Bhedako Oon Jasto – 2003 (featuring – Bhedako Oon Jasto, Sa Karnali, Taalko Pani, Samsajhaima)
  • Ghatana – 2005 (featuring – Ghatana)
  • Mero Desh – 2009 (featuring – Rato Ra Chandra Surya, Kasaile Sodhe, Aama, Mero Desh)
  • Aina Jhyal – 2010 (featuring – Siranma Photo Cha, Jogale Huncha Bhet, Salaijyo)

Style and lyrical themes

The band started as a folk-pop band. The genre changed to contemporary rock and folk rock. They were able to use this fusion music to captivate wider listeners from different age groups and cultures. The lyrics usually depicted love and nature in their earlier albums. Their later albums began focusing on patriotism, peace and current issues plaguing Nepal. The album Ghatana released during the civil war period contains songs that tell the people the need for peace in the country and highlights the sentiment of the people as well as incites patriotism among the listeners. They are releasing a new album soon.

See also

References
  1. "Nepathya turns 25". Retrieved 2017-08-06.
  2. "Nepathya's 24 days & years". Republica. 2013-12-28. Retrieved 2015-03-22.
  3. "Nepathya to perform in New Zealand". The Himalayan Times. 2017-07-19. Retrieved 2017-08-06.
  4. "Nepathya's Hami Nepali shines with unifying theme". My Republica. Retrieved 2017-08-06.
  5. "After Sydney show, Nepathya to travel to New Zealand". Retrieved 2017-08-06.
  6. "Nepali Times | The Brief » Blog Archive » Amrit at O2 Academy Brixton". www.nepalitimes.com. Retrieved 2017-08-06.
  7. Amos, Owen (2013-08-02). "BBC News - Nepalese folk-rock band Nepathya to headline Wembley Arena". Bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 2013-11-18.
  8. "Nepathya charms 18‚000-strong Wembley crowd - Detail News : Nepal News Portal". The Himalayan Times. Retrieved 2013-11-18.
  9. Amos, Owen (2013-08-02). "Nepalese folk-rock band Nepathya to headline Wembley Arena". BBC News. Retrieved 2017-08-06.
  10. "» About". Nepathyaband.com. Archived from the original on 2013-09-24. Retrieved 2013-11-18.
  11. "Nepathya simultaneously releases 'Sirfula' at digital music stores". The Himalayan Times. 2017-01-29. Retrieved 2017-08-06.
  12. "Nepathya releases new Nepali song 'Ho Rama Rama' on YouTube". The Himalayan Times. 2016-09-11. Retrieved 2017-08-06.
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