 ANUP PRAKASH |
If you want to get to know the real 1974 AD, attend one of their rehearsals. The passion that oozes out of every note can transport you to a musical haven. Make sure you attend their concert in Jai Nepal on 24th April, organized by partynepal.com.
Here is what the band had to say about their 10-year musical journey, being dubbed the "Backstreet Boys" and about crazy fan encounters.
WAVE: 10 years is a long time. Tell us about the journey.
1974 AD: We got together in 1994, but we weren't that serious about the band back then. We used to have jamming sessions, but that's about it. We first performed on stage on the 21st June, for the International Music Day. We covered only English songs. Then we decided to record an album, "Timeout", just for the kicks. (Nirakar: "garera heru na, bhandai"). This album was mostly English. Sunny Shrestha from Hits FM heard us and encouraged us to produce a second album, this time with Nepali songs. In 1998, Samjhi Basjhu became a hit, and we suddenly started seeing the scope of music. The rest, of course, is history.
WAVE: What are some of the awards you've received.
1974 AD: Manoj is the expert on this one.
Manoj (lists):
2000 Hits FM Music Award – Best performance by group or duo
2000 Sanmiguel Music Award — Best performance by group or duo
2000 Kantipur FM Listener's Choice Award 2nd position
2001/ 2002/2003 Kantipur FM Listener's Choice Award 1st position
2002 Hits FM Music Award – Best performance by group or duo
2003 Icons of 2003
1974 AD: The awards have a different significance. They are material proof of our achievements, but what is more important is the reaction of the fans. When the audience sings along with us and we see tears in their eyes during our concerts, we know that we've achieved something.
WAVE: Have any 1974 AD members been replaced or added?
1974 AD: When the band took a professional stand, we had Nirakar, Bhanu, Nawang, Manoj and Adrien. ("I was the youngest member then," Adrian grins sheepishly). Sanjay and Manose joined in 2000, and that is when we became a committed team. The people who couldn't devote enough time to the band just dropped out.
WAVE: What about the instruments that you've used over the years? Any changes there?
1974 AD: Adrian had the most variety of instruments. He went from the keyboard, to percussions to guitar and vocals to drums and vocals. ("I also play the harp." There's that grin again). Of course we have added instruments too. We started off with a typical rock set and now have a flute and added more percussion instruments. When performing abroad, we use a lot of traditional Neapli instruments like dhime, and ektare. Our goal is to promote Nepali instruments. (Manose: "A lot of youngsters joined flute lessons after they heard the flute in Samjhi Baschu. That's the type of influence that we want to have"). In fact, in the concert that's happening in Jai Nepal, we will be the first band to use violin and Newari percussion instruments. There will be an orchestra of 20-30 people. (WOW!!!)
WAVE: Nepal experienced a lot of changes in the past ten years. How have you adapted your music to reflect those changes?
1974 AD: We don't change our music according to current 'styles'. For instance, we're not going to suddenly turn to Hip-hop just because it is the 'in' thing right now. Our music has expanded, but we still maintain the rock and blues base.
WAVE: Which one of your albums became the greatest hit?
1974 AD: Satabdi. But we are expecting the new album, Pijada ko Suga, to overthrow that. (I heard a few songs from their new album while they were rehearsing and I got goose bumps. It was that good!)
WAVE: What sets Pijada ko Suga apart from your previous albums?
1974 AD: We traveled a lot over the past two years and got to play a variety of music with world-famous musicians –from classical performers to mainstream artists. Our view of what music is and what it can do changed. Pijada ko Suga is an embodiment of our international experiences. The music in this album has an international appeal. We've combined African beats with Nepali folk tunes (I heard this one and trust me, it sounds awesome), we've included Irish flute tunes and even have Indian ragas. Audiences all over the world can relate to this music. (One thing that they didn't mention but I know, is that they've incorporated the flute into a rock number and that is the most amazing tune in the whole album.)
WAVE: You guys were labeled as the "Nepali Backstreet Boys" during your international tour. How did you respond to that?
1974 AD: We don't know why we were labeled that, but I guess it was because we play mostly for a young audience.
WAVE: What is the difference between performing here and abroad?
1974 AD: We perform two types of shows outside. One is for the Nepalese living abroad, and the other one is for foreigners. We make sure that we talk about Nepal and promote Nepali culture whenever we are performing outside the country. We feel great when we can share Nepali music with Nepalese abroad. But even better is when foreigners, who don't even understand Nepali come to watch our show. It makes us realize the potential of Nepali music.
WAVE: Has the female attention changed once you started the band?
Manose perks up: Yes! (I knew Manose would reply to this one). I think it happens naturally. As soon as you reach the limelight, you are sure to get loads of female (and male) attention.
WAVE: What is the craziest fan encounter you've had? Any stalkers or Marry-me-or-I'll-drown-myself threats?
1974 AD: We haven't had anything that bad yet, but a guy climbed the stage to kiss Sanjay once. Sanjay also gets occasional Please-Stop-Smoking kind of notes from girls. (Talk about female attention...)
WAVE: Ok and finally the clichéd question. Who would you like to thank for helping you get so far?
1974 AD: You (I'm flattered). But seriously we have to thank Sunny Shrestha for starting us off. Gyanodaya School, all the radio stations, God, our families, our friends from abroad, Bijay Manander, our manager, who showed us how we could make business out of our music, and of course all our fans.
