Band of brothers | Bandwagon

They lived in the same tole, studied in Shanker Dev, hung out together and were related to each other or were friends. They watched their older brothers jam and it was just a matter of time before they picked up music and decided to form a band.

One of the newest bands to hit the music scene, Saayaas has already made a name for themselves. In only two months after the release of their self-titled album Saayaas, these young boys are ready to make rock cool again.

The band of brothers had been playing for two years in the restaurant circuit including the Bakery Café and Park Village. But their journey with music hasn't been easy. "When we approached hotels and clubs asking if we could play for them, they wouldn't take us seriously because we look so young," says drummer Rajesh. "We had to audition. Sometimes after they agreed, concerts would be cancelled. It left us feeling disheartened and frustrated."

However, the disillusioned boys refused to give up. Instead they ironed out the glitches and grew more determined. "We decided to record an album," says front-man Anil, "it took us a year but when it was done, we sent it to three record companies: SAV, Rebel Creations and Santana Records. Rebel Creations promptly called us the next day and we cut a deal. The rest is yet to unfold."

Saayaas treads over various genres but their focus is rock. Their lyrics address social issues with songs such as Sani Aama, which is about a boy ill-treated by his stepmother. The band is quite proud of Maila Dai, a controversial song which reflects Nepal's political scene and the happenings of the last few decades. They appeal to the government, the Maoists and the king about the need to unite for a peaceful Nepal, irrespective of their political ideals. But the song that is climbing the charts is their single Pahilo Maya. "Our manager and record label decided to promote Pahilo Maya first because they said it was the most commercial song. We don't know what exactly a 'commercial' song is but we agreed to have its video made first," adds Anil.

Pahilo Maya's video is already a hit with its aggressive rock attitude. Shot in fast moving clips, the band members are highlighted with no specific storyline. "The lack of storyline might be seen as a shortcoming but we wanted to focus on rock and that's what we've done," says guitarist Sudip. The shooting of the video was an adventure for the band as Rajesh says, "It took two days. We shot during curfews at the Chobar Cement Factory, staying up till 4AM. It was so cold that sometimes I'd sit at my drums and play just to keep warm."

Their hard work seems to have paid off and in spite of their qualms, the music video is getting plenty of airwaves on TV. Hopeful and determined, Saayaas isn't about to give up or give in as Anil adds, "We've run on music for so long, we can't stop now."

THE BAND
Anil Pakhrin - Vocals
Kumar Gurung- Guitar
Rupes Lama - Bass guitar
Sudip Shrestha - Guitar
Rajesh Lama - Drums
Manohar Khadka- Manager