Lessons in rock | Bandwagon

The five longhaired guys of Mt. 8848 don't look like schoolteachers. But, like all good teachers, they show that it pays to look below the surface. Rhythm guitarist Amar Subba teaches science, vocalist Darshan Rai teaches singing, bassist Faren Limbu works as an administrator, lead guitarist Nirmal Gartaula teaches guitar, and Binod Lama gives drumming classes. Their debut album Yo Sansar, released in March, has changed how their students see them.

Last Dasain the five Galaxy School colleagues thought of forming a band. "Getting the right name was difficult," recalls Nirmal, who even trawled through the Brihat Nepali Sabdakosh in despair. "We wanted a name with a Nepali feel that was still in Western style," adds Faren. Finally, they thought of the obvious, and settled on Mt. 8848.

They recorded some tracks over that holiday. Their first single, the gypsy-flavoured Raat Gujarna, is still on the charts a year later. Within six months they released Yo Sansaar.

Raat Gujarna won Best Music Video at this year's Image Awards. "That was a surprise!" Binod admits. They were nervous on camera, but "later, it was so much fun," says Faren.

Each member has a wealth of experience. Inspired by dad Omkar Gartaula, who's a friend of Indian singers like Lata Mangeskar and Asha Bhosle, Nirmal studied eastern classical music in India. He also learnt from 1974 AD's Phiroj Shyangden. Binod played with Radius before joining

Mt. 8848, and still performs with Ram Shrestha at Nanglo. Darshan played with Ciney Gurung at Absolute! Bar, and won Best Rhythm Guitarist with the band Prerana at the 2003 Shikhar Beat Contest. Amar Subba used to play with Adrian Pradhan of 1974 AD.

"As a band, we don't play at pubs and restaurants but we're free to perform as individuals and with others," explains Faren. They're upbeat about the Nepal's music scene, but say the contribution of music arrangers, who play a large role in making any good song, is ignored.

They've just shot the video for Saatthi, a song about old-age woes, and will soon start on videos for Yo Sansaar and Maski Maski. Mt. 8848 has been nominated for Best New Artist and Best Rock Composition (for Raat Gujarna) in the Hitsfm Music Awards. Despite their commercial success, the group emphasises that they are a 'non-commercial rock band', saying it's all about the music.

Looks like Mt. 8848 is headed straight for the top.