Axing’ the stereotype | Bandwagon

One hit wonders: (phrase) Bands and other musical acts that shine with one track and then disappear into oblivion. While acts like these come and go, The Axe has persisted for more than a decade now. That's an impressive feat to boast about in any measure. But band members Shiva Mukhia (Vocals and Bass), Surendra Shrestha (Drums) and Sarad Shrestha (Guitar) let their music do the talking.

"We started in 1993 as fresh SLC passed outs, had too much free time in our hands and the air was full of music," reminisces Shiva, "Bands like Sanjay Shrestha's Crossroads and Metal Cross and solo acts like Bhim Tuladhar were at full swing."

"Pretty soon we were composing original tunes apart from playing cover. We approached NTV with our demo. They liked it so much that they decided to make and air the video- for free!" says Sarad. "We grabbed the opportunity and that's how Chiya bari happened in 1995."

Initially they started out as a four-man band, with Shiva on the six strings. But in 2000, they were down to three men with Shiva trading his six strings for full time stint on the bass guitar, an arrangement which he hasn't changed till date. Musically they are rolling and their unique 'Axe signature sound', a harmonous yet individualistic mix of Bass, drumbeats and funky guitar playing.

Talking about their latest offering, one question pops up. What's with the name, Kammasaka? Shiva explains, "It's in Pali language, the tongue which Gautam Buddha is said to have spoken in. Its literal translation is work is wealth." The new album features 8 new tracks with topics ranging from unconditional love, broken homes due to alcoholism and life and death.

Creativity is their game be it songs, album titles or music videos. For their new video, Euta Chithiko, they marched into the balcony of Deep Music, Khicapokhari on 3 January and gave an impromptu concert to the surprise of the Saturday crowd. "The response was overwhelming," says Shiva, "Last time I was in New Road, an old timer came up to me and congratulated me for the act." Surrendra added, "We had always thought of performing off that balcony, only that day we finally decided to give it a shot. The show turned out quite well and the video is just excellent."

So what have they seen in their 14 years in music-industry? "When we started out, FM stations and magazines were an alien concept. Now music has become a full-fledged industry," says Sarad, For their future plans, they eagerly share their possible tour to promote their latest album. A social campaign against drugs is also in the pipeline for the band. Surrendra jests, "A world tour wouldn't be too much, would it?"

Like fine wine, The Axe has only improved with age. They are still axing' away the average stereotypical images of a rock act, and continue rocking despite the odds.

They strive to be the best at what they do. And that is ROCK.