Music in Nepal follows a trend and the trend continues…so when a record
comes along that is even a little different, it sounds refreshing. Arya's music
is appealing because it sounds familiar but not a direct lift-off. His music has
influences from everything ranging from disco, hip hop, R&B (Come see me,
Movin and Groovin) and yet he's managed to localize it by adding his own
flavour.
The album "ARYA" seems to be a mix of many genres however it doesn't
sound confused. With feel-good songs like "Maya" & "Aauna" (which he recently
performed at ANA 2007 held in L.A.), you can get your head bobbing or
can become an instant hit on the dancefloor. Then there are ballads like
"Jeevansathi" and "Runaway" that brings out the sensitive guy that is Arya.
The 'boy band with a streak of R&B' sensibility has now officially hit the Nepali
music market and he's a solo act! This album also embraces all age groups
and is basically for you if you are young at heart. Look at his versality - he's
sung in English, Hindi and his native tongue - Nepali, all with equal ease. True,
it's an out-an-out 'pop' album…so what??
What is the meaning of Arya?
There are different meanings of Arya but my name means just a human who does not belong to any particular caste, creed or color. That's exactly what my Buwa (father) told me when everybody in school started getting curious. So, if you feel the same way you are Arya too.
When did music become an important part of your life?
Music has always been an important part of my life but it became a bigger part when I turned 20, experienced falling and being in love for the first time and naturally started writing and composing songs. It was just like pouring my inner feelings out in the form of music without having to make an effort, something I had never realized I was capable of. I believe, no other career would give the kind of satisfaction music could, being myself, enjoying it and taking people to the levels of love that I reached to.
What/who is your first love?
My first love at this point of my life is my career. Turning my dream into reality is what's important to me. As far as my first love experience is concerned, it was (yes, was as she is married and has a daughter now) the one and only girl with the Spanish eyes who showed me this world with a lovable perspective. It was good for what it was. If you have not been in love yet, you will feel me when you do.
Singer, songwriter, composer – which aspect of music is the most interesting for you?
It's all interesting to me as I do have done all of it for my album ("ARYA",coming out on music.com in mid Shrawan in Nepal) to make it more personal but sometimes I do like borrowing songs from my other songwriter friends whose music touch my soul. Gotta thank Alex for "Alone", which he had written for his dear cousin. He still hasn't told me what inspired him to write that song….Maybe someday…..
Who are your inspirations, if any?
Sir John lennon, don't know all the songs he has sung but enough of an inspiration for the ones that I love. And I guess, being born on the day and year he was buried makes it more special.
Deff Leppard and Miss Carey for their songwriting ability, Britney Spears for working it..haha! Love her for what she does and how she does it. Gosh! Don't get me started on this, I can go on for hours talking about the innumerous asrtists who I admire…
Tell me about your stint as an RJ…what was the experience like?
Working as an RJ for Hits FM was the best way I could have ever broken into the field of media. Connecting with thousands of people through my voice was great! It boosted my self-confidence and I learnt a lot. Thank you Sonny dai (brother) for believing in me!
How competitive is the music industry in Nepal?
Very Very competitive. I think it's the huge no. of talented artists coming out right now who make it very challenging. Everybody's got a catchy tune that I start humming after the first time I hear it. I think as a team our generation will make a musical difference!!!!
How are the trends different from the International music scene?
Very different. We Nepali people are very loyal to our culture and music I believe. We will always love our Nepali folk sound, it's a part of us and the huge Folk album sales support that fact. But the influence of the Hip hop scene has put us in the same page I suppose.
What was your reaction when you first heard your song on Hits FM 91.2 in Kathmandu, your former workplace…
It was fascinating 'coz I had heard myself plenty no. of times but not with thousands of people at the same time. "Wonder what everybody's thinking about my song?",I was asking myself. Seeing my mom and my aunts face light up after they heard my song will be a sight I will always remember.
What do u think about the current Nepali music scenario in USA and other foreign countries?
I strongly believe that there is a new Nepal being born outside of Nepal, especially because of thousands and thousands of Nepalese moving out of Nepal and living their lives in US, UK, Dubai, Hongkong etc...The more our population spreads out all over the world the more our culture will spread naturally, and with that our Nepali music will also go places. I see a very bright future of Nepali music now and I am glad it's happening in my generation. I don't see why it wouldn't as being Nepalese outside of Nepal the most plaesant and easiest connection with Nepal for us is Nepali music.
What was your reaction when you first heard your song on Hits FM 91.2 in Kathmandu, your former workplace…Describe your self-titled album "ARYA"…
It was fascinating 'coz I had heard myself plenty no. of times but not with thousands of people at the same time. "Wonder what everybody's thinking about my song?",I was asking myself. Seeing my mom and my aunts face light up after they heard my song will be a sight I will always remember.
Describe your self-titled album "ARYA"…
When you listen to the album you will be able to experience songs that will take you to the moment when you first fell in love, when you first started flying without any wings (Ya!).It also has songs like Nasha (Intoxication) featuring Mr. Metro (NY rapper)... this word says a lot about the album. Instead of being intoxicated by drugs or alcohol, it's by love. It also takes you to the point where you suffered because of the one you loved and how you got over it and found light when everything around was dark. Summing it up, it's a very balanced album and is a must buy, especially if you are in love...believe in love or wanna be in love. Haha! You can log on www.musicarya.com and check some videos out.
Your most memorable gig?
It's funny... the bigger the gig gets the memorable it becomes for me. The ANA (American Nepali Association) Convention held at the Sheraton Hotel, New Jersey has to be it. Debuting my songs for the first time for 3000 people who had never heard of me and my songs, never seen me and then having them sing along with me was the moment....ah! that can't be described!! There was so much energy coming from the audience that I started shaking at one point. I loved that crowd!! Looking forward to the convention in Chicago now, you should come....haha!
How does the future hold for Arya?
I think I will let God decide that one. He knows me inside and out and I believe he will take me where I have to be. On my part I will remain the positive soul that I am and try my best to spread love and give love to every living or non-living soul out there. Lastly, I would like to thank everybody I have met so far in the Nepali conventions, youngsters, friends and elders who have bought my album and also who haven't bought it but made it a point to come up to me and express their loving and their blessings and good wishes for my future..I am just a normal Nepali trying to promote Nepali music in and outside Nepal...Thanks you very much for your support as I need it every step of the way. I am just at the beginning......
Any message to your fans?
Lastly, I would like to thank everybody I have met so far in the Nepali conventions, youngsters, friends and elders who have bought my album and also who haven't bought it but made it a point to come up to me and express their loving and their blessings and good wishes for my future as a Nepali music representative..Much love to all the girls, boys and elders who dance along with me while I am onstage. It inspires me to do better! I am just a normal Nepali trying to promote Nepali music in and outside Nepal...Thank you very much for your support as I need it every step of the way. I am just at the beginning......
