with you…in love and in light
in pain, and in possibility
in fire, and in freedom
in heartbreak, and in healing
in endings, and in beginnings
in heart, and in hope
in peace, and in strength
in struggle, and in resistance
in silence, and in uprising
in grief, and in grace
in song and solidarity
in mourning, and in memory
with you
🦋
This song is a tribute to the love and unspoken bond between a daughter and her home. It captures the ache of distance, the warmth of memories, and the longing to return to the embrace that never stops waiting. As I sing “Bidai” with my mother, I think of these cherished photographs—my first day of school, captured with my beautiful parents, Hari Tamang and Susan Maskey. These moments, frozen in time, hold the roots of who I am. It’s from them that my brother and I carry our last name, Tamang-Maskey, a reflection of their love and their journey together—39 years and counting this month. Happy Anniversary Mama, Baba ♡.
“Timi Manushi” is an ode to self-liberation, encouraging women to embrace their wisdom, prosperity, strength, and creativity. Through evocative imagery of the sky, earth, and ocean portrayed in my mother Susan Maskey's voice and lyrics, the song challenges societal constraints and urges listeners to break free from imposed roles. It is a call to recognize one's true identity, claim autonomy, and walk fearlessly toward self-discovery and empowerment. With its message, the song serves as a reminder that freedom, dignity, and self-worth are inherent rights, not privileges. This song is a call to break free from limitations and move forward with confidence, reinforcing that every woman is capable, complete, and worthy of defining her own path.
I have in the past been a fearless and free-spirited person, chasing thrills and roller coaster rides...always on the go..a nomadic gypsy of some sort :). But ever since I found my one, I am no longer chasing, but instead staying still and growing more roots with every passing day. I have found something so beautiful that I am feeling the fear of losing it for the very first time, a fear that I will mess it up in some way, a fear that I will lose myself in the process...a fear that I will put myself in a box somehow.
A song about taking that first step of full surrender and commitment, of giving myself fully to somebody and letting go of the fear of losing myself. I have discovered that in the process of feeling vulnerable, I am on my way to finding the most authentic version of myself.
It’s not my first love, but it’s the kind of love that makes all others fade away. A love that anchors me in the present, a perfect little world we’ve built together, where there’s no room for anything else. I think I’ve found that kind of love, this lifetime—the kind I miss, even when we're in the same room. The kind that keeps me safe.
A song about remembering a distant friend—someone who once shared meaningful moments with you—and feeling that tug of longing—the spaces between, the memories that remain, and the recognition that time doesn’t wait for anyone. A song about those quiet moments when you wish you could reconnect, to remind each other of the shared stories and feelings that time hasn't erased. There's a gentle hope woven through it, hoping that despite the distance, those connections still matter, even if it's just in fleeting thoughts. Here’s Samjhinu Hai, a song for those who've felt the pull of lost time and distant friendships.
This song feels like a conversation with my own heart—a reminder to hold on, even when life feels heavy and dreams seem distant. It’s about facing those moments when you feel hollow, worn down, or burdened by time and mistakes, and choosing to fill them with love. Writing it felt like a form of self-healing, an embrace for every scar and every gray hair that tells a story. It’s a personal anthem about learning to forgive yourself, to love yourself, and to find beauty in simply being alive.
A song about that one person who feels like they’re woven into the fabric of your being. They’re the missing puzzle piece, the one who makes sense of everything. They are the warmth in the coldest nights, the strength when weakest, and the river that brings life. There’s so much depth and yearning here, lifetimes of waiting for the right person to come along. This love feels timeless, unbreakable, and deeply personal—as if there was truth to Plato’s idea of twin flames ….souls split in half, destined to reunite and create a whole.
Finding strength and support even in the quiet moments… having someone who not only hears your words but understands everything you are feeling, even when silent. That quiet presence is such a comfort—it’s as if everything else fades away, and you’re left with a sense of being understood and cared for. It’s that kind of connection that helps you navigate life’s ups and downs. Even in moments when breaking or feeling vulnerable, there’s that someone..always there to hold you up, to piece you back together.
This song has a piece of my heart—a reflection of the love and connection I feel so deeply with the nurturers in my life. It’s about the storms we weather together, the sunshine that warms us, and the delicate but thriving flower I have become, growing in their light.
The “self" is such a powerful thing. It’s your anchor, your compass—nurture it, love it, take care of it. That’s the greatest gift you can give yourself. This song is about checking in with yourself, about realizing that even when life pulls you in different directions, your true self is still right there, waiting for you. It’s a reminder not to lose that connection, not to leave yourself behind. Walk with yourself, celebrate yourself, and keep showing up for the person who knows you best—you.
Each path we walk, every breath we take, and every heartbeat seem guided by a higher power, urging us to seek unity and harmony within ourselves. This song is a prayer—a longing to walk hand in hand with the universe, wherever life's journey leads.
This song embodies the essence of nurturing and guiding someone through life with unconditional love and selfless devotion. It speaks to allowing someone to grow, stumble, and learn from their mistakes while discovering their own strength. Co-creating this song with my mother brings me immense joy, and it makes me reflect on what it would be like to guide someone with that same love and selflessness. One day, when I become a mother, hopefully I’ll understand the depth of this love.
♪♪ From the depths of the heart, let a dream be born ♪♪.
I believe that true music flows from a higher Source, and I am simply a messenger. These past few years have brought profound transformation, helping me discover new layers within myself and grow in ways I never expected. Born in late June (mid Asar), I’ve always felt a deep connection to the water element—a natural pull that’s been with me since childhood. Here’s a glimpse of a water spot I visit whenever I need grounding.
Album Release Letter
To all my listeners:
You grew up with me. You’ve been there with me every single step of the way. While releasing the “Sabai Thikai Huncha” album, we were all teenagers finding our way through life, navigating through our first loves and first heartbreaks. You embraced everything I was going through at the time by giving songs like “Gotta Be Love”, “Muskuraye”, “Jhuto Satya” and “Sabai Thikai Huncha”, a loving home in your hearts.
While releasing the “Ma Ek Sapana” album, we were in our twenties, working towards our dreams and facing the reality of the hardships of chasing those dreams. But, we all continued to move forward, heal, grow, and learn from our mistakes, including our disappointments, and head towards exactly where we were meant to be in life. You made me feel understood again by embracing songs like “Khula Aakash”, “Harek Saas Sita” and “Khaali”.
Now, here we are in our thirties, more resilient than ever, with everything that is going on in this world, still persevering, still finding ourselves, trusting fate to lead us to our true purpose as we find deeper meaning in the simpler priorities in life. Some dreams came true, some did not, and some dreams ended but also transformed into beautiful new horizons.
Unintentionally, it seems that each of these albums captures a part of who I am in decade-long time-capsules, with each decade bringing in a range of new emotions and an increased capacity to feel and experience the highs and lows of life.
Now the answer to your most asked question, where have you been Astha?
My answer is that I’ve been exactly where you are…experiencing life in parallel with you.
Sa Re Ga Ma Pa - Album Artwork
Courtesy: Ubahang Nembang
In the last 10 years.. I finished school, fell in love, flew out of my mama and baba’s nest, married the love of my life, built our nest, and became a plant-kitty-and-a-puppy mama. Life feels like it’s constantly changing, but I also feel like my roots are growing so deep as I settle into the nest that we are building. As I get ready to venture into bringing more life into our nest, I’ve embraced my womanhood in its absolute divinity.
Inspired by the circle of life, each song on the album is organized according to the circle of fifths. The 13 songs follow 12 chord progressions as a sequence of perfect fifths in a clockwise direction. [(For all the music geeks like me out there :P ) C major/A min is chosen as the starting point, and the chord sequence for the album is: C/Am, G/Em, D/Bm, A/F#m, E/C#minor, B (=C♭)/G#m, F♯(=G♭)/Ebm (=D#m), C♯ (=D♭)/Bbm, A♭/Fm, E♭/Cm, B♭/Gm, F/Dm. Continuing the pattern from F/Dm, the sequence returns to its starting point of C/Am, hence the album’s name : Sa Re Ga Ma Pa (सा रे ग म प)] #circleoffifths
I’m a little old fashioned in the sense that I still love composing full albums, and my hope is that you will listen to the songs in their intended sequence as well. It is strange that I have always cared very little about the virality or popularity of my songs. Perhaps because I know with full certainty that these songs will reach those who need them the most. I know this, because these songs came to life when I needed them the most.
Circle of Fifths - Sa Re Ga Ma Pa
Artwork Courtesy : Ubahang Nembang
Dedications:
The album would not have been possible without my beautiful mother and writing partner, Susan Maskey, who has been there with me throughout this album in every step of the creative process and as a spectator of everything I have been through in life to date. I am lucky that so many of these songs have now been a way for me to capture the special bond that I have with my mother, and a way for me to relive and reminisce every conversation, every healing moment, and every ounce of love that we have for one another. #aamachhori
My father, Hari Tamang, who has been waiting patiently and eagerly to listen to the whole project, wanted to experience the album in one piece. I’m getting his personalized vinyl record pressed for him right now as I write this, and I cannot wait to give it to him so that he can listen to it in lossless format on his wonderful record player :).
A special thanks to my not-so-little-anymore-little brother, Ozasvi, whose words of encouragement always give me a boost of confidence.
Thank you to my husband, Craig, for being my muse, for loving me so unconditionally for the last 9 years, and for helping me heal and nurture my inner child, without whom I wouldn’t have been able to compose this album.
And last but not least, all my love to my wonderful sisters in the arts community: Sumnima Tuladhar, Nayantara Gurung Kakshapati, Malvika Subba, Abhaya Subba, Sahana Vajracharya, Samriddhi Rai, Subani Moktan, Suzeena Shrestha, and Bartika Eam Rai. What a privilege and a beautiful blessing it is to be able to share a warm, loving, and collaborative space with you all. #sisterhood
My deepest gratitude to the geniuses below:
Producer, Niraj Tamang - for complementing these songs with your wonderful harmonies and beautiful but subtle musical arrangements. Niraj, the songwriter in me, owes you her life. Thank you. Your work ethic and your commitment to this project have inspired me so deeply. #purposedriven
Producer, Sound Engineer, Kobid Bazra - I am glad to have found you in the midst of COVID. You helped me jumpstart this incredible project, by producing the very first song on the album, and you kept this project moving forward regardless of everything else that was going on in the world. For that, I am so grateful. Thank you for Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, Maunta and Bidai.
Producer, Ashesh Rai - Ashesh bhai, what a pleasure it has been to work with you on the songs that we did. Your ability to immaculately work with any instrument in a percussive way, always fascinates me. Thank you for Man Ko Gahan and Chodera Najau.
Sound Engineer, Binaya Man Amatya - From getting all the microphone arrangements perfectly right, to delicately recording and mixing every instrument and fine tuning every frequency, I’m in awe of what you do, and it has been my absolute pleasure to work with one of the best in the scene. Thank you for your professionalism. My gratitude to the entire Project Studio team.
Musicians, Bhushan Man Amatya and Sahil Uprety, thank you for gracing the songs with your artistry.
My dear friend/mastering engineer, Phil Demetro - How incredible it has been to reconnect with you after all these years. Thank you for making the album sound so incredible. It has been an absolute honour to finally have the opportunity to master an album with you.
Visual storytellers, Sudin Bajracharya, Gaurav Tamang, Ankur Singh Thapa, Sashank Thapa, actors; Shanaya Nangia and Amogh Aryal and the entire Kathacharya team: Your help towards curating this album’s visuals is deeply appreciated. Thank you for understanding and carefully executing the vision for the project and for helping me bring these chapters to life.
And finally, a million thanks to illustrator and graphic designer Ubahang Nembang, for the wonderful album art illustrations!
It all feels a little bit bittersweet that all 4 chapters are now out in the universe floating around algorithm to algorithm, platform to platform. #labouroflove A lot of emotions shared from all of you. I’m so happy that to all those who are listening, the songs have found you 💌. Some of you are passionately keeping the songs in loop, on your walks, in your time in nature, in your time spent with loved ones. How thoughtful and moving—could I ask for anything more 🥴? #luckyme
Thank you for all the shares and the deep contemplations, I have faith that these songs will continue to make their way to ears, hearts, and souls for years to come. As for those who have found the 4-chapter music video series, we have some good news, the full feature film “Khula Aakash” by Kathacharya is on the horizon, hopefully sometime in 2025🤫🌅. #staytuned
Beautifully told coming-of-age stories are perhaps one of my favorite film genres, and I cannot wait to find out how this story unfolds myself :).
So, without any further ado, I present to you my third Nepali album, “Sa Re Ga Ma Pa (सा रे ग म प)” accompanied by a 4 chapter music video series! Hopefully, as you listen to the album, you will feel, cry, forgive, love, heal, and reminisce with me. The album is out on all streaming platforms and is yours now.
YouTube full album upload soon!
With love,
Sa Re Ga Ma Pa (सा रे ग म प) out on all streaming platforms!
After the heartbreak of Chapter 3: Maya Gara the story continues. Shashank and Aayushi stand at a crossroad—their hearts shattered, yet uncertain if it's truly the end. Will they choose to walk away, or will love give them another chance? Let “Samjhinu Hai” take you on their emotional journey—one that will leave you wondering: will she stay, or will she go?
The story is not over yet.
Slide into @kathacharya ‘s DMs and give them a friendly nudge—okay, maybe a playful poke—about the release date for their upcoming feature film "Khula Aakash"! Shashank and Aayushi’s saga continues, but we're all sitting here like, “2025?! Can we get a countdown or what?”
Follow @khula.aakash for all feature film updates.
Kathacharya Presents Feature Film Khula Aakash Pending Release Date 2025
As you journey through the album, each chapter sheds new light on their connection. This week Shashank and Aayushi face the hardest chapter yet as their love story takes an unexpected turn. It's a heart-wrenching moment of separation, where emotions run high, and the reality of love and loss hits hard. Watch now and experience their journey through this pivotal chapter.
Follow @khula.aakash for all feature film updates.
Shashank and Aayushi’s journey unfolds across four captivating songs in Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, each one reflecting a different chapter of their evolving relationship. This week Chapter 2: Na Runu is in the spotlight. It’s a moment where raw emotions take center stage, allowing listeners to feel the tenderness that defines their bond.
Follow @khula.aakash for all feature film updates.
A few nights ago, I had the honour and privilege of hosting a very private and intimate album launch/screening event amongst some of my dearest friends, close family, and my beloved music community. Such a beautiful and vulnerable moment shared in a room together in silence, in music, in movement, and in spirit, as we celebrated a room full of collaborators who had come together to create something beautiful.
The 2 greatest highlights of my night were watching the children of the CWIN Balika Peace home showcase their choreography to Gham Ko Saano Tukra and Khula Aakash and finally meeting my beautiful interweb friends, Amo and her Chima. For those who were there, including those who were there in spirit (you know who you are!), I want to thank you for being there. I love you all so so so much 🥹.
In the 10 years that I have been absent, lots has changed in Nepal, but what seems to be the constant is the purity, passion, and commitment the creative community exudes in their service to art. This pursuit of an artist’s life is the one that I have had the privilege to pursue while indulging in the highest frequencies imaginable. I am so proud and so happy to share these frequencies in this body of work coming your way in a beautifully curated 4-chapter music video series.
This week you are listening to Chapter 1: Aadha, the very first out of four chapters.
Thank you for listening, for watching, for sharing, and for always being there 💌.
With love,
Astha.
#chapter1 #aadha #saregamapathealbum #asthatamangmaskey
Kathmandu, Nepal – September 1, 2024 – Renowned singer-songwriter Astha Tamang-Maskey successfully launched her highly anticipated new album, "Sa Re Ga Ma Pa," at a special event held on August 31, 2024, at QFX Cinemas (Chhaya). The event drew an enthusiastic crowd of 150 guests, including industry professionals, media representatives, and select VIP attendees, all gathered to celebrate this significant milestone in Astha’s musical career.
A Memorable Evening of Music and Celebration
The evening kicked off with a social hour for VIP guests, setting the tone for an intimate and exclusive experience. VIP attendees were given reserved seating, offering the best views of the stage, along with early access to new merchandise and a unique meet-and-greet opportunity with Astha Tamang-Maskey.
Kicking off the program, Astha performed many of her popular and well-loved songs from her earlier albums, such as "Gotta to Be Love," "Sabai Thikai Huncha," and "Khaali," in an acoustic version. This deeply touched and delighted the audience.
The highlight of the evening was the outstanding choreography performed by the children of CWIN Balika Peace Home to Astha's songs "Ghaamko Sano Tukra" and "Khula Aakash," followed by an emotional PSA (Public Service Announcement) about children's mental health initiatives. This emotional segment deeply moved the audience, showcasing Astha's commitment to significant causes alongside her musical endeavors.
Astha then treated the audience to an exclusive preview of four new music videos from her album, captivating everyone with her innovative approach to storytelling through music. The strong presence of fellow artists and members of the music community added to the celebratory atmosphere, creating a sense of unity and support for Astha’s latest work.
Reflecting on the Album’s Release
Astha expressed her gratitude to everyone who attended the launch, stating, "I am overwhelmed by the support and love I’ve received from my fans, family, and the entire music community. 'Sa Re Ga Ma Pa' is a deeply personal album for me, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see it come to life in such a meaningful way."
Behind the Scenes
The creation of "Sa Re Ga Ma Pa" was a collaborative effort involving some of the most talented professionals in the industry. Music producers Niraj Tamang, Kobid Bazra, and Ashesh Rai played crucial roles in shaping the album’s sound, while mixing engineers Binaya Man Amatya and Kobid Bazra, along with mastering engineer Phil Demetro, ensured that every note resonated with clarity and depth. Visual storytellers Sudin Bajracharya, Gaurav Tamang, Ankur Thapa, and Sashank Shrestha from the Kathacharya team brought the album’s narrative to life through stunning visuals.
Astha also took a moment to acknowledge the unwavering support of her family, particularly her mother and writing partner, Susan Maskey, whose contributions were instrumental in shaping the album. She also expressed deep gratitude to her family, whose love and support were invaluable throughout the creative process.
The Journey Ahead
“Sa Re Ga Ma Pa" is now available for streaming on all major platforms, inviting listeners to embark on an emotional and introspective journey with Astha Tamang-Maskey. As Astha continues to evolve as an artist, this album marks another significant chapter in her illustrious career.
About Astha Tamang-Maskey
Astha Tamang-Maskey is a celebrated singer-songwriter known for her unique blend of folk, pop, and R&B music. Her soulful voice and innovative style have garnered her a dedicated following and critical acclaim. Astha has been recognized for her numerous achievements, including a worldwide tour during the release of her last album and winning Best Pop Female Vocalist Awards at both Radio Kantipur and Hits FM in recent years.
Astha Tamang-Maskey’s "Sa Re Ga Ma Pa" is now available for streaming. Experience the emotion, introspection, and artistry that define this remarkable album.
Stream here.
Read Astha's personal statement here.
Watch Official Music Videos here.
