This week I am listening to Albatross’s 2005 EP, “Jo Jas Sanga Sambandhit Chha”, and the song “Timi Bhane,” which I’m sure is a favourite amongst many, is such a joy to play on guitar. I obsessed over this song in my teens and deeply appreciated Sirish Dai’s refreshing take on songwriting. A vocal tone that was rough around the edges but so expressively emotive at the same time. A true artist.
Just my luck, around early 2007-2008 ish I got to meet guitar virtuoso Sunny Dai, who had moved to Canada and decided to spend a few years here in Toronto. At the time, I was playing at a lot of local Nepali community events, and Sunny Dai and I got a chance to connect and play on a few occasions. “Sunny’s guitar playing is so unique. Ekdam different chha.”, I would hear other musicians compliment him as I nodded in awe and agreement. Evident in Albatross’s riffs and compositions, this EP was a disrupter in the Nepali alternative music scene, an absolute gem.
Later in 2014, during my Ma Ek Sapana Tour, I was ecstatic when given the opportunity to tour alongside Albatross. We played 4 Australian show dates together in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane and I got a chance to really know Albatross ko dai haru. Many deep conversations and travels shared with Sirish dai, Abhaya dai, Sunny dai and Kismat. They kept me shielded from all the negative aspects of the music/touring industry, and I always felt safe in their presence. In all this narrative around “me too” and “women empowerment,” I sometimes wonder if we forget to give credit to the rare few men in the industry who show their utmost respect to women and create safe spaces where female musicians get an opportunity and an environment to grow and evolve. #iseeyouandiappreciateyou
2014 Ma Ek Sapana tour was massive, one that I will cherish until my hairs turn grey👵. I made many friends along the way like Roshan aka Bhaley, Parikshyit dai, Sisham Dai, Oscar Dai and Abishek aka Thakali from 3D events who were at the time making massive waves in the early Nepali tour/music promotion scene. We will meet again someday, I’m sure of it :). #tourlyf #lyfcha
#timibhane #albatross #jojassangasambandhitchha #songsthatmademe
Listen to the original here:
