ways we can help from wherever we are

I’ve been trying to find the right words to talk about what’s happening in Nepal right now.

Watching the videos and images coming out of Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, and so many other affected communities has been incredibly heartbreaking.

Families have lost their homes, their livelihoods, and, most tragically, their loved ones. There are still people missing, and so many people are facing an incredibly uncertain and painful time.

So I wanted to share a few ways we can help, especially for those of us living abroad who are wondering what we can do from afar.

When you’re far away, it can be really difficult to know what to do. You want to help, but sometimes you simply don’t know where to begin.

If you’re able to donate

You can support Nepal’s Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund, which is the government’s official portal for donations towards flood relief.

For friends in Canada, the Canadian Red Cross, Oxfam Canada and Unicef Canada also have dedicated Nepal flood relief campaigns. I’ve shared verified links in my bio for anyone who would like to contribute and wants to do so safely. Donations through eligible Canadian charities may also qualify for a charitable tax receipt.

But financial donations aren’t the only way we can help.

We can support Nepali-led relief efforts and trusted organizations working directly on the ground, where local knowledge and connections can make a huge difference.

We can also share verified information and specific requests for help. In a disaster, accurate information matters. Before sharing a fundraiser, donation link, or urgent request, take a moment to make sure it comes from a legitimate and trusted source.

If you have family or friends in Nepal, reach out and ask what they actually need. Sometimes sending support directly to someone you trust on the ground can help them access food, medicine, transportation, temporary shelter, or other necessities quickly.

We can also organize small fundraisers through our workplaces, schools, communities, cultural organizations, or simply among our friends and family.

And if you have a skill that could help, offer it. Translation, design, communications, fundraising, social media, logistics, or simply connecting people to the right resources, all of these things can be valuable.

But there’s another kind of help we need to talk about.

The emotional impact of being far away.

Many of us are watching this unfold while worrying about our families, our friends, our communities, and our home.

Sometimes there is a strange kind of helplessness that comes with being far away. You’re seeing everything unfold, but you can’t necessarily be there to help.

And sometimes, we just need somewhere to talk.

I’ve created a dedicated space in my WhatsApp community called Khula Aakash Parkhidai Chha.

It’s a space where we can come together, connect, share what we’re feeling, and support one another.

If you’re feeling affected by what’s happening in Nepal, whether you’re worried about someone, grieving from afar, feeling overwhelmed, or simply looking for connection, you’re very welcome to join us.

You don’t have to have the right words.

You don’t have to know how to help.

You can simply come, listen, talk, and be with people who understand.

And let’s remember that recovery doesn’t end when the waters recede.

There will be a long road ahead.

Homes will need to be rebuilt. Livelihoods will need to be restored. Communities will need support long after the immediate emergency has passed and the news cycle has moved on.

So let’s not only show up for Nepal today.

Let’s keep showing up in the weeks, months, and years ahead.

For me, Nepal is home in so many ways. It’s where my music comes from, where so many of my memories live, and where so many of the people I love are.

So my heart is with everyone who is hurting, everyone who is searching, everyone who is grieving, and everyone helping on the ground.

There is a long road ahead of us. A lot of healing. A lot of rebuilding.

But we’re all in this together.

If you’re far away, you can still help.
You can still connect.
You can still care.
You can still be part of the healing.

🫶

💿 A little thank you for the early believers. 🪁

💿 A little thank you for the early believers. 🪁

And a very special thank you to our VIP guests for selling out the VIP section! 🫶

If you already have your ticket to Khula Aakash at Moksh on October 9, you can now claim your FREE limited edition CD as a little thank you for being one of our early ticket holders.

Claim yours via this
link.

Quantities are limited.

See you at Moksh. 🪁

Early bird tickets for Moksh, Nepal are SOLD OUT!

1st date is live and the early birds are officially SOLD OUT!

join our khula aakash community on WhatsApp + send you a discount code for the next batch of tickets!

see you at MOKSH!

Get your tickets here: Astha Tamang-Maskey - Khula Aakash - Live at Moksh

Update: Discount codes have now all been redeemed 💌.

khula aakash tour | coming soon

kathmandu…. finally? #khulaaakashtour

see you soon, nepal!

 
 

Belukii Sessions UK - 2026

Belukii was pure magic. A memory I’ll treasure. Grateful to Debbre Events UK for the warm invite.., Bartika Eam Rai + Ankita Pun or the love, laughter, tears, soul talk and sisterhood, Niraj Tamang for flying all the way to London....and playing so beautifully….and to everyone in the audience... thank you, you healed something deep within my soul.

For all the highlights, swipe 👈..and check the Belukii story highlights bubble on my instagram for all the beautiful videos you sent my way. Until we meet again, UK 🇬🇧 👋 #belukiisessions

3 more days UK 🇬🇧

3 more days UK 🇬🇧! I'm packed and ready for you! My flight is tomorrow ✈️! Stay updated through my stories on Instagram ⁨@asthamusic⁩! I'm also packing a few limited edition copies of my first album, so don't forget to ask me for one when you see me :). To reserve a free copy, you can dm/leave a comment/drop your name in my stories. See ya 👋 #belukiisessions

See you soon UK 🇬🇧

Namaste UK !

UK मा बस्नु भएका सबै नेपालीहरूलाई धेरै माया।

We’re really excited to be coming to the UK for Belukii Acoustic Sessions on 5th of April.

Open sky, good music, good energy and a beautiful Belukii evening with all of you.

Join us at Kirat Rai House, Gambles Lane, Woking.

Get your tickets now, see you there !

Tickets →: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/debbreevents/2049291

#DebbreEvents #BelukiiSessions

UK early bird tickets are sold out! Stay tuned for more 🇬🇧🎟️

Excited to announce that I will be playing my first show date after many years in the UK this April! I cannot believe it's been almost 12 years since I last saw you all! I’ve been waiting for the right show to make an appearance, and finally the stars have aligned. 

I’ll be sharing the stage with two incredibly talented singer-songwriters, Ankita Pun and Bartika Eam Rai - artists whom I deeply love, respect, and admire. I’m deeply grateful for the chance to not only perform alongside these incredible women but also to experience their music live for the very first time. 

A heartfelt thank you to Debbre Events UK for hosting me for this beautiful and intimate acoustic evening. These kinds of shows are where I feel the most at home - where connection feels meaningful. Depth is what my soul has been craving for these days, and I cannot wait to indulge in that space with you. 

As for Nepal dates, I promise I’m working on them.. In the meantime, mark your calendars, UK… Belukii sessions are going to be magical.

belukii sessions 2026

Belukii Acoustic Sessions - UK

Excited to announce that I will be playing my first show date after many years in the UK this April! Early bird tickets will be out soon. See you! 🇬🇧 🎟️

The Wise Musician Podcast - Where Do Songs Come From?

Last month, I sat down with musician and educator Nick Akdag, the curator behind my favourite music resource on Instagram, Wise Musician. We had a thoughtful conversation about my new album Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, the upcoming feature film project Khula Aakash, and the quieter parts of the creative journey that don’t always get talked about.

We spoke about growing up in a deeply musical family, how legacy and culture have shaped me, and how I continue finding my own voice as an artist. I also shared how play keeps my creativity alive, how I approach live performance, and why caring for my mental, physical, and spiritual health has become essential to making honest art and staying connected to the source of all ideas.

This conversation felt grounding and real..the kind of connection I find myself craving more and more these days. If you’re curious about the process behind the music, you can listen to the full podcast here:

a song for every emotion

Hello everyone! 

It’s been a while since I gave you all a proper update, so I thought I’d write you a little note today 💌. 

As for creative life updates… a few months ago, I got some amazing news, letting me know that the 4 chapter music video series saga from the Sa Re Ga Ma Pa album will continue on with the edit of the full length feature film named…. 

…..*drum rolllll*….🥁…*wait for it*…..

 “Khula Aakash” !

The first round of post-production edits are at 90% completion, and the film has now been officially registered with the Nepal Film Development Board (FDB). This is a such a huge feat for all of us involved! What an accomplishment 👏!

I am so excited to have co-produced this film with Kathacharya and for my first “executive producer” film credit, IMDB HERE I COME🤓! 

This project honestly has been a labour of love, literally blood, sweat and tears, many early mornings, many late nights, and a true independent effort by an incredible group of passionate creatives. Small budgets are hard to maneuver around sometimes…when visions are big, but when the right creative minds come together.. the sky is the limit, honestly…anything is possible.

It’s one of the things I love about being a creative person, we all do anything and everything to execute our creative visions. I’ll keep you posted on how this goes, but hopefully we’ll have a full length feature film to share with you in the near future🤞! 

The hardest challenge for us creatives sometimes…is finishing what we started :).

Bear with us just a little bit longer.. in the meantime you can follow @khula.aakash on instagram for all updates on the film. To everyone commenting on the reels and sharing their early interest in the film…we see you and thank you for your support! #excited #khulaakashfeaturefilm

Secondly… on tour updates, I promise I’m working on meeting you all soon. Tours are delicate to execute and require a community of like-minded, hard-working individuals (from amazing live show production teams, kickass legal teams, diligent management teams, incredible musicians, sponsors, booking agents, show promoters, and dedicated fans) to come together, collaborate, and execute a common vision.

I find live shows to be an extremely spiritual experience, a moment when an artist gets to perform her body of work with people who have been listening, supporting, and cheering her on for decades .. which is why I am extremely selective about which shows I play. I know in my soul that the moment I finally get to meet you all again is going to be so incredibly special 🫶. #imworkingonit

And finally…some studio updates! I am happy to announce that I am officially working on album number six! 🤯 I feel the creation process pulling me in …with full intensity 🌊.. I’ve been waking up every morning with melodies swirling around in my brain 😵‍💫. Life is crazy and the creative gods are kind 🙏. 

My mama often quotes Mary Oliver and asks me: “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”.  

Artists walk a fine line sometimes.. entertainment or self expression?

I know, in my gut that I’m here on this planet to experience the freedom of true creative expression. #blessed 

As for the next couple of months while I fine tune the new album, I’ll be revisiting all of my previous albums, reconnecting with each song of my creative journey so far, and exploring a time capsuled emotion of that era.

A wonderful soul friend, always kindly reminds me, ‘Astha, you have a song for every emotion.’ Inspired by her sentiment, I will be calling these sessions just that. The full uploads will be available on all streaming platforms. #asongforeveryemotion

Let’s travel down memory lane, shall we?

With love, 

Astha.

marigolds courtesy mama and baba’s garden 🌼

with you...

 

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

with deepest sympathy for the precious lives we’ve lost 🕊️#neverforget

 

To all my listeners 💌 (Album Release Letter)

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!

Chapter 4: Samjhinu Hai (Official Music Video) Out Now!

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

Chapter 3: Maya Gara (Official Music Video) Out Now!

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.

Chapter 2: Na Runu (Official Music Video) Out Now!

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.

private album launch/screening - sa re ga ma pa

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