Arpana Shrestha's First Show—A sensible bit of pop songs.

Coming to Nepali music field from Khadbari, Sankhusabha; Arpana Shrestha has just debuted in the mainstream music industry with her debut album First Show—A sensible bit of pop songs. The album has been presented by Asian Music. Prior to this, she used to sing in various compilation albums. She’s have been actively working in the music field for over six years now. Here’s a bit of the interview;

Greetings! Congratulations for your debut album. Where are you busy with these days?

Thank you very much. Currently, I’m busy promoting my debut album First Show. The album has been promoted and marketed by Asian Music.

How did your musical journey started?

Back home when I was a child, I found that I had immense interest in music. I used to sing from my early childhood. I used to perform in various school level functions and programs and I always used to be first in competitions. My mum also used to sing which has influenced me positively. I studied my intermediate level studies at Himalayan Higher Secondary School and I used to take part in each and every programs. This helped me to develop the confidence level and perform in front of the mass. I gradually adopted music as my career. I’ve been singing commercially over the years now and also gave my voice in almost half a dozen collection albums. I recorded my debut song Timi Hidne almost 4 years back for Remember 61 collection album.

Since your mom used to sing, you must have got adequate family support then.

Well yes, I in fact got total family support. This may be the reason that my family helped me financially to launch debut album entirely. Everyone thought that someday, I’d be a singer and because of the same reason that I’ve been able to give my debut album. Besides, seeing my talent in music, everyone including my teachers and friends encouraged me much to choose this sector as my career. I came from local level and the scene here is totally different. There’s huge competition.

How about learning and trainings in music?

 Well, Ananta Shrestha is my trainer and mentor who’ve supported me much. Later, I started learning music in DoReMi with Bhanubhakta Dhakal Sir. It’s been a couple of years and I’m still in the learning phase.  I take each and every stage performance as my learning arena where I can interact with my audiences.

Tell us about your album First Show.

I started working for the album First Show some 6 years back. There are thousands of newcomers so; making a stable place here in music is very challenging. I came here to establish myself as a successful singer and my debut album has started to show its color. There’s a huge mass of people who’s liked it very much. The album includes the contribution of Lt. Sanjeev Thapaliya, Kumar Thapa, Bikram Thapa, Buddha Shyami, Ananta Shrestha, Devendra, Rohit Magar, Ghanaraj Subba, Gita Tripathi and Lochan Prasai. The songs were recorded at Audio Nepa:, Purple studio and Platinum Studio.

How’s the response for your album then?

My struggle for my musical career has always been through lots of hardships. I have a unique tonal quality and the music video is also extra. The video witness Ananta Shrestha’s (who holds a world record) stunt of driving the bike sitting backward also has helped in its promotion. I’ve been able to make a spot in the music industry despite of all those load shedding problems. The CRBT of the songs has been downloaded excessively. In the condition where Modern Songs have been domininant, I’ve been able to win the heart of the fans through pop music. This has motivated me very much. My debut video is in the countdown of the major TV and FM shows.

What are your interests?

Since I’m photogenic, I have built my interest in modeling sector as well. I like to Reeyaz on harmonium. I like travelling as well. The best place to travel to me is Sankhuwasabha, Jhapa and Pokhara. I like cooking very much. Fish fry is what I’m best at cooking. They say the fish I cook is as tasty as my voice (laughs).

Finally, do you have anything to say?

I’d like to thank everyone from the core of my heart for loving my first video. I’d like to thakn Ishwor Gurung of Asian Music for helping me launch my album and also like to thank Badal Prasai for making for such a wonderful video. I’m working for my 2^nd video Chhokho Preet which is a song in Rock n’ Roll patternwhich will be released in dashain. Also, I’d be doing my 3^rd video Nepal Ki Chhori which is a feministic song. I’d like to thank everyone who has supported to make this album successful. I’d heartily like to thank my fans from national and international areana for loving my album. I’d also urge everyone to stop piracy. Lastly, I’d like to thank MuzBuzz Monthly Team for giving a platform to speak some of my feelings.