The song “Asar Saunko” from the early 2000s, which was played on repeat on television and radio stations at the time, defines the music of the Seasons band. Their music, according to band members, is ever-changing and ever-evolving, as the genres they blend never stay the same. Formed in 1995 by a group of young boys in Hetauda, the band was one of the most popular in the noughties, with songs that catered to all age and social groups.
The band started with playing in social events in the small town of Hetaunda in the early 90s. But as they matured as a band, they decided to make a definite contribution to the Nepali music industry. Seasons released their debut album “Khyal Khyalaima” in 2000 and followed it quickly with “Seasons” in 2001. With both the albums seeing commercial success and the band touring all over the country with their music, they released “7*3=21” in 2004. By that time, Seasons had become one of the most popular bands in the country with hits like “Suneko Kura” and “Raato Maato”.
Now, after a hiatus of almost 16 years, Seasons plans a comeback with the original line-up of Sujil Karmacharya on lead guitars and vocals, Shailendra Pradhan on keys and vocals, Chandra Lama on drums and vocals, Sanjay Shrestha on bass, and Gyanendra Pradhan on guitars and vocals—all under the management of Stereo Records.
So what is Seasons bringing to the table after such a long break, a time during which the Nepali music industry evolved extensively? Besides, many young listeners know nothing of the band’s laurels. “Our music will now focus on the society and spirituality,” says Sujil, the 40-years-old frontman. “I think we need musicians who can promote spirituality. It’s much needed.”
Sujit, a highly spiritual person himself, wants to use his experience in spiritualism to make music. “Spirituality has changed my way of life and even made me more productive,” says Sujil, who is now an ardent follower of ISCKON. Even while the band was in hibernation, Sujil had continued to do background scores for Nepali movies. In fact, Sujil is still one of the most sought after score composers in the industry. “I had a hectic life. There was so much work and it took me more than a month, working 18 hours a day, to complete a project. But now I spend much time with my kid and work just for 4 to 5 hours daily, and still complete similar projects in under a month. That’s how efficient spiritualism has made me.”
The big challenge, Sushil says, will be to get all band members to the same level of musicianship. When the band started back in the 90s there was no internet and only limited resources, the learning curve in music was high and despite their great zeal, they could only do so much. In 2020, the level of musicianship has increased several-fold. The bands that have tried to make a comeback after a long break have struggled. “Our band members are practicing more and taking music classes,” Sujil says. “But I still feel there’s a long way to go.”
That’s why the band has named their upcoming album “Seasons: The New beginning.” “It’s really a new beginning for the band and the music they want to produce,” says Ashish Parajuli, the managing director of Stereo Records. “The band members are not concerned about publicity and getting famous. But as I see much potential in their music I asked them to regroup and start making music again.”
Seasons have already released their songs “Bhanchan Narayana” and “Ko Nepali Ho” in the lead-up to their album launch, the date for which is yet to be finalized. The new songs are already creating a buzz and if things go well, the band will also start performing live in the near future.+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-----
