Rachana Dahal on daring to be different

With roots going back to her childhood, singer and songwriter Rachana Dahal’s journey in music is one of innate talent, perseverance, and breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

“I have loved singing since my childhood days,” says Dahal, her eyes sparkling with the memories of those formative years. “Even at a young age, I was capable of capturing the melody, music, and tunes much faster than anyone else.” 

Growing up at a time when access to music was limited to television channels and CDs, Dahal’s ability to swiftly pick up tunes became her strength. Her brother, a constant companion and music enthusiast, played a pivotal role by bringing home CDs with diverse collections of songs, allowing Dahal to explore various genres and styles.

Her early exposure to English rock bands like Guns N’ Roses, Linkin Park, and Nirvana significantly influenced her musical taste. “The first song I did cover on was from Guns N’ Roses. I was influenced by English songs,” she says. This eclectic mix of influences helped shape her musical style, blending Western rock elements with her unique touch.

Dahal’s journey from singing at school competitions to writing her own songs was marked by a series of personal milestones and professional achievements. “The first song I released was in 2019, ‘Bhumari’,” she says. Despite having written several songs prior to her debut, Dahal had never considered officially posting her music. “I didn’t have any plans. It just wanted to give it a shot.”

Her songwriting process, Dahal explains, is anything but linear. “There is never a concrete songwriting process,” she says. Sometimes a melody comes first, other times it’s a thought or a feeling that demands expression. “Sometimes a song may take 15 minutes to an entire day.” For Dahal, the bridge of a song holds particular fascination and importance. “In any song, the bridge is the most important part.”

However, the path to success has not been without challenges. The Covid-19 lockdown was a significant setback for Dahal who thrives on live performances. “I’m a person who loves performing,” she says. She had to find solace in writing and introspection. “Lockdown was an experience for me. I learned a lot. I wrote a lot.”

One of Dahal’s ongoing battles is with the gender disparity in the music industry. “I feel we haven’t seen a female headliner yet,” she says. This absence of female representation is something Dahal is determined to change. “I’m working hard to change this mentality.”

Her music reflects not just personal experiences but also societal observations. Her recent project ‘Ma Sakdina’ addresses the expectations placed on women in Nepali society. “This song is about the life of a woman which circles around either being a good daughter or a good daughter-in-law,” she says. The album, ‘Janmadaag’, meaning generational curse, encapsulates these themes, urging listeners to confront and challenge societal norms.

In addition to her captivating melodies and thought-provoking lyrics, Dahal has a unique approach to her live performances. “I like to scream as much as possible,” she says with a grin. “I also want my listeners to scream. We have a lot of bottled-up emotions, and how do we get them out?”  Dahal says her concerts are more than just musical performances. They are therapeutic sessions where emotions are released.

“I want people to come to my concerts and scream their hearts out,” she urges passionately. “Let them be like a therapy session, where we can all collectively release our pent-up feelings and find solace in the power of music.” It’s this raw authenticity and connection with her audience that sets Dahal apart as not just a musician, but a healer through her art.

Dahal’s personal life is intertwined with her professional journey. She speaks fondly of her supportive family, particularly her brother, who is also a musician. “The person who has full support from their parents is probably the luckiest person on earth,” she says. Their understanding and encouragement have been crucial in her pursuit of music.

Looking ahead, Dahal envisions a future filled with music, performances, and personal fulfillment. “I see myself being happy, doing shows and making more music, writing more songs, gaining more experiences, and having lots of cats,” she says with a laugh.

For upcoming musicians, Dahal’s advice is simple yet profound. “Break the wall. Sometimes you feel powerful. You are full of ideas, plans, and visualization. The next day you might feel exactly the opposite way and feel down. Never trust that phase when you are down. Always keep your visualization high and explore your music.”

Reflecting on her aspirations for the broader arts community in Nepal, Dahal emphasizes the need for change and growth. “We talk about and praise international artists, but I think it’s our time to reach the international level. Someone has to level up and take a step to break the boundaries.”

An essential part of Dahal’s journey has been her collaboration with Nirvi Kalpo, a company that has significantly contributed to her growth as a performing artist. “With the help of Nirvi Kalpo, I’ve been doing great shows. Nirvi Kalpo has been a huge part of how I’m establishing myself. This partnership has enabled her to connect with the audience and expand her reach.

With unwavering dedication and passion for music, Dahal is not just creating songs she’s paving the way for future generations of musicians to dream big and challenge the status quo. As she continues to break barriers and inspire with her art, the music industry in Nepal will undoubtedly feel her impact.