THE AXE BAND
Welcome to the THE AXE BAND |
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BAND HISTORY As we’ve seen that as a band, its’ hard to last long even in the western culture. The only band THE AXE is not a new name in the Nepali music field. 10 years of music journey is not a short period. This is a story about ambition and attitude of course. About three people who formed a band not to become just famous, but because they wanted to write great songs, to make music with real honesty and passion, and of course making history in the Nepali music scenario. ‘We were trying to say that there is an alternative,’ says Sarad. ‘That you can try to be catchy without being slick, poppy without being pop, and you can be uplifting without being pompous (self important). Because we’re sometimes playing quieter stuff, it’s hard to sound like we’re trying to change things, but we wanted to be a reaction against soulless rubbish. Talking ‘bout forming a band, Suren says, it’s a mixed result of passion and unemployment and above all attitude!!! And as a matter of their music kind, Sarad says, “Well we don’t want to give our music as a rock alone. Yes it’s based on rock, of course. Moreover, we just introduce our music as brand new type, another formation of rock instead. It depends on the listeners’ head. We just want to be example for our followers, the next generation; and yes, it’s happening!” No doubt, they have been recognized as the most powerful “live-band” in the recent Nepali music scene. Their way of playing is widely accepted and of course they have been an example of inspiration to the new generation as well. Shiva: “Not forgetting that we are from Nepal, we must be well justified and adapted to our own typical folk tunes.” Showing that you don’t always have to shout to be heard, THE AXE is a whole lotta pure rocking band, very popular in their gigs for their outstanding performances. They are even recognized as the first 3-men band in Nepal. The trio, showing their guts out – ask any spectator who have seen their live performances – hella worth!!! Three people covering the whole stage, is really a rare scene in the Nepali music scenario in the context of live performance. The band started as a garage band in the year 1992 and was officially established in 1993, and gave their very first album “Dhunwa” which could not do well at the time. It all started in 1995, after Ramesh Gyawali left abroad for his studies, and Sarad came up with an idea of reshaping the band and making it a 3-men band. However, it was difficult being a 3-men band at the time, because the album ‘Farkera Herda’ was not the taste of 3men’s alternative sound, as it gives the taste of folk flavor. The same album introduced the name of the band in the Nepali music field as their song ‘Chiya Barima’ and ‘Pallo Dada’ went a smash hit. Therefore, it was not easy to play the same old sound according to their hit album. Being little frustrated, the band was left over doing small concerts across the town. The song was a hit, but not the band. The leftover boys rehearsed a lot in the wrecked room in their hometown, with Shiva taking control over the bass as well. Then after a long break they came up with their third album, Majhi Dai. The album was a mixed taste of hard rock and southern rock flavor, and show 3men’s excellent teamwork. “No Problem” is a channel hit including ‘Din Matra Haina’, “Maryo Ni”, “16 Barse” during the live stage shows as well. As they say, the album was mainly highlighted for their live performances on stage. This really worked and the album earned them a real good name in a ‘high-voltage live band’ category indeed. Once again, thy have come up with their new album “A Decade”, a perfect blend of rock ballads, southern rock and folk-rock fusion as well. The album contains 8 tracks (including their old hit number Chiya Barima (3 men style version). As the track ‘Thado Zaane Ukalo’ is a perfect example of blend of funk and our own bhote cello. A beautiful number “Praya’ done in one simple acoustic guitar is a great TV channel hit, including Lukna Deu (nominated twice in FM Awards and Video Music Awards), Ma Aaudaichu, etc. Talking about their music videos, who can forget their great vdo like ‘Timro Nazar le’? In which the guys did the bunjee jumping, 500 ft. plunge to Bhote Koshi River– wow!!. The people always had appreciated their new thoughts in their music videos. Talking about their new album, Sarad says, “We’ve grown up a bit, traveled a lot more, met so many people. Musically too, we’ve heard more: Ben Harper, Rage Against the Machine, Pearl Jam, Coldplay …………. The last two albums, we’ve been like a cultural sponge. We’ve sucked it all in and now it’s coming out on this record. A lot of it is meant to be about drive and confidence’. Indeed this album shows the talent of giving their best in melodious part as well. Yet again, they released their collection album “the Very best of the aXe”, which compiles their best selected numbers from the past (1993 to 2003) and definitely proved to be the best selling album in 2003, and still going on strong. This year the band offered yet another best selling album “Kammasakka” with the great numbers like Euta Chitthiko, Chahe Duniya Ley, Chyangba Dai, which has already eared up the nepali listeneres and audience. 13 years and still cutting the edges strong! That’s what the aXe all about! |