Astha launches fifth album
against a nostalgic backdrop
The name Astha Tamang - Maskey holds a special place in the chronicles of modern Nepali music. At a time when independent solo musicians were a rare phenomenon, 19-year-old Tamang-Maskey rose to prominence with her debut album, Sabai Thikai Huncha in 2009. Over the next few years, she quietly became an instrumental figure in the evolution of modern Nepali music as a whole. Tamang-Maskey recently returned to the public eye to celebrate her fifth album release, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa.
The event took place on August 31 at the QFX Cinemas in Chhaya Center, a novel audiovisual experience that was as much about the old as it was about the new. Speaking in the midst of close family, friends, and collaborators, her voice brimmed with gratitude and nostalgia as she walked the audience down the memory lane, presenting an acoustic set of her most cherished classics, in their purest form.
As the set opened with It’s Gotta Be Love, the years rolled back and the audience found themselves living their yesteryears, beloved memories evoked through the magic of the strings. Each note shaped by Tamang-Maskey’s voice felt tinged with an added significance, a noticeable depth of feeling; each song brought back memories of a different time. Harek Saas Sita brought on a sweet nostalgia that spoke of a different time than Sabai Thikai Huncha. The opening notes of Khaali brought to mind its iconic music video, each avant garde change in pace evoking vivid visualisations of its allegorical drama.
- The Himalayan Times
Stylistic Freedom of Music
The unique sound of singer-songwriter Astha Tamang-Maskey cast its magic over every Nepali who was growing up around the decade of 2010s.
She released her first album Sabai Thikai Hunchha at the age of 19 in 2009. Having moved out to Canada at the age of 12, it represented a desire to connect with her Nepali roots. A deep connection to the art form driven by a rich musical childhood developed a unique musical identity that struck a chord with the Nepali audience. Driven by a passion for continuous evolution, she graced the Nepali audience with music that was beyond its time. Her latest album Muse, released mid-January, continues to embody these values.
It all started right at home, with an environment where “there wasn’t a single day when music was not playing in our home”. From her mother’s ghazal collections and Nepali classic records to her father’s passion for western classics like The Beatles, it was a fertile musical environment.
At the same time, she also forged a deep connection to the acoustic guitar. “Picnics and bonfires, my parents happily slow dancing, uncles strumming away and showing me different guitar chords” — Tamang-Maskey credits memories such as these as the reason why the instrument sits at the heart of all her songs.
- The Himalayan Times
Astha Tamang-Maskey Releases the First Single from Her Upcoming Album
Toronto-based Nepali singer, Astha Tamang-Maskey released the title track of her upcoming album, ‘Sa Re Ga Ma Pa’ from her official YouTube channel on Saturday.
Produced by Kobid Bazra from Bajra Creation Records, the album track, ‘Sa Re Ga Ma Pa’ comprises the lyrics of Susan Maskey, Astha’s mother. Susan Maskey was also a lyricist in Astha’s last two albums: ‘Sabai Thikai Huncha’ and ‘Ma Ek Sapana’.
On a press statement released, Astha said, “I believe that true music comes from the source and I'm simply a messenger. The last couple of years have been transformational. I've discovered pieces of myself and healed in ways I never thought I would. I hope this new song brings all of you as much joy as it brings me.”
Astha Tamang-Maskey is an indie alternative pop singer/songwriter and a rising sound engineer. With 2 studio albums released, she is currently working on her third full-length Nepali album, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa’
- myRepublica - The New York Times Partner
Astha Tamang-Maskey’s New Muse
Two of the first three singles—More and Muse—of Astha Tamang-Maskey’s latest EP have been released, and the third is slated to release on August 31. These songs are a testament to her growth as an artist. She has embraced the electronic wave while still retaining her signature touch. Her earlier two albums are more singer-songwriter oriented and her new single retains that emotive flair.
However, her new singles also show that her music has matured considerably over the years as she has become a more versatile artist. Her latest release is an EP under the name Muse.
- Kathmandu Post
The Artist Explains: Astha - 'Ride' Ft. Manny Rite (Video)
Toronto based singer-songwriter Astha speaks to WTHB about the concept behind her music video and single 'Ride' ft. Manny Rite. Beautiful in its ambient, electronic pop simplicity, 'Ride' features Toronto based rapper Manny Rite and and was produced by The Author.
- WTHB
Ma Ek Sapana
Ma Ek Sapana' excels in three areas that have come to define the quintessential Astha Tamang-Maskey sound: a versatile voice, atmosphere and sonic experimentation. Although the sound is a logical progression from her previous full-length album 'Sabai Thikai Huncha' and the more recent, experimental '11:11', this album is a unique, balanced, more mature oeuvre that invites listeners to connect, emotionally, to its words, music and ideas.
- Neustadt.fr
Redefining
Sabai Thikai Hunchha is more than just a Nepali pop album; for a change it's a pop album by a Nepali, one that sets a new bar for the music industry in Nepal.
- Pg.46, Y! Magazine