Yabesh Thapa: Making way in Nepali music industry

Born in a Christian family, Yabesh Thapa used to go to churches often. He was highly motivated by choir groups at the church and started writing songs when he was in grade seven. Later when he was in high school, singers like Sajjan Raj Vaidya and Sushant K.C came into Nepali music industry. Their songs inspired him more.

Even though he started writing his music from a very young age, he never sang for his parents or friends. Instead, he sang when he was completely alone until he felt like he was ready to share his talent.

"In the beginning, my parents were not happy with my decision to make singing my career. I can understand their concern as music as a career is very difficult in Nepal", he says. "Parents of typical Nepali households are not immediately ready to accept and support their child dreaming to be a musician for this reason", he explains.

However, his parents are happy with his work at present. Gaining the confidence of his parents was more about proving his capabilities rather than proving them wrong. His father keeps an interest in his work and new songs. "He asks me to send him pieces of songs I'm working on", he says.

Thapa feels that he got into the music industry at the correct time. As the music industry is changing slowly, he feels lucky to be a part of the industry right when he himself is evolving as an artist. "I feel grateful to be a part of this new revolution in Nepali music industry", he says. "Many new artists in the industry are very talented", he adds.

The young artist believes that one should pay to listen to others' music and support the movement of selling music in favor of artists. Other than that, things are moving really well for music in Nepal and many artists are getting new opportunities.

Thapa gets excited when he gets to work with and listen to any new artist's music. A moment when he was able to meet his role models makes him happy to reflect back on where he was and what he was doing and his life now.

“I want to collaborate with international artist, Jeremy Jucker. If that ever happens, it would be the most miraculous day for me”, says Thapa. “If it wasn't for my music career, I would probably be doing my bachelors in computer application”, he adds.

Talking about internet impact in the music business, Thapa explains, “One can listen to music anywhere, anytime as they have access to many technologies nowadays.” According to him, a normal bedroom singer can do a lot if they wish to in this Internet age.

Thapa's current favorite song to perform is ‘K huncha bhanera’. “When I’m performing this song, I sing it on the track as I like to pick the mic up and vibe with the crowds”, he says. “Especially when the song reaches the ‘thaha cha malai’ moment in the middle of the song and everyone starts singing together. I see everyone vibing to the music so ‘K huncha bhanera’ is my go to song”, he adds.

“I think as an artist being able to deliver what the crowd or audience wants is very crucial and critical. It affects their mental health and even makes them depressed and sometimes writing seems impossible and there's nothing in the brain at all and during those times, it's very hard”, he says. “Nevertheless, everything is changing day by day in the music industry. The way singers and musicians are looked at by society is changing continuously”, he describes.

Thapa believes that he still has a long way to go before he is in a position to give advice to new and upcoming artists. However, he does mention not letting numbers get to their heads. "Views, likes, shares are important but that's not what it's about. Just do what you love to do as long as it makes you happy", he says.

Currently, Thapa is working on an album. "My single is also going to be coming very soon, I'm trying to better myself every day", he adds.