From iPhone to a Record Label

ClassX Presentation, an independent music label in Nepal has been in the music scene since 2011.

Jyoti Shrestha, founder and CEO of ClassX Presentation, says, “There is a subtle meaning behind the name ‘ClassX Presentation’. In mathematics the value of the letter ‘x’ keeps changing. So ‘x’ stands for life and how one can’t be in the same state every time.”

He says the label started with an iPhone a decade ago with a dream to change something in the music industry. While they started with an iPhone and no artiste, now they have a studio of their own and represent eight Nepali artistes.

Shrestha says, “The first artiste we signed was Vek. I still remember the first time I heard him sing. His voice gave me chills and I was sure I wanted to work with him. And now even after a decade he is with us.”

But how does an independent music label differ from other labels?

An independent music label works independently without funding from major recording labels. These types of labels could be a big help in the music industry, but why?

Shrestha explains, “When we are not dependent on any sources, that gives us the freedom to try different things and one is not restricted by any boundaries. So, I believe when someone is free they can actually get a chance to fulfil their dream. And dream more of who they want to be as a person and as an artiste.”

But how can one be independent when you are bound under a contract and have to fulfil what the label says?

When artistes hear the word ‘label’, they think about how they will be bound under restrictions and have to follow certain rules. They may even wonder if they will get a chance to flourish as an artiste.

But Shrestha says that is not the case at all. "Of course there will be a contract but it is not there to bind them or restrict them. It is there to help them grow and also to teach them about professionalism. There are times when circumstances change and when that happens, a contract will play a big role.”

Things are changing for artistes in Nepal but parents are still very sceptical when their children want to become a singer or a musician.

So how have things changed?

Shrestha explains, “Talking about the changes, if you look at them, resources are easier to access and everything has been digitalised. Even the number of artistes is growing."