Nepali music has always been great and you know what I think, the future is also is in safe hands. I mean, the Gen Z artists are killing it already and one of them is this 16 year-old singer-songwriter, Oshin Karki. She made her debut just a year ago with ‘Samhala’; and has already given four back-to-back hits in such short period.
So, who is this artist and what’s her story. Let’s find out.
Hi Oshin. First off, I love your music. How are you? How’s everything?
Hello! Thank you for your kind words and for taking an interest in my music. I’m doing great, thank you. Everything is going well, and I’m really grateful for the opportunities that have come my way.
Congratulations on your latest hit ‘Rahar’. How does it feel to have so many back-to-back hits?
Thank you! It feels absolutely amazing to have back-to-back hits. I feel incredibly blessed and honored that people are enjoying my music. It’s a dream come true, and it motivates me to keep creating and exploring different styles.
Your last two releases, ‘Angalney Chu’ and ‘Rahar’, both have such different flavors, totally different vibe. Tell us the stories behind those songs.
‘Angalney Chu’ and ‘Rahar’ are indeed quite different in terms of their vibe and flavor. ‘Rahar’ is a fun, upbeat track that celebrates young love and the excitement that comes with it. On the other hand, ‘Angalney Chu’ is a more emotional and introspective song that reflects on the challenges we face in life. Both songs hold personal meaning to me, and I’m glad they resonated with the audience.
This time around last year, you had released your first original single ‘Samhala’; and within these 12 months, you’ve already released four music videos which are all loved by people. Do you think you are living the dream right now? How does it feel?
It’s been an incredible journey since then. Releasing four music videos within just 12 months has been a whirlwind of excitement and hard work. I feel extremely fortunate to be able to pursue my passion and share my music with the world. It’s a dream come true, and it’s a feeling that’s hard to put into words.
‘ClassX’ — what does this word mean to you? Tell us about the journey of how you got signed with one of the finest labels in Nepal at the moment.
‘ClassX’ means a lot to me. It represents my generation and the experiences we go through as young individuals. It’s about expressing ourselves, our struggles, and our dreams. As for how I got signed with one of the finest labels in Nepal, it was a combination of hard work, dedication, and the right opportunity. I’m grateful to the team at ClassX for believing in my talent and giving me a platform to showcase my music.
The first two music videos of yours, ‘Samhala’ and ‘K Sochey Thiye’, were released from the label’s YT; but the last two got dropped from yours. How do you see that?
The fact that my last two music videos were dropped from my personal YouTube channel doesn’t make much difference to me. What matters most is that people can still enjoy and connect with the music. The label’s YouTube channel provides a wider reach and helps in promoting the songs to a larger audience. Ultimately, it’s the love and support from my fans that truly matters.
You are young, like really young. And you’ve already made more music in last one year than many artists dream to do. When did you realize this was what you wanted to do?
I realized at a young age that music was my passion. It was always something that made me feel alive and allowed me to express myself. As I grew older, I became more determined to pursue a career in music. The positive response I received from my early releases further reinforced my decision. I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to chase my dreams at such a young age.
Who is your inspiration? Who did you mostly grow up listening to?
I draw inspiration from a variety of artists, both nationally and internationally. Some of my biggest inspirations include artists like Chelsea Cutler, Shiloh Dynasty, VEK, Jyoti Shrestha, Sajjan Raj Vaidya, among others. Their music and storytelling abilities have influenced my own songwriting and artistic style. Growing up, I listened to a wide range of artists, but Chelsea Cutler have had a particularly strong impact on me.
Who are some of your favorite Nepali artists in the scene currently?
There are many talented Nepali artists in the scene right now, and it’s hard to pick just a few favorites. However, some of the artists I really admire include Bipul Chettri, Sajjan Raj Vaidya, Ankit Shrestha, and Kamero. They bring unique sounds and perspectives to the industry, and I enjoy their music a lot.
Outside of the label, who are some of the artists you really want to collaborate with?
Outside of my label, there are several artists I would love to collaborate with. Some of them include Astha Tamang-Maskey, Hrittal Niraula, Wanden Sherpa and more. They all have incredible voices and artistic vision, and I believe we could create something truly special together.
What’s your writing process like?
My writing process usually starts with a concept or emotion that I want to convey through the song. I often jot down ideas or phrases that come to mind, and then I work on shaping those into lyrics. Once I have the lyrics, I start experimenting with melodies and chord progressions on my guitar. It’s a collaborative process with my producer and fellow musicians, and we work together to bring the song to life.
What are some of your other hobbies?
Apart from music, I have a few other hobbies that I enjoy. I love reading books, especially novels and poetry. I find inspiration in literature, and it helps me broaden my perspective as an artist. I also enjoy spending time in nature, whether it’s going for walks or hiking. It’s a great way to unwind and find inspiration for my music.
What are you studying? Is it difficult balancing the two?
I’m currently studying at the high school level. Balancing my studies with my music career can be challenging at times, but I believe education is important, and I’m committed to completing my studies alongside pursuing my passion for music.
It’s probably too soon to know this, but with some experience you’ve already got in the scene; do you see yourself doing music professionally in the days to come?
Yes, I definitely see myself doing music professionally in the future. It’s what I love and what I’m truly passionate about. The experiences I’ve had so far have only strengthened my determination to make a career in music. I’m excited to see where this journey takes me and to continue sharing my music with the world.
What other career options do you see yourself be fitting in?
While music is my main focus, there are other career options that I find interesting. I’ve always been drawn to storytelling and filmmaking, so I could see myself exploring the world of filmmaking and directing music videos. Additionally, I’m also interested in social causes, and I would love to use my platform to raise awareness and make a positive impact in society.
You’ve done a couple of live gigs already. How does that feel like? Tell me about your favorite gig so far.
Performing live is an incredible experience. It’s a chance to connect with the audience on a deeper level and to share the energy and emotions of the songs in real-time. Each gig has been special in its own way, but if I had to pick a favorite, it would be my very first live performance. The excitement and support from the crowd were overwhelming, and it’s a moment I’ll always cherish. LOD’s live is the show that I’ll always remember.
I am sure you will be doing international shows in no time. Which city would be your dream destination to perform at?
Performing internationally is definitely a dream of mine. There are so many amazing cities around the world where I would love to perform, but if I had to choose one, it would be New York City. The vibrant music scene and the diverse audience there would be a dream come true for me.
2023 has been a pretty good year for you; what else do you have in store for us? Are you working on new songs?
In 2023, I have a lot more in store for my fans. I’m currently working on new songs and exploring different musical styles and collaborations. I can’t reveal too much yet, but I can assure you that there will be more exciting music and projects coming soon. Stay tuned!
From doing covers to becoming a promising new singer-songwriter; what’s the best part of this journey so far?
The best part of this journey so far has been the growth and the support from my fans. Going from doing covers to becoming a promising singer-songwriter has been a transformative experience. The ability to connect with people through my music and have a positive impact on their lives is truly rewarding. It’s a privilege to be able to touch people’s hearts with my songs.
You recently made your first television appearance when you got invited on PYL Show. How was that like? Who was the happiest person to see you on TV?
Making my first television appearance on the PYL Show was a surreal experience. It was an honor to be invited and to have the opportunity to showcase my music to a wider audience. Seeing myself on TV was an incredible feeling, and I’m grateful for all the love and support I received from my fans. I think my family and close friends were the happiest to see me on TV. They have been my biggest supporters from the beginning, and their joy was infectious.
Tell us a line or two from an unreleased song you are working on?
Here’s a snippet from an unreleased song that I’m working on:
“Lost in the echoes of a thousand dreams,
Searching for a light to guide me through the streams.
In this vast universe, I’ll find my way,
With every note I sing, I’ll light up the darkest day.”
Beautiful. At last, what’s your message to the world?
My message to the world is to never stop pursuing your dreams. Life is full of challenges, but with passion, hard work, and belief in yourself, you can achieve anything you set your mind to. Embrace your uniqueness, express yourself, and spread love and positivity through your art. Remember, your voice matters, and your dreams are worth chasing. Keep pushing forward and never give up.
Inspiring! Find her on YouTube, Instagram, Spotify, Amazon Music and Apple Music.
[Also Read: Interview: This New Singer-Songwriter Is Gonna Blow Up Soon For Sure]
