Folk-rock ensemble Nepathya, who are currently on work at the post-production of their tenth album, released a new track, titled Hakpare—Koshi ko Pani, on YouTube on Friday. The song embodies the folk music tradition popular in Eastern Nepal. The song, a ‘one-take’ rendition, is an interpretation of local musician Dille Damai’s original track.

The forthcoming album includes folk tunes collected from around the country and also includes poetries from renowned poets as well.

Nepathya has been performing this song during their live shows and it has already been well received even before its formal launch.

Before his encounter with Dille Damai in Chaipur, Gurung had wandered through the eastern hills sometime in 2012. The walk that started from Kavre along districts such as Sindhuli, Ramechap, Okhaldunga, Khotang, Bhojpur Sankhuwasaha, Terathum, which finally came to an end in Dhankuta.

“The main objective of the trip was to follow the trail my respected musicians Ramesh and Majul had done in 1969. It was a great experience to find few things unchanged and many new things that was mentioned in their travelogue,” shared Gurung. “It was a pleasant coincidence to meet Dille Damai dai and other musicians during the trip. These traditional folk musicians are our heritage and do preserve our rich folk culture,” he added.

 “With modern influence penetrating the villages, folk culture is at the verge of extinction,” mentioned Gurung. Folk songs are not only pleasant sounds, but are also a medium to understand the society.

The ongoing album project of Nepathya follows the vintage ‘one-take’ recording format. This format was in use before the introduction of multi-track recording technology.