In the late 90s, music played a significant role in defining personal identity and interests. At least that’s what the vocalist of the band Karma Surendra Man Singh says. A lot of this is still true today. Music makes us understand the world and ourselves better.

Inspired by this notion, Singh and his friend Prashant Maharjan decided to form a band in 1998. They searched for more members and took in Rabi Newa and Ranjit Newa. “At the start, there were just the four of us,” says Singh, sipping his Americano in a restaurant in Jhamsikhel.

These four music enthusiasts had spent their childhood together. Despite a hiatus when Singh studied in India, upon his return, he discovered his childhood friends were also pursuing music. “Realising our shared determination to establish ourselves in the music industry, I proposed we face the challenges together,” says Singh.

Heavily influenced by Western music, their debut album ‘Sahar Timro’ bore the unmistakable flavour of Western tunes. Reflecting on their humble beginnings, Singh gives a small laugh as he recalls the album’s initial reception—it barely made a ripple in the music scene.

In hindsight, Singh attributes this lukewarm reception to their misguided approach. “Instead of considering the audience’s preferences, we were fixated on our own musical inclinations,” he admits. It’s a common pitfall, he remarks, for creators to become so engrossed in their own style that they overlook whether it resonates with the public.

Recognising their oversight, the band decided to take a hiatus from production and delve into thorough research. The members dedicated themselves to understanding the musical landscape in Nepal and the preferences of music enthusiasts here. Armed with newfound knowledge, they crafted their second album, ‘Hukka’ and released it in 2001.

One track from this album, ‘Hukka Mero’, propelled the band into the limelight, earning them recognition across Nepal. This marked a turning point for Karma, as their music finally resonated with audiences, blending Nepali sound with hints of jazz and rock. Subsequent albums continued to embrace Nepali culture, incorporating traditional instruments and promoting them through their music. This fusion of sounds was embraced by Nepali audiences, establishing Karma as a standout band in the industry.

To make their music relatable, Singh drew inspiration from real-life stories. “I used to listen to people’s stories and incorporate that into the lyrics,” he shares, adding that he still uses this method. “After all, art is all about authentic expression.”

Despite the band’s rising popularity and successful albums, member turnover was a recurring issue for Karma. “Changes in the lineup started right after the release of the ‘Hukka’ album,” Singh reminisces, attributing these shifts to various factors. Some members departed to pursue education abroad or seek better opportunities, while others opted for more financially stable careers. “Music wasn’t considered a reliable profession back then,” Singh reflects.

However, Singh remains optimistic about the current state of the music industry. He believes today’s bands and musicians have better chances of success as they can reach more individuals through social media platforms and earn through streams other than concerts. He also acknowledges the evolving landscape of music, noting a shift towards greater freedom and inclusivity. “In the past, there were numerous technical constraints, but now it's like a blank canvas,” he comments. Artists have more liberty to express themselves and create the music they desire.

In recent years, the band has only released singles, mirroring a broader trend in the industry. Many bands and singers are focusing on singles rather than albums and he has been following the same trend. However, popular fan demand prompted them to revisit the idea of a full album. Consequently, they are set to release a new album titled ‘Hera’ next month, marking their return to album production after a decade-long hiatus.

With the exception of drummer Anil Shakya, who has been with the band since their third album ‘SMS’, the rest of the team is relatively new. Firoz Bajracharya and Rigzin Wangyel Lama handle the guitars, while Ishwar Ghale is on the bass guitar. This iteration of the band, says Singh, was put together with the new album in mind.

Singh and his bandmates are committed to maintaining Karma’s style in their latest album. They have incorporated many traditional Nepali instruments in their upcoming album, in parallel to their previous albums.

One track in the new album, titled ‘Ghara’, tells the story of Nepali youths moving abroad impulsively. “The song’s message is that no matter where we go, we consider Nepal as our only home, and we can all weather life’s ups and downs together,” Singh explains.

Recently, the band’s management has been taken over by Adhi Group, also known as ASQ. Bijay Adhikari, CEO of ASQ, cherishes the significance of albums and believes they play a big part in the music scene. The group aims to revive that aspect of music.

Singh also reveals that the band and ASQ are planning a major world tour in 2025.