Sushant KC, who bagged the Best Pop Singer Award for his song ‘Sarangi’ at the Radio Kantipur National Music Awards, has been drawn to music since he was a child. Like many parents who pride their children’s talents, KC’s parents would often encourage him to sing.

He was the ‘official entertainer’ at the unofficial family gatherings, where he often sang. Nearly two decades later, that young boy who once sang in front of his family and relatives is now selling out shows, going on tours, and performing for global audiences.

KC, who once sang cover songs, has become a household name in Nepal with his hits, such as ‘Aama’, ‘Risaune Bhaye’, ‘Sarangi’, and ‘Jhyal Bata’.

While studying at Budhanilkantha School, his grade six teachers had him record children’s songs. After completing SLC (now SEE) in 2013, he recorded three songs with producer Rahul Pradhan. Lyricist Ramesh Dahal introduced KC to Pradhan.

These recorded songs went unreleased as he felt they didn’t reflect his style. “I realised that I should produce my own music,” he explains.

After finishing his A-levels at Rato Bangala School in 2015, KC started writing his own songs. In 2016, he relocated to Sydney just as YouTube was reaching the masses, and he began sharing his music on the platform.

“I devoted most of my time and energy to music. I didn't feel like going to college,” he shares. Motivated by friends, KC invested in instruments and recording equipment, leading to the release of popular songs like ‘Muskurayera’ and ‘Sathi’.

Initially, KC wasn’t open about his dedication towards music. His parents thought he was focusing on his studies and doing music leisurely. But in reality, he was whole-heartedly involved in it. “I felt very guilty,” he admits. “I wasn't enthusiastic about going to classes, so I avoided their calls.”

At the same time, he encountered what he says was his greatest challenge.

“My mental health took a toll,” he reflects. “As an international student, communication with my parents was scarce. I carried the guilt of misleading them about my studies while focusing on music instead.”

He lacked motivation for classes and work. Sydney’s high living costs meant he often relied on his parents for financial support, which became increasingly challenging. “I took on casual jobs to ease the strain, but I was also unsure about my direction and purpose”, he reflects.

“Despite skipping classes and work, I'm thankful I continued music which brought something valuable back to me. I feel like I survived because of music.”

This drove him to work even harder despite the financial and emotional burden. After he completed his bachelor’s, his parents confronted him about his negligence in education and inclination towards music. Over the next four years, his music career grew, and he began generating revenue through YouTube.

KC decided to apply to music school and planned to return to Nepal once he found an online opportunity to continue his studies.

His dad forwarded him an online link to Berklee College of Music and urged him to apply. On the final day of the deadline, after a last-minute reminder from his dad, KC hastily recorded two songs and submitted his application, and luckily, he got accepted.

“My parents were always supportive,” he says. Before moving to Sydney for a bachelor's in business, they had asked if he wanted to study music, but he chose business instead.

“I wasn’t confident enough to make music my full-fledged career. It was difficult at the time,” he said.

KC returned to Nepal in January 2021. “Returning to Nepal proved to be beneficial for me,” he reflects. In Sydney, he worked alone on music production, but being in Nepal allowed him to collaborate with other producers and explore different genres.

Initially, he concentrated on acoustic guitar music. Later, he expanded his musical range by experimenting with different styles and promoting his work through interviews and performances.

“I began this journey out of pure passion. I didn’t think about money. Even now, I approach music as a listener, constantly exploring new genres and reflecting on whether my creations would appeal to me as they did years ago,” he adds.

KC emphasises the importance of adapting to global music trends while maintaining originality. “For an artist, it's crucial to understand what the audience wants to hear,” he says.

Over the years, his approach has evolved from a passion project to a full-fledged career. “Previously, it was just making music and having fun. Now, I strive to grow artistically and bring newness to my work.”

Due to the growing opportunities in independent music production, KC believes that talent and consistency are key to progress. He opines that simply singing well is no longer sufficient in the music scene—there is a demand for originality.

New artists must understand royalties, the importance of the business side of the industry, and management skills to sustain themselves and avoid exploitation.

In the early stages of his career, KC faced criticism at shows where he was labelled a “YouTuber”, which initially stung. As an independent artist using digital platforms like YouTube to explore his craft, he found it unfair that traditional singers sometimes looked down upon artists like him who emerged through digital platforms.

There's a misconception that such artists may struggle to perform on stage, which KC finds unjustified.

KC reached many people with his songs ‘Sarangi,’ ‘Jhyal Bata,’ and ‘Parkha Na,’ each becoming popular and belonging to different genres. His latest song, ‘Kya Kardiya,’ released on Saturday, is trending on YouTube.

KC’s fondness for Hindi songs, which he often sang to his mother, influenced this new track, predominantly in Hindi with elements of English and Nepali.

He saw it as a chance to introduce Nepali music to a broader Indian audience, showcasing the natural beauty of Mustang and Kathmandu in his music video. He views music as a “universal language without boundaries,” which is another reason he explored Hindi music, loved by people in both Nepal and India, after gaining traction with his song ‘Parkha Na’.

Looking ahead, KC has several songs lined up for release, many already recorded and awaiting video shoots. Within the next three months, he plans to release either ‘Plan B’ or ‘Luki Luki’. Additionally, he is preparing for the release of an album.

Recently honoured by the National Music Awards, KC appreciates initiatives that celebrate both new and veteran artists. “This event is like the Grammys for Nepal, and I am grateful for the recognition,” he says.

“I believe that if we stay passionate and true to our art, then dreams can turn into a reality,” KC reflects.