The topographical variation of Nepal is so intense and true to our “char jaat, chattisvarna” allusion taught in schools that there is a peculiar mixture of feeling both foreign at home, and at home in a foreign land, in places just a day, or even hours, away from each other. Anyone who has travelled a few hours away from where they live—especially across belts—is familiar with this feeling. Nepal is culturally as diverse as it is geographically, and Fuzz Production’s music video for Hyolmo, or rather Fuzzscape Episode Two which documents the making of it, is a gentle reminder of the beauty of places less explored. 

Fuzzscape has been introduced as a creative collaboration between musicians, filmmakers and artists across different media. The idea behind the series is creatively simple: the team of artists and filmmakers travels to a new place and collaborates to create something that draws inspiration from their journey and experience in that space. I feel that this is a very organic way of following the journey of a song or any piece of art, where we get to witness the “making of” and “behind the scenes” moments in conjunction with the music video itself, which not only heightens our overall impression of the music but our appreciation of it as well. In a way, this series, perhaps, also enables and encourages musicians and filmmakers involved to immediately utilise and convert their experiences, be it that of travel or the new space, into a work of art, which possibly results in a completely unadulterated outcome. 

The first episode of Fuzzscape, Kapase Badal, was conceived in Banepa, which left us with a refreshing, organic track with a minimalistic animated music video. For its eagerly awaited second episode, Fuzzscape takes us on a journey to Shermathang, Sindhupalchok where we are left with a tastefully modern folk song. Shermathang is not just an arbitrary choice of destination; it is also close to home for one of the singers. What this does is add an element of natural comfort during interactions and give a sense of familiarity with the village and its people, making it easy to feel the happiness and warmth that they exude. The involvement of the Hyolmo people during the whole process, especially the sharing of a damgyang—a traditional wooden plucked string instrument that we’re familiar with as tungna—makes this episode a very heart warming local brew to sip. 

Hyolmo, for the uninitiated, is actually a community and a language primarily spoken in the Helambu and Melamchi regions of the country. As one of the biggest inspiration for making this song, the team recounts, was apparently the language, Hyolmo lyrics finds a comfortable home between the Nepali lyrics as a tribute to their journey. The beat is very familiar and catchy, an ode to tunes most of us have danced to as children, and a flashback to our childhood. The music video at times has a dash of comedy and mischief, in contrast to the otherwise deep lyrics. The victorious Jogi in the visuals is lively and playful at times, contemplative and meditative at others. My favourite part, however, would have to be the pixelated rendition towards the end. With the chiptune-inspired segment of the song dedicated to this part, it really makes one wish for a Himalayan version of an 8-bit game. 

I must admit, however, that while the song has been on repeat, I enjoyed watching the making of Hyolmo even more than the actual music video itself. Perhaps it’s just a matter of personal preference. I always find myself leaning towards the process that leads to the creation of something. In that sense, Episode two was a very cathartic experience. It’s not expository when it comes to showcasing the people and the culture in a way as to create a divide between the visitor and them; it’s rather just about being a part of a community that has welcomed them, observing and soaking in what they have been given. I feel that this is something that is often neglected while visiting villages and remote areas. Shermathang may not be atop the list of places to visit in Nepal, but after Hyolmo, I’m certain that hearts will change.