Band Ashes came third in the ReverbNation’s country rock chart and garnered the attention of rock buffs after the release of their first album “Chharpoka” on July 11 with their fresh sound and distinctive lyrics.
Dhaka Tribune caught up with the band’s founding member, song-writer, vocalist and frontman Zunayed Evan to know about their debut album, band’s philosophy and more.
Tell us about your debut album
As our listeners are scattered all over the country, we decided to go for online release and now we are getting numerous hits. The copies form the first production are nearly finished.
What is the band’s philosophy?
Our first priority is the lyrics. We portray our themes through lyrics, that revolve around loneliness, sadness of a broken heart or the feelings of drinking tea in a small “tong” while puffing cigarettes. We tried to avoid the metaphysical themes in our lyrics, keeping the audience in mind.
Which genre do you want to stick with?
We prefer psychedelic rock. Sometimes we go for experimental rock or alternative rock but we want to stick with psychedelic rock.
Your inspiration?
Nagar Baul and Shironamhin from Bangladesh while Anjan Dutta, U2, Pink Floyd and Moheener Ghoraguli from abroad.
Is the industry welcoming to new bands?
Well, forming bands and practising music has become much easier as bands nowadays do not have to manage a producer or record label to work with them. Rather, if a musician has calibre then he/she will be in the limelight as the listeners have the freedom to choose from various mediums.
Ashes commenced its journey in 2006 with vocalist Zunayed Evan and lead guitarist Rafsan. They got more involved with new ideas and produced some new tunes and lyrics when drummer Bijoy, a close friend of Rafsan, joined the band. Their first single “Hin” was released in a mixed album titled “The 69” on November 5, 2010, followed by another single “Pobitro Pap” in mixed album “Hatiar” on October 2, 2012.