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San Francisco based Nepali pop-rock
band The Vibez received an enthusiastic audience response at the ANA
(Association of Nepalese in America) national convention in Los
Angeles in June 2007. As the only US-based band selected to perform
at the ANA, they shared the stage with some of Nepal’s most popular
entertainers.
The Vibez was formed in 2005 by three young Nepalese students in
America with surprisingly different musical tastes and backgrounds,
but their compositions are finding wide appeal in the Nepalese
community and beyond. Direk Shrestha (percussion and guitar, and the
band’s business and logistics manager) likes classic Rock and Roll
oldies, Blues, and 90s Alternate music. Direk began playing music
with the The Uglyz Familia in New Road in 1992, and continued with
other bands both in Nepal and the U.S.
Prayeen Singh (lead vocal and The Vibez’ main composer/arranger) is
a computer-music wizard, and onstage, “the man with the moves.” His
solo album, titled A Creation, featured the song Kunai Jadoo Thiyo,
which topped the Nepal charts for a long time. Prayeen’s prior
musical background was mainly Indian Classical.
Ruggedly handsome Rupak Lama (lead guitar) combines practices and
performances of The Vibez with pre-med studies. He appeared in
concerts with his hometown band in Jorpati. 90s Alternate music and
R & B were his early favorites.
The Vibez’ creative synergy has already produced eight songs and two
music videos directed by Shailendra Dhoj Karki and Abhishek Shrestha.
Their tracks have been touched by Manose Singh, flautist from the
top Nepali band 1974 AD, and Deependra Rai, lead guitarist in the
Nepali jazz band Full Circle. Use of a professional recording studio
and skillful computer editing has produced rich tone for their
original lyrics, melodies, and rhythms.
The Vibez is currently in negotiation with record companies in
Nepal, with a planned release by the end of 2007. Until then the
only way to hear The Vibez’ music is at one of their California
concerts. More about the band, the musicians, the music, and the
concerts can be found at www.thevibezmusic.com.
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