Apart from the international bands, the local pop scene too was huge, with singers and bands from Shillong and Calcutta performing regularly in his hometown in Darjeeling. “The singers would come and perform which so much energy and enthusiasm that it was obvious for any young lad to be encouraged,” he says. Lepcha, however, stood out from any other lad. He worked on his dream, and at the age of 14, was a member of the band Diamonds, alongside Subarna Limbu, Bikram Subba, Suren Rai, and Pravin Gazmer.
It was during this time, in the mid1960s, that his musical journey officially began. From then on, there was no looking back for this music aficionado.The band Diamonds broke up and Prism came into being during the late 70s. Composed of Pemba Lepcha, Dinesh Rai, George Subba, and Prahlaad Roka, this newly formed band entered Kathmandu and began playing at various venues, the Soaltee Hotel being the first one. Even Prism saw changes in the band members but Pemba could never remain aloof.
He is till date associated with the band, and with rock music making him one of the most respected and sought after musicians in the country. Pemba with his Prism Band will be playing at “Tribute To Rock” – the second episode of the concert series this Friday at the Bhumi Restro Lounge in Lazimpat.
He talked of rock music and the upcoming show.
Share with us your journey so far.
It’s been 40 years so far, and there’s not a single day I haven’t enjoyed myself. Like anybody else, there have been ups and downs in my life but I believe if you truly love something, you gain a power that immunes you against these minor setbacks. Having reached this phase in life, I look back at all the little hurdles and all the little moments of joy, feeling fortunate and satisfied.
What’s the rock scene around Kathmandu like?
I’ve been playing regularly at a few places around town, and so I can tell that Rock music isn’t dead. Although the mainstream music scene is heavily dominated by pop, there are people who are rock music aficionados and there are bands that play this genre.
Your views on the young bands and the music they play?
The music they play is quite different from the kind of music we play. I think this change has more to with the presentation style. They are loud and very direct in terms of expression.
The various modes of Rock that have emerged, like the Heavy, Death, and other Metal genres, seem to be of interest to the youngsters of today. We, on the other hand, concentrate more on Rhythm and Blues. I, however, have no complaints because music is an expression and everyone is free to express the way one feels comfortable with.
Apart from this gig, what’s keeping you busy these days?
I play regularly at a few places around town. Apart from that, Prism is currently working on an album. I’m unable to share the details of it at the moment because the work is only in its primary phase.
A few songs have been written, and the music is being worked on. Also, since the audience of today is used to watching songs, we plan to release a complete album with a music video or two for the songs. So when the album is out, the audiences get a complete package.
What can the audience expect from the show?
Well, the audience can expect a lot of Rock ‘n’ Roll. We’ll be playing songs right from The Rolling Stones, Cliff Richards to Jimi Hendrix. The show will be an encompassment of flavors from the 1960s to this day. Also, we’ll be introducing two new musicians who will perform with us.
I’m assuming there will be a huge crowd of youngsters at the event, and so I’ve included Elvis Presley songs as well. I want them to know him and his hip-shaking music which is authentic Rock.