Band culture is coming back in Nepal. On 22 February 2025, Naya Patrika's Jhannaya ran a feature by Pawan Baraili titled Udaunda Sangeetik Band, Rising Musical Bands, which set out to map the new wave of groups winning over audiences with music of their own. The page featured Rock Heads Nepal, Sonangi Blues and a conversation with Nirakar Yakthumba of 1974 AD. One section belonged to The Surmount Nepal, under the heading "The Surmount Nepal" with Music of Their Own.
The paper introduced the band as Bhaktapur's own, offering a distinct local flavour apart from the commercial mainstream and built entirely on original songs. The lineup it named: Birendra Thing on vocals, Sahil Mishra on guitar, Sarju Sainju on drums, Jayanta Karmacharya on bass and Shreejal Sainju as sound engineer.
It started with Sahil, who had been listening to metal since his school days and slowly began to see a future in music. In 2014 he formed the band in Bhaktapur with Birendra Thing and Sarju Sainju. The first concert followed in 2015, at home in Bhaktapur, and the band has played its home town every year since.
In 2019 the band took its first tour to Darjeeling. "The Surmount Nepal gained recognition at the international level," Sahil told the paper. "We gained new audiences, and everyone's attention was drawn toward us. This encouraged the band to work toward its future plans." A show at The Concept Club and Bar in Butwal came next.
On why the band sticks to its own songs, he was direct. "These days, many new artists seem to focus on gaining popularity by singing cover songs. We, however, are presenting our own original creations." The article pointed to the album Sayau Janma as the proof: seven songs, Chanchal, Mero Nirasha, Bhawana, Yesai Gari, Jhuto Aasha, Kasari Sunau and the title track.
The feature also looked beyond the stage. A year before it ran, the band played a charity show at Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital for breast cancer patients. Birendra shared what comes next: "We now plan to organize musical events to support people with autism, people with disabilities, and the welfare of stray animals. Our aim is to use music to contribute to society, even if only in a small way."
For him, the band is about more than entertainment. "Music is a powerful form of expression that can bring out people's emotions and ideas. Songs can help highlight social problems and give us a voice against inequality and injustice," he said. "We aim to connect with lovers of original music." The band hopes to build a distinct identity by bringing diversity and innovation to music.
Thank you to the paper for the space, and to everyone who has come to a show, played the album or shared a song. It means a lot to share a page with Rock Heads Nepal, Sonangi Blues and 1974 AD.
Originally published in Nepali as Udaunda Sangeetik Band by Pawan Baraili, Naya Patrika, Jhannaya, 22 February 2025. Quotes are translated from the original Nepali. Read the full article: https://jhannaya.nayapatrikadaily.com/news-details/2718/2025-02-22