Interview with the '13th Street'

The Band Members of the '13th Street'.

13th Street is an underground Nepali band related to the Punk genre. They have recently released their first album- 'Oi Sick Society'. Songs like Adhyaro Jiwan, Blitzkreig Bop, Every Dog's Day, Oi Sick Society, Timro Akha ko cover this album. 




The band has got their own Facebook page- www.facebook.com/the13thstreet and also www.reverbnation.com/the13thstreet. The band members include:
Win Jung Rai (Vocalist)
Kingjong Rai (Lead Guitar)
Naresh Limbu (Bassist)
Pratik Dangol (Drummer)
The interview is taken between the two members, Kingjong Rai- the origin of the band and Naresh Limbu- who came after him. 

1.   How did you first come up with the idea of forming a band?

Naresh- I am not a founder member so I really don’t have the idea. I was called by King and   Subash.

Kingjong- Well me n 'guy' aka Subash (former member) loved music and we wanted to play together in a band to kill time. 

2.  What is the meaning behind ‘13^th Street’?

Naresh- Well 13^th represent that we are unfortunate and unlucky, got no future and street is the place where we belong...and Nakhipot is simply unlucky street...and this name clearly represents our genre street punk...

Kingjong- 13th street, in a layman's understanding, means unlucky street.

3.   What were the obstacles during formation of your band or releasing your first album?

Naresh-  Well, obstacles were loads and there are still loads of obstacles...loads of members have left the band because they had to go abroad and we had to struggle financially but we managed it somehow...recording our song was always there but still we had problems during recording time.

Kingjong- The thought of forming a band was easy but doing it practically was one hell of work. First recruiting members was not an easy work, then it was followed by many other obstacles like problem of jam-up room, instruments, incoming and outgoing of members, load shedding, etc.

4.   As your first album has been released, how do you feel about it?

Naresh- I just feel that lot more is to be done..(I don’t feel anything. I just did what I wanted to do. That’s all). It’s for people not for me. Ask them how do they feel.

Kingjong- Release of our first album had good feelings even though we had to face many problems and we are proud to present this album.

5.   Your songs are related to punk genre. Is it because of your passion to it or focus to some certain age group?

Naresh- This band is street punk band and street punk is all about suffering of youths and speaking your mind and motivating people to speak up and think for the nation and the society. 13^th street is band and all members have different approach. I think King wants to bring revolution in the nation and I particularly focus on youths. I’m trying to be voice of the youth. So two points- revolution of the nation and voice of the youths.

Kingjong- It's not just for show-off or something like that. It's because we’re frustrated and this is how we feel about the society and the leaders of today. Our album, ‘Oie! sick society" is especially focused on youths.

6.    What information do you want to give through your first album?

Naresh- Oie! sick society is for all the people just telling them to open their eyes and see the truth and raise their voice. It’s oie yuva ho aaja hamro paalo aayo. This is my message through the album. Don’t be a victim of the society, be what you want to be and be what you are. Don’t just pretend and no need to change for anyone or anything. Punx unite!

Kingjong- This album contains frustration, anger and the truth of the nation. Punk music has been the only medium for us to express our true feelings towards the society.

7.    How do you feel the music industry have been flourishing in Nepal?

Naresh- Well, recently music industry is doing well and media and technology has advanced a lot and it is helping the promotion of music but I feel media still can do a lot for music but still, it’s the money that talks here so let’s see what happens in future.

Kingjong- The main stream music is slowly developing but listening to today's main stream music makes me sick. It's full of lies, love, and all kinds of junks. Where's the feel for the nation, the songs opening the eyes of people about corruption, discrimination, destruction, inhumanity, police brutality?

8.   What could be the better ways?

Kingjong- People should not run after fashion and should have a clear mind set. People should think about the ongoing situation of the nation and everyone should try to make a difference in developing our nation.

9.   Any message for your readers.

Naresh- Live the way you want, do what you want to do, enjoy the freedom and let’s meet in the street.

Kingjong- Punk music, it's full of noise and screams. We play loud music because it’s a way of expressing our anger and frustration towards the society and leaders who have done nothing to be proud of. We dress up differently because we think differently and want your attention to see what we are doing and fighting for. Next time, you see a punk doesn't make faces and jump to conclusions because at least, punk's trying to bring changes and what about you? Have you done anything for the nation till now?