Booktalk: In search of the perfect note
Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Nepali singer Salina BK is exploring Indian classical music traditions and improving her understanding of raags and their emotional expression.
- BK emphasizes that inspiration comes from continuous learning and engagement with music, rather than passive waiting.
- She prioritizes emotion when preparing a song, believing lyrics and melody naturally follow to convey the intended feeling.
Nepali singer Salina BK, known for her powerful vocals and expressive performances since her rise through "Nepal Idol" and "Nepal Star," is currently delving into the depths of Indian classical music. She is dedicating significant time to exploring different raags and understanding their emotional nuances, viewing this pursuit as a continuous journey of learning.
The more you learn, observe and keep yourself connected to music, the more inspiration naturally finds its way to you.
BK believes that inspiration is not something to be waited for but rather cultivated through active engagement. "The more you learn, observe and keep yourself connected to music, the more inspiration naturally finds its way to you," she stated. This philosophy guides her approach to her craft, emphasizing a proactive stance in her artistic development.
When preparing to perform a song, BK prioritizes emotion above all else. She explained that once the core emotion of the song is understood, the lyrics and melody naturally align to express that feeling effectively. This focus on emotional resonance shapes her interpretation and delivery of music.
For me, it always begins with emotion. Once I understand what the song is trying to make people feel, the lyrics and melody naturally come together to express that emotion.
Her relationship with music has evolved since her early appearances on national singing competitions. These experiences provided her with a clearer understanding of her artistic standing and highlighted the vast scope for further learning and growth. BK remains dedicated to her musical path, finding it difficult to imagine pursuing any other creative field.
Those experiences helped me understand where I stand as an artist and showed me how much more there is to learn. They gave me clarity about the direction I want to take and how I need to keep growing as a musician.
Originally published by Kathmandu Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.