Shayan

Her rise to recognition as a singer/lyricist/composer has been like a Paulo Coelho story. Clad in black, with a guitar and at times a harmonica, she contradicts all stereotypes. Her buzz cut might intimidate some but the disarming smile radiates with sincerity. For seven years, she desperately tried to release her debut album -- a compilation of songs that chronicled her growth as an individual and an artiste. When the album, titled "Shayan-er Gaan", was finally released on May 6, 2008, people listened and those who listened closely were in awe.
It was a breakthrough for Shayan. It was also a breakthrough in contemporary Bangladeshi music. Many would label her music as "Jibonmukhi Gaan" and put her in the same category as Kabir Suman or Mousumi Bhowmik. How does Shayan feel about that?
"The common denominator is that our songs are predominantly topical. Not just Suman, I've been profoundly influenced by the songs of Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, Tracy Chapman (mostly western folk/ folk rock) and Bhupen Hazarika. Whenever you have something that's counter-cultural or in this case, a musician who goes against the mainstream and creates music that exceeds the boundaries of mere entertainment, people tend to use labels for convenience. I have no issues with my songs being labelled 'Jibonmukhi Gaan'," Shayan says.
"It is a popular opinion that topical songs don't persevere through the ages but how can I deny the present? My songs are reactions to my experiences and just like an individual doesn't only experience love or rage or despair, they encompass a range of issues. I'd say my song-writing process is cathartic. Through my songs, I vent, protest, speak of love," she adds.
She may not possess the kalowati vocalists train a lifetime for, but her genuineness -- at times armed with razor-sharp wit and at others, poignant melancholy -- hits the bull's-eye and then some.
Excerpt from the song "Ekhanei Shukh Chhilo Ekdin":
Aaj ei thotey nei shei tripti

Tai obosheshey muktir chukti

Tobu sheshbar tumi bhebey dekho

Ekhanei shukh chhilo ekdin...
"I wrote this song when I was 16," says Shayan. "At that particular point of my life, marriages and relationships meeting premature ends had an overwhelming impact on me. It's a very personal song and it's an urge to give love another shot."
"Du'chokh Diye-i Dekho", also from her debut album, hits an issue that is omnipresent. Sample:
Kothaye Shanchoita aar Shonchita-i ba kothaye

Shonchita aar Shanchoita aaj daripalla-e...

Aaj nichchhey ojon, dekhchhey Bangali konta beshi bhari

Konta porityajjo aar konta dorkari...
"This song addresses the fascination with measuring one genius against another. Why can't our 'pundits' just accept Tagore and Nazrul as they are? Why does one have to be 'better' than the other? More importantly, why does one have to impose his/her opinion on others? I do believe though, the level of acceptance or tolerance differs between generations. I think our generation is way more liberated and tolerant than the previous one," Shayan says.
The self-trained vocalist/musician recalls coming back home from Toronto in 2001. Her songs were ready and she was eager to record her first album. She was tagged with several music companies over the next seven years. "But nothing was structured," according to her.
"In 2007 eight of my songs were recorded. Then one day I was told that the tracks couldn't be located. I was heartbroken. It was a desperate time. I quit my job and went to Kolkata to record my songs. That was in November 2007. In March 2008 the master record was ready. Meanwhile my friends formed a small music company called Gaan Poka Distributions. My debut album was released under the banner of Gaan Poka.
"There was no marketing involved initially. Someone from Ekushey TV was at the album launch and that resulted in me being invited to the show 'Phone O Live' on September 12, 2008. That show was watched by many and things started happening in my favour."
Shayan's latest project, a double-CD album titled "Abar Takiye Dekh" was launched on December 20, 2009. To give the audience a taste of her unpolished sound, Shayan has included two songs in the album that were recorded live.
"I never imagined that my songs would reach certain sections of the audience. One of the most remarkable compliments I received was from the driver of a CNG-run scooter, who said, "Your song about chorui pakhi (dealing with homelessness) is very real," says the musician.