Bhutan will soon host its first ever rock festival, Asia Rock Fest-Bhutan. The fest will blend a genre born in the United States with the soul of Bhutanese creativity. 15 bands, including 10 local groups, will take the stage over two nights at Paro next month.
North H, one of homegrown talents, recognised as the trailblazer of Bhutanese rock music, is also performing at the fest.
With over one hundred performances, including international shows in Japan and South Korea, the band says their long-held dream is finally becoming a reality.
Ugyen Tenzin, Concert Director of Asia Rock Fest-Bhutan said, “I had a dream of coming up with a music festival since I have been in the band for a long time, a rock band. But I could not approach anyone, though I had the idea. So, when I heard about DoMCIIP, I thought it was time for me to do something, because I heard how supportive DoMCIIP is. So, I approached the director and I shared my ideas about the rock festival, and he was kind enough to listen to my stories and my dreams and my visions.”
Ugyen has been performing for over a decade. He says although rock genre is still in its emerging stage in the country, many new bands are coming up.
“As an organiser we are pushing our artists to work harder, like creating something very interesting. But sticking to the rock genre. So, we have asked bands to come up with Bhutanese songs in the rock version. So that is something very interesting for me personally to look forward to.”
Jamyang Rinchen, Singer/Guitarist, Paktsho Boiz said, “We are really grateful and happy to be one of the bands selected to perform at this festival. We are really happy, really looking forward to it, especially looking forward to listening to other international bands. I think it is a great opportunity for everyone to explore different genres.”
During a press conference held on Friday, the Chief Intellectual Property Officer with DOMCIIP says the department aims to support the country’s growing creative sector, including music.
Tempa Tshering, Chief IP Officer of DoMCIIP, MoICE said, “The music sector is one of the main pillars in the creative economy because it is easily accessible and consumable, not only by locals but even by international audiences. And the rock genre has been a little laid back. Now, globally and even in Bhutan, we have been focusing more on the pop genre. And those people inspired to take up rock music, they even stopped composing and they have been singing other compositions, foreign compositions, but they have been vibrant around pop and other events. They have been quietly performing on their own initiative, but nationally they are not recognised, they have not been supported so far.”
Apart from the 10 local bands, Parikrama, one of the oldest rock bands from India, Poonjit from Thailand, Paranoid Void from Japan and Cotoba from South Korea will be playing at the fest.
Ticket prices have yet to be announced, but the department says they will be kept minimal. As of now, the department has allocated over Nu 4 M for the fest.
Devika Pradhan
Edited by Phub Gyem
