Who is Sanjay Shrestha? Please give me your background, both personal and professional.
I was born into a very simple family. My ancestral home is Birgunj. I was born in Janakpur. About 50 years ago we migrated to Kathmandu. I studied in Adarsh Yoghari, Lainchaur till class 7. Then I studied class 8-10 at Siddhartha Banasthali School. I studied at Shankar Dev. College till B.COM. I have been interested in music since childhood. I used to sing songs in Deusi Bhailo. Later in 1992, we formed a group of friends, whose name was Crossroads and it is still there. Before entering the singing profession, I was in the travel business. I am active in the field of advertising as well as singing. I generally prefer to call myself a simple human being.
Let’s talk about a simple technology, what phone do you use daily and why?
I use a Redmi Note 9S Android phone because it is user-friendly.
What will buy your next phone? And why?
If I buy another phone in the future, I will buy Samsung’s S 23 ultra, because it has more storage as well as its camera and looks nice.
Eight of your favorite most-used mobile apps?
1. Gmail
2. Google Maps
3. Notes
4. YouTube
5. Esewa
6. Facebook
7. Instagram
8. Music Player
You are quite prolific on social media. Huge on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and any other platforms. Talk to me about that. How do you use the different platforms and how important are they in your daily activity?
Yes, I am more active on social media. I tend to take more interest in contemporary and political issues around me and in the country and abroad. As an artist as well as a citizen of this country, I keep my curiosity about the events and news happening around me. If something is wrong, I oppose it and support what is right. Through Facebook, I am expressing my words and reactions along with my songs, so that I get closer to my well-wishers. I don’t use Twitter that much, on Instagram I share my songs and musical topics.
How about your thoughts on your Music career? Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I started my musical career about 32 years ago. At that time, I had to work hard to prove myself to everyone. It is easy to earn fame but it is difficult to maintain it. I am still struggling to protect my name and identity with the love given to me by my well-wishers, and I will continue to do so even after 5 years.
What will be your next forthcoming songs? Are there uses of technology?
Now back to back 4 new songs of mine are coming in the market. Now it’s the era of new technology. In my current new songs, some musicians have played instruments from America and some from Australia. All this is the use of current technology. Also, I have used new technology from song arrangement to audio mixing in my upcoming new songs.
What kind of microphone do you prefer to use during performances and recordings? Why?
I prefer a Condenser mic because it’s more sensitive and they tend to have a wider frequency response range and have better quality as well.
Are there any specific audio processing tools or software that you rely on to enhance your vocal performance or recordings?
I just use a few vocal enhancer VST plugins according to the songs.
How do you incorporate technology into your live performances? Are there any specific devices or equipment you use to enhance the overall experience?
Our sound engineer looks after all that and it’s their responsibility. I just prefer reverb and delay according to the venue. I have also heard that many singers these days are now using their own Helicon, boss, zoom, and other gadgets during the live performance. In the future probably i will have my own too.
Do you use any vocal effects or auto-tuning software in your recordings? How do you feel about the impact of such technology on the music industry?
I don’t use auto-tuner software. In some songs in the world, that software has been used properly and the results have been good…but now that software is being used randomly and it is not suitable at all. It should be understood that bathing a donkey with Dettol soap does not make it a cow.
Are there any particular gadgets or tools that you find essential for your songwriting or music production process?
I don’t need any gadgets for writing songs. For music production, I use software like Cubase, Beat Makers, VST Plugins, Sound Forge, etc.
How do you stay up-to-date with the latest music production and recording technologies? Do you actively explore new gadgets and software?
I always listen to Nepali and foreign songs and pay attention to the technologies used in them. I also enjoy learning about new musical gadgets with my friends, which keeps me up-to-date with the latest music production and recording technology.
Have you experimented with any innovative technologies, such as virtual reality or augmented reality, to enhance your music or stage performances?
No sir… not yet
Do you use any specific apps or software for vocal warm-ups or exercises?
No, I don’t use any specific apps for vocal warm-ups.
Are there any technological advancements in the music industry that you find particularly exciting or inspiring?
In the context of Nepal, I have yet to experience such kind of technological advancements.
How do you balance incorporating technology into your music while maintaining an authentic and organic sound?
The voice that comes out of your throat and the sounds of any musical instrument that you play with your hands or mouth that is the art that emerges from you. Technology will only make it more clear and beautiful. The work of technology is only to further modify your organic art and fill it with fragrance.
