Lakshyana KC, a junior at NYU Abu Dhabi, started her singing career as a member of her secondary school choir. With the support of her family, KC released her eponymous debut album on June 30.

 

In the ninth grade she recorded a song and the experience shaped her future ambitions. “It was since then that my mom and I had dreamt of recording an entire album so that I could be heard not just amongst my family members but also beyond the borders of our house,” said KC.

 

Unfortunately, due to her studies in India, she never found the time to fulfill this dream; however, in the summer of 2013, things changed for KC. Her parents, who she says have been her anchor throughout the process, helped her meet a renowned Nepali lyricist who in turn was able to put her in contact with Nepali composers and song arrangers. These musicians liked KC’s voice and decided to give her a chance to showcase her voice and record an album.

KC had to manage her studies at NYUAD as well as the logistics of the album with the studios in Nepal. In addition, despite having no formal training in the field, she was held to the standards of professional singers all through the process, which was very challenging for her.

 

The album consists of five songs, all of which are in Nepali. It has no particular theme and each song was created by a different composer and lyricist.

“The songs in the album represent varied styles of Nepali music and range from romantic to humanity-oriented themes,” said KC.

The music style of the album is also reflected in KC’s personal music choice. Her taste in music is very mood-dependent but she usually enjoys Indian subcontinental music the most, as this is the style she is most familiar with.

 

KC has never considered singing as her primary career, but with the success of her album and support from her family and friends she has decided to pursue it. She feels the need to focus on her academics for the time being, but she is looking to improve her skills by taking professional training in her spare time.

 

“My advice to anyone with a strong passion in music and singing would be, don't let it be boxed inside yourself even if you may think you're not good enough. Just tune into the passion within and let it be heard louder than the crude and unpolished sound/voice.”

You can listen to the album onSpotify andSoundcloud. You can also purchase the album oniTunes orGoogle play.