“Amar Bhai,” written by Sahil Sanjan, is an emotional tribute to the lives lost in July’s riot in Bangladesh. The song captures the raw grief of a brother mourning his sibling, who was shot during the protest. With heartfelt lyrics, it not only speaks to the pain and loss experienced by many but also calls out the silence of beloved celebrities who chose to look away in this time of crisis. This song stands as a moving reminder of the courage and sacrifices made in the fight for a better future, while questioning the indifference of those in positions of influence.
“Signs” is an indie pop song written and performed by Shadab Shams, featuring a verse from Anika Rashid Khan. Originating from Dhaka, Bangladesh, the 3-minute English track was later engineered at Coma Studios by Hasib Reza in Kuwait.
Leading the band ‘Attic’ as the frontman, Shadab has been performing live in the local music scene since the age of 13. He is known for his charismatic and intimidating stage presence, along with a notable performance in the popular local music video “Echoes In Your Attic” by Attic.
Anika Rashid Khan, 24, is a singer who recently released her debut pop-ballad single, “Messed Up” on various platforms. Anika has been active in Dhaka’s music scene playing private parties, clubs, and public community events. She now resides in New York.
The two singers met through Dhaka’s music scene and have been friends ever since.
The song was written before the Covid-19 pandemic, and its music video was shot in Dhaka during the 2021 lockdown, directed by Nadeem A Salam. Shadab had been very patient for years editing the music video, and finding an engineer to produce the song with him. Finally, an international collaboration with Hasib Reza set the song up for release.
The song tells a story of heartbreak and separation from the perspectives of both parties in a romantic relationship, while the melody implies an underlying sense of freedom, as contrast to the painful lyrics. In a bigger view, the song is an expression of surrender to the inevitable closure in relationships, and calls for the embracement of the bittersweet nature of life.
Syed Reza Ali, former Australian resident turned Bangladeshi music prodigy, has just released his latest EP, “Mixture of Emotions.” This EP, consisting of five instrumental tracks, showcases Reza’s talents as a Music Director/Composer and guitarist for some of Bangladesh’s top and rising bands.
Reza, who spent 17 years in Australia before returning to his homeland to pursue a career in music, has truly made a mark with his unique sound. The tracks on “Mixture of Emotions” offer a fresh take on the indie rock genre, with memorable melodies and impressive bass and drum combinations.
With “Mixture of Emotions,” Syed Reza Ali has solidified his place as a rising star in the Bangladeshi music scene. We can’t wait to see what he has in store for us next.
In a music scene dominated by vocal-heavy tracks, Reza’s decision to create an all-instrumental EP is a bold move that has paid off. The EP has garnered praise from fans and critics alike, who appreciate the creativity and skill Reza brings to each track.
The Bangla Music Scene was launched on March 20, 2023 with a mission to discover, promote and curate a diverse range of new and talented artists of Bengali origin, while creating opportunities for those who may not otherwise have a platform.
“We are always on the lookout for talented artists who have a unique sound and a story to tell,” says the founder of Bangla Music Scene. “Our goal is to showcase songs that deserve to be heard by a wider audience. There are so many incredible artists out there with amazing songs, but they often struggle to reach a larger fanbase. We want to change that.”
Bangla Music Scene’s mission is to elevate Bengali music to new heights and introduce it to a global audience, by providing a platform for artists to showcase their work and connect with fans from around the world.
As the organization continues to grow, Bangla Music Scene is committed to discovering and promoting new talent, and is focused on bringing Bengali music to the industry forefront while make a lasting impact on the global music scene.
