Partho Barua has been for four decades in the music arena and now for the first time he is bringing out a solo album, without his band. The popular singer talks about his new album and more.
How come you took all these years to bring out a solo album?
I am always against members of a band going solo. When a band singer looks towards his separate career, he tends to neglect the band. Others might not agree, but I firmly believe that.
Does it make the other members of the band insecure?
No, it’s not that. But since I am known though my band, I have to think about everyone. In a band, it is the vocalist that is most in focus. So if the vocalist starts a separate career and stage shows, naturally the bad will suffer. I have had separate stage shows too, but very few. I only performed solo when some very close persons requested and I couldn’t refuse. And I always took permission from my band members. That is why I never wanted a solo album.
But now why?
The album ‘Mukhosh’ does not have the common commercial approach to music. It’s a theme-based experimental album. Not many artistes want to do theme-based albums. But I am trying it out.
So the album is called ‘Mukhosh’?
We all hide behind masks (mukhosh). We are one thing inside and another outside. That is why I have called it ‘Mukhosh’, mask. Normally our songs are all about love and romance. This is not.
Have your band members been supportive?
I consulted everyone in the band before doing this. They have supported me wholeheartedly. In fact everyone of the band features in the video of the album’s first number.
So what about the impact of coronavirus on the music world?
Entertainment only comes after your basic needs are met. When people are struggling for food, shelter and survival, entertainment is secondary. I don’t know what the Creator has in store for us. Perhaps this is a test.
But artistes are singing and making videos.
We are keeping up our mental strength and continuing. People will listen to music, watch plays and movies. That is why the artistes are keeping strong and signing new songs, making videos at home. Rather than sitting at home idly, the artistes can come with new music ideas. Since there is no pressure of stage shows and other programmes, this time can be used to refresh our music.