Belal Khan brings new surprises

For any artiste, winning awards heightens the audience's anticipation of greater things to come. This has certainly been true in the case of National Award-winning Belal Khan, who achieved his milestone last year. Since then, the artiste has focusing his energies on new projects to further define his career. Recently this correspondent got in touch with the artiste, about his new ventures and more.

As a musician who has won the national award at a young age, has it altered your visions on the musical styles you want to work on?

Belal: After winning this award, I kept a low profile during the months that followed. Last year I only released two songs. This year however, I seek to explore new depths in music. On February 5, I released a new single along with a music video titled “Dozokh.” The video is experimental and non-traditional, and unlike any other project I have previously worked on. I have collaborated with other artistes as well; Mohammad Shoyeb is working on classical improvisation, and Puja has lent her voice on the track. Emon Chowdhury from Chirkutt is behind musical arrangement and Fazle Rabby has directed the video. Shomeswar Oli has composed the lyrics.  

Who would you cite as musical influences?

Belal: This is a difficult question to answer, as the list is ever-growing. There are many composers that I hold in high regard, and each have inspired me in their own way, and I try to do my best to learn from them as well.

Is there a project you have worked on that you are most proud of and feel has defined you as a musician?

Belal: I am most proud of the song “Station.” It is the song that won me the National Award, and people who have listened to it prior to its success have told me that it will take me far. I am also proud of my new single “Dozokh”, as it is the song where I am exploring my identity as a musician, and representing myself anew to the audience.

What changes would you like to see in the musical landscape of Bangladesh?

Belal: Currently in the commercial music scene, songs are composed around lyrics that lack poetry. I would like to see this change in the future, and I would like to encourage musicians to create more thought-provoking songs that evoke a deep, soulful connection. Even though we have to make commercially successful songs for movies, etc, individual singles that require a heavy budget along with music videos must be seen as an opportunity for artistes to define themselves.