Poorly arranged concerts should not be an ‘Aadat’
It is rather telling of the people when the army has to show up because of how people behave at a concert. “They brought an international band to a mall to perform,” said Sakib, who had attended the concert with high hopes. “It was a total joke. Organisers started taking selfies with the band mid-show, while Jal had to ask 20 times for a light to be turned off.”
1m ago
Fatima: Where noble intention trumps flawed execution
Dhrubo Hasan’s “Fatima” is an ambitious undertaking, with the director’s passion clearly visible in the script – the aspects of our Liberation War and how we are all fighting our own inner wars, the torment that women still go through for being a woman, the extent to which a close one’s betrayal could be delusionally overlooked.
5m ago
Canada chants ‘Artcell, Artcell!’ as beloved band celebrates 25 years
On May 5, Toronto’s Hamilton saw what was the largest audience for a band in decades. To everyone’s surprise, it was not a North American band, but a Bangladeshi one, celebrating 25 years of their glorious music on tour.
6m ago
Rock n’ Rhythm 4: Mired in chaos, overcome with emotion
On a day when the rain gods smiled favorably upon the hopes of about ten thousand people, barricades were broken, a stampede nearly ensued, and some logistical issues nearly ruined the experience for those holding general tickets at "Rock N’ Rhythm 4.0" in the capital’s International Convention City Bashundhara. However, for five men who have dedicated their entire lives to music, none of this could dampen the emotional reunion of Black's original lineup.
6m ago
Joy Shahriar: A one-man artistic ecosystem
“I could have bought a very nice phone with the money I bought this guitar with,” said Joy Shahriar in The Daily Star’s canteen, proudly flaunting his baby Taylor guitar. “But I chose this expensive guitar. I don’t have unlimited funds, but I know my priorities.” In a way, this sums up the “Shotti Bolchi” singer’s entire career – a story of passion, strife, and street smarts.
6m ago
Black reunion: A one-off?
Music in Bangladesh was never the same after Black launched “Amar Prithibi” in 2002. Taking off the much harder edge brought in by the rock bands of the ‘90s, it was Black who arguably popularised alternative rock in the country, along with acts like Nemesis and Stentorian.
6m ago
Minar moves forward with music
So, what is the artiste looking for in a partner? “Well, she has to be a good, honest person, and that’s pretty much it.” While we are yet to have found the lucky woman with a lifetime of free passes to Minar’s concerts, here’s to hoping that we can finally write ‘original’ news about his wedding.
8m ago
I’m respectful of Bangladesh’s rich musical heritage: Badshah
In an exclusive interview with The Daily Star, Badshah shared his insights and reflections on his recent trip to Bangladesh, shedding light on his experience and aspirations.
8m ago
February 28, 2020
Don’t judge a book by its cover
It is quite possible that one way or the other, you know Marzuk Russell.
February 26, 2020
A lesson in Thrash
In the 1980’s as the disdain for the establishment became ever more apparent among the youth, musicians started fusing double bass drumming, complex shredding and the aggression of hardcore punk.
February 25, 2020
‘Emotional Marketing’ explores the nuanced art of branding emotions
You cannot put a price tag on emotions, but you can charge a premium for products that are marketed to manipulate them.
February 22, 2020
Smartphone Photography
“What camera did you take the picture with?” is a question that Prito Reza, one of Bangladesh’s prolific photographers, hates. “In 2020, what matters more than the camera you’re holding, is your skill,” he says.
February 18, 2020
‘Chokhey Tar Shishirer Ghran’ portrays 22 fragments of our bittersweet lives
“In our lives, we go through many hardships. However, a fleeting moment of joy is able to trump all of them, and make you happy,” said Taposh Barua, a former student of journalism, who had his first book release at the Ekushey Boi Mela.
February 17, 2020
‘Not all Springs End Winter’
Anupam Debashis Roy is known for being someone who “tells it like it is”. The writer and political activist’s release in this year’s Ekushey Boi Mela,
February 16, 2020
Bakhtiar Hossain serenades with words in ‘Ekdin Ekta Kobitar Boi Hobe’
Even though Bakhtiar Hossain is best known as the vocalist of ace rock band, Bay of Bengal, he is a man of many talents. The multi-instrumentalist is also an avid painter, writer, artistic director and sound designer.
February 3, 2020
Maqsoodul Haque on the legacy of Azam Khan
In 2011, the entire country mourned for an icon of Bangladeshi music -- Azam Khan, a man who went from liberating the country as a guerrilla fighter, to being a revolutionary in the pop music industry.
January 21, 2020
‘Kaalo’ wins Best Song at New York Cinematography Awards
Pragata Naoha is one of the most promising young musicians in Dhaka. Her recently released track, Kaalo won much accolade.
January 17, 2020
Spondan celebrates 48 years today
Spondan is known to be one of the pioneers of Bangla pop music.
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