BAPPA CONSUMED BY MUSIC

We should feel lucky that Bappa Mazumder made the decision to become a musician rather than an architect. After completing his university studies, Shubhashish Mazumder Bappa realized that he is consumed by music. We, the listeners are regularly gifted with music that is diverse; sometimes remakes of old melodies or experimental fusion. Bappa is truly a musical genius of our times. 

MY COMPOSITIONS
I grew up with classical music. Irony is, although I grew up in classical music, I don't know much about it. Whatever little concept I have about classical music, I use that in my composition. I owe it to brother for my habit of being good listener of songs. At home, my brother, world renowned mime artist Partho Pratim Majumder used to play music of all genres, from Bangla songs to Abba and Boney M. Those songs influenced me and my composition. Most of my musical creations are evoked from those memories.   
MY TRANSLATIONS
Yes! There are quite a few songs that are influenced by other musicians or songs. Especially, my band, Dolchut's first album is heavily influenced by western songs. Some of my solo songs like Kokhono Icche hoi is completely based on Eric Clapton's 'Tears in heaven'. Another of my song, Joler Ghore is influenced by 'Ain't no sunshine'. It is a 1971 hit song by Bill Withers, but my song was influenced by the version done by Kenny Rogers. I have done Lionel Ritchie's 'Hello' as a duet with Alif Alauddin. Whenever I do a song that is influence by another, I will admit it publicly. I am proud of my honesty in music. I find no harm in admitting that you are influenced by a song. Everyone is influenced by someone or something. In Bangladesh, there are many songs that are influenced by foreign songs; sometimes they are even plain copied, but are not admitted by the artists.
 

MY LISTENERS
I guess, most artists don't create music thinking of a certain group of listeners. I do what my heart tells me – I listen to what comes from within. Those who like my music, they accept what I do, be it good or bad. You may ask if my 'remake' songs only attract urban listeners who are into English songs. Let me explain why not; I appreciate the listeners who are into radio – it is a very positive sign for our music industry. It is bringing back the habit of listening to music. But, in the cities, I think there are more Hindi-song listeners than English. And also I don't find any link between the two kinds of listeners. There are the ones who like English and the ones who like my kind of songs. We are not force-feeding anyone to listen to us. They do because they like what we do.
MY TOYS
Yes, I am learning photography. Although I am a self-taught photographer, I do have a guru, he is Shonkor Shawjal. It is just a hobby. I take photographs without any particular goal. My prime instrument is guitar. My career's first instrument was Tabla. I also learned Harmonium, but unfortunately don't get to play it any more. I played flute in some of my albums too. I am fiddling with a new instrument called 'Melodica'. It is not much popular yet in Bangladesh. You sometimes can find Masum of the band Souls playing it. It is both mellow and melodious at the same time. I have recorded few songs with it – you will be able to listen to it in my next album.
MY ANCHORING
I have done TV anchoring and if I get more offers for good programmes, I will definitely go for it. Just a few days back, I anchored for a programme. The idea of the programme was mine, called “Robi Rock n' Rhythm”. It was a live telecast. So, I would definitely say yes to be an anchor if the show is music based with new and good ideas.  
MY WORK
To be honest, work brings money. So I will keep working keeping my standards intact. Currently, I do feel that I am working too hard. But it is my life, passion and most of all my profession. You may find something new from us if political situation permits. I try to follow the tide of time – my work twenty years ago is not the same now. My listeners will decide to what extent I have matured, but it is not the same for sure.