Robin Wagle's Musical Journey

Robin Wagle’s Musical Journey

Entertainment
Peoples
The Buzz Nepal
April 1 , 2024

Robin Wagle, a musician honoring Kathmandu, currently working with two exceptional artists: Furba Sherpa on drums and Babin Wagle on bass. Having immersed himself in music for nearly two decades, Robin’s journey has been driven by a desire for self-expression. Unlike many, he sees music not only as entertainment or business, but as a deep spiritual exploration. To him, music reflects the unseen geometry of the universe, holding the answers to life, death, and beyond.

As a trio, their current focus lies in reflecting Nepalese folk melodies, particularly those from the majestic mountains. Through their music, they seek to experiment with diverse styles and rhythms from around the world. Rather than limiting themselves to specific genres, Robin and his collaborators draw inspiration from an eclectic mix of influences, ranging from blues and jazz to rock, noise, and groove. Their journey symbolizes a fusion of cultural heritage, personal expression, and a quest for universal truths through music.

2. What inspired you to become a musician?

I have been singing since very young and personally, it just made me feel good ( like real good, almost a high). I might have copied it from my mom since she was and is always singing Nepalese and Bollywood classics. I remember when I had just started singing, still in primary school, I’d sing random melodies and scribble down words then sing them like I had an audience. Sometimes I heard my parents happily gossiping in the other room talking about how I had started early. so that was a reason to be inspired as well. From then on, it has just been a curiosity. The more I uncover the bigger it gets. Also, this whole thing is beyond me. This music.. this sound.. sometimes these words.. don’t come from me, rather it comes through me…from somewhere.. way bigger than me or anything I can comprehend. The inspiration is to get closer to the source..so until I get there.. I’ll always be a musician I guess.

3. What has been the most memorable moment of your music career so far?

I mean, Playing at the Echoes in the valley Festival is the biggest crowd for me up until now, and it was fun. But while I was in Sydney, I played with my very good friends/brothers Marshall Fernandez, Jean Fernandez, Axell Fernandez and Brian Fernandez.(yes they are all brothers). They introduced me to Reggae, Afrobeat, Salsa, Cumbia and other Latin grooves which has shaped what I do as a musician these days. We lived together and had many incredible jam nights, practice days and gigs together. The time I spent with them will always be a highlight in my career and is one of the most crucial times for my learning and shaping up my sound.

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4. Are there any musicians who inspire you or any ideal musician you want to collaborate with and why?

There’s just too many…Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, Jimi Hendrix, Ali Farka Toure, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Herbie Hancock, Bill Evans, Lionel Loueke, Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, King Tubby, Fela Kuti, Mulatu Astatke, Buena Vista Social Club, Jaco Pastorious, Joni Mitchell, James Brown, Prince, J Dilla, Erykah Badu, D Angelo, Andre 3000, Yussef Dayes, Kamaal Williams, Oscar Jerome, Kokoroko Collective, Hiatus Kaiyote, Mdou Moctar, Huun Huur Tu, Sainkho Namtchylak…probably a thousand more that I don’t remember.

I love Tamang selo, Syabru, Haakpaare, Deuda, and Tibetan folk music. I listen to a lot of Buddhist Mantra chantings as well. I love Gypsy music, Bulgarian Folk, Hungarian Folk. And I’m always on the lookout for new artists so it just keeps growing. As for collaboration, I am open to collaborate with anyone as long as we vibe together and there’s something interesting to create.

5. If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?

I don’t think I would try to change the industry, The industry has to change itself. The industry has to keep up. If the industry can’t evolve, over the time, there will be a new industry. The industry has to show up for up and coming artists and support them for the sake of their own existence. “ Industry!! Be there or be squared!!”… No one cares about your prejudice in 2024.

6. What advice do you have for aspiring people who want to pursue their career in the industry?

“Aspiring Musicians!! YOU are the industry. Be bold, be creative, be honest and express yourself. Go wild” Don’t compete with each other. If you want to be loud, it has to be a collective sound.

If you want something to change, you have to get up and change it. Anything is possible. Dream big, work hard , embrace your flaws and tell your story. Be patient but start putting your work out there. Perfectionism is something but it definitely isn’t a reason to hold back what you want to say. The most beautiful things in the world aren’t perfect. Pursuit to perfection is like the pursuit to enlightenment. All nature.. all life is in that pursuit and it’s beautiful to see a young vine spiraling out to bear the flower, then the fruit.