“It’s very flattering to be deemed an icon. But when it comes to pacing myself , I try not to think about the rising expectations. I still believe that I, along with Nemesis have a long way to go.”
Photograph by Jawad Mahmud Chowdhury
By Rubab Nayeem Khan
In the music scene, Zohad Reza Chowdhury is someone that needs no introduction. The vocalist of Nemesis took the nation by a storm with his powerful voice and continues to do so, day in and day out.
Having been in the entertainment business since 1999, it goes without saying that Zohad serves as a youth icon for avid fans and aspiring musicians. When asked about how he feels about being under the limelight, he humbly says, “It’s very flattering to be deemed an icon. But when it comes to pacing myself, I try not to think about the rising expectations. I still believe that I, along with Nemesis have a long way to go.” While he’s at it, he acknowledges that performing certainly lifts his spirits and he considers himself to be really lucky to have a fan base that admires and appreciates his music.” There are people out there who like what I do; it somehow inspires them to do what they love,” he shares.
Despite the pressures, Zohad has his own way of acing things. In fact, his mantra for de-stressing before concerts is giving attention to what’s in hand. “I tend to go quiet in order to focus,” he adds.
While talking about music, Zohad looks into the pool of genres and picks out a few favourites he wants to work with that he hasn’t as of yet. “I’d love to incorporate electronic elements into our sound which is already there; something like Industrial Rock or what U2 did with Achtung Baby,” he elaborates.
Zohad looks at the transition of Bangladeshi music and applauds the results it has brought about. “I think Hip-Hop over the last couple of years has done great. There are some hip-hop artistes out there who sound legit and are true to their art,” claims Zohad.
The passionate musician is currently working on the third album for Nemesis. “Our third album is to be released on September 2016, so my focus is entirely on Nemesis now,” wraps up Zohad.