Ayub Bacchu is exception by his own standards. He is in one and the same lyricists, composer, guitarist, rockstar. His reign is in every musical section. Many artists got popular by singing to his tune. Audio, film, jingle or on stage Ayub Bacchu’s popularity is still rising. There are not many multitalented like him in music scene. This is Ayub Bacchu’s exclusive interview.
What is your experience being in music industry for 26 years?
I have crossed many high and lows of career to come this far. The hardship and struggle of the beginning are still here. Among this I have one dream, that our Bangla music will be viewed as beautiful music collection in international level and win hearts of people across the globe. In 26 year journey I have seen a lot of people, but got less hearts. Sincerity cannot be bought in retail or wholesale shops. If it could be bought then would have divided it among everyone tonne by tonne. It is self spirited, it can only be felt.
There is a wave of change coming in music industry. How closely intimate are you with change in composition?
I do not feel to express intimacy with this composition change. In the age of editing-cutting it was not hard to make a complete song in our time, it is even hard now. Music is my job and passion. That is why I think creating a complete song is better. Only a complete song can be thought as people’s favorite song.
Like my “Shei Tumi”, Maksud Bhai’s “Melai Jaire”, Miles’ “Chaad Tara”. James’ “Dukhini Dukkho Korona”. If noticed a little bit it could be seen that in the age of editing-cutting there is not any cutting-editing in these songs. “Moina” sang by me is an old overpowering song. Making a song like this would be a matter of credit for new generation. Should new song created are like this then change can be accepted.
Does this mean you are certain that present altered songs, tone, music will not be long lasting?
Present day songs with the quick technical support in studios sound good. But when same song is performed live on stage then various problems arise; laptop problem, sound problem etc. It’s natural that new artists, composers will do something new.
But they have to keep in mind how many generations will these songs last. If I can discuss about their songs twenty six years from now then I can say their work is correct.
What is the main difference between a band artist like you and solo artist?
A solo artist can independently sing anywhere with any instrument. And band is teamwork. If someone of the team is missing then it’s a problem. Key issue is, that anyone sings according to own choice. But everyone has to remember that they are singing for Bangladeshi audience.
How far will your band L.R.B go?
As long as there is even a single fan of Bangla music and who can will be able to sing ‘Ferari ei monta amaar manena kono badha’. It is our belief that L.R.B fans will remain from generation to generation, age to age. So regardless how far the music style has changed L.R.B.’s last album will clearly state that we can still entertain our audience with complete songs.
Twelfth album of L.R.B. “Juddho” is coming. Which songs of this album do you think fans will remember?
Every song will live in fans’ mind. It is hard to point out one-two songs. Journey of L.R.B is still continuing. L.R.B. still wants to involve everyone with new songs, tune, poetry, compassion. Problem is the time is really unstable. World has gained pace but lost its affection. That is why if I sing “Ekhon onek Raat”, some will like it, some will not. And if I sing “Duniyar manush juddho bondho koro” due to demand of occasion; some will like it, some will not.
You have finished your forth American tour recently, spent almost one and a half month there. What did you bring from America?
Immigrant Bangladeshi gave heartfelt love. So I have brought that love for people of the country. Got a guitar as a gift. And I sold my old one and bought a new one.
You have walked in every aspect of music. Still which identity makes you feel good?
Person Ayub Bacchu. Still trying to be a human being.
You used to sing a lot of band mixed? Why aren’t you singing anymore?
I sang a lot of tunes without proper perception. I have not sung to other’s tune for four long years; and will never sing again. Main reason behind this is, a composer can never bring out band mixed. He is no one of the band. Bands together can bring out band mixed.
You have done different kinds of music shows like D-Roskstar and Music Sa to Sa. What is the purpose behind doing these shows?
These shows are demand of time. This generation’s artists can get a lot of ideas by watching these shows. Sa to Sa was only done with instrumentalists. Instrumental artists are often ignored in our country. This program is made in order to preserve them.
Recently you gave tune and music to Jewel’s “Dorja Khola Bari” and Iva Rahman’s “Mon Na Bola Kotha”. Please tell something about these two artists?
Jewel is always successful in my tune. I personally liked his songs of this album. ATN Bangla’s chairman gave me courage about Iva Rahman. I tried to make a different kind of album. I do not hesitate in telling that there is no similarity between Iva Rahman of this album and previous album.
How do you view foreign artists performing on Bangladeshi stage?
I see it as a really good thing. I have always welcomed foreign artists in our soil. The more I get to sing with them the more I know about my status.
What is your last dream?
I want to create a guitar exhibition, a guitar album and a music institute.