The industry must find and promote gifted lyricists: Tanzir Tuhin

Tanzir Tuhin is a name that is familiar to every Bangladeshi fan of rock music. Starting from songs like Hashimukh, Jahaji, Lal Nil Golpo to newer pieces like Abar Hashimukh, Rod Canvas, Michil and Chithi - Tuhin made sure his music reached beyond the barriers of just being "liked".

As a musician, Tuhin has a cult following who have supported him throughout his musical journey from being the frontman of Shironamhin to leaving the band to forming his own - Avash. 

In an exclusive interview with the Business Standard, Tuhin talks about Lyric Hunt, his band and other aspects of his life as a versatile musician. 

When the Lyric Hunt competition was launched in February, members of Avash did not realize that the response would be so overwhelming. Bangladeshis from all over the world submitted lyrics in the contest. And so far, the band has received more than 1600 unique lyrics for songs from which they are going to select 10 songs for the debt album of Avash.

As such a competition is a fairly new concept in Bangladesh and, also, the first one of its kind. So how can such a contest held Avash find songs well suited for their new album? 

"When we write our songs, it reflects our individual thoughts, but when different people will write about the same topic, every perspective will be different and we will have more options," Tuhin said. 

"The selected lyrics will help us finalize our songs. This will also create the opportunity to bring different perspectives and expand our horizons musically."

With Lyrics Hunt, Tuhin hopes to find professional lyricists particularly for the rock music industry.

Acclaimed lyricist and composer Prince Mahmud and musician Tanvir Alam Sajib will be the jurors of the competition.

"I strongly believe that this competition will encourage people to start writing lyrics professionally," the Avash frontman said, adding, "But I also believe that the music industry has the responsibility to find talented lyricists and create a platform for them." 

It is high time we found new talents who can do justice to lyrics, he added. 

As an experienced musician, Tuhin wants to give his band time to find its proper sound signature and settle on a genre. However, the amount of love and appreciation Avash has received in such a short time is overwhelming for Tuhin. 

"Performing live with Avash is always exciting. But one concert at Dhaka College, where I was a student, was one of the most exciting gigs for me," Tuhin said, taking a stroll down memory lane, while talking about Avash's journey till now. 

"When you can connect with the crowd - that is the best experience," Tuhin remarked.

Nostalgia hit Tuhin as he said, "My emotions were overpowering and I could not hold them back while performing at the grounds of my own college."

Upon asking what the songwriting process for Avash is, he replied, "We tried to talk about the injustice that exists in our society through our first three singles. As nobody is perfect, those songs urge us to search for perfection and bring back harmony in the society."

"Usually, we compose the music later as it depends on the lyrics. But sometimes the lyrics are inspired by the musical composition," he explained.

Tuhin reiterated that the band members want to explore a variety of genres, adding, "Our exploration is largely based on our music pattern and my vocal."  

Avash plans to release their debut album later this year, encompassing 10 animated music videos for the songs.

Tanzir Tuhin is a very popular face among rock music lovers, owing to his unique voice and singing style. He hopes to work on solo projects in the near future. But he has no plans to perform his solo pieces live.

The current line-up of Avash includes Tanzir Tuhin on vocals,  Sumon Monjurul on lead, Raajue Sheikh on bass, Rinku Imam on drums and Shawon Kaium on keys.