Akhanda Sikkim nominated for ‘Shoutout Artist of the Year’ at NE music awards

ISABELLA GURUNG

GANGTOK,: Sikkim’s progressive experimental band Akhanda Sikkim has been nominated for ‘Shoutout Artist of the Year’ at the r/NortheastIndia Music Awards, scheduled to be held soon.

The r/NortheastIndia Music Awards (RMA) is the first community-driven music awards dedicated to artists and music culture from Northeast India. Created by one of the region’s largest online communities, Reddit’s North East India subreddit, the RMA aims to celebrate and spotlight the incredible talent emerging from across the eight States.

For the first time, artists from different States, languages and musical backgrounds are coming together in the same categories, creating a shared stage for the region’s music scene as a whole. More than just an awards event, the RMA is a celebration of the diversity, identity and evolving sound of Northeast India.

“A nomination like this feels like a huge achievement because not many bands from Sikkim have been nominated at this level. Until now, I think we are the first ones to receive this nomination. So, not just for us, but I think this is an achievement for the whole Sikkimese musicians’ community. Going forward, I think this will also help us get more recognition and more shows across the Northeast and India,” frontman Aditya Pradhan told SIKKIM EXPRESS.

“When we won the Hornbill Festival last year, we met many media houses, and we think it is because of that that they nominated us, without us even knowing about it. It was also based on our visibility through doing live shows. The organisers have already sent us the confirmation email,” he added.

The nomination is a significant recognition of the band’s journey, dedication and contribution to the contemporary music landscape of the region. Since its formation in 2022, Akhanda Sikkim has been working to create a distinctive identity through progressive experimental Nepali rock and fusion, while bringing the sound and spirit of Sikkim to wider audiences.

Akhanda Sikkim blends rock, rap, fusion, heavy metal, hard rock, experimental music, EDM and cinematic elements into a genre-defying sound.

Based in Gangtok, Akhanda Sikkim is a rising musical group known for its powerful fusion of traditional lyrical depth and modern instrumental dynamism. Formed by five passionate and skilled musicians, the band has quickly carved out a name for itself in the region’s vibrant music scene. With a name that signifies wholeness and unity, Akhanda represents the harmony of diverse musical influences and the collective spirit of its members.

The band consists of Aditya Pradhan (vocalist and lyricist), Alister Darnal (keyboardist), Amos Darnal (bassist), Nimesh Dahal (guitarist) and Syoen Wangchuk Lepcha (drummer). Each member brings a unique musical background and a deep sense of commitment to the band’s artistic vision. Their synergy is evident in their live performances, where heartfelt vocals blend seamlessly with intricate instrumental arrangements, creating a sound that is both fresh and rooted in cultural identity.

The band is currently working on its second album. However, rather than approaching it as a conventional album, the band is recording individual songs and plans to compile them into an album.

“Right now, we are performing only locally because we are focused on recording our songs first. Last year, we did a South India tour and played a lot of gigs there and elsewhere. But this year, we are only playing locally. Last year, we played at the Pine Tree Festival and then went to Kalimpong for the Riders Meet. On August 21, we also have a show at Yuksom for the Riders Meet,” Aditya said.

“So, I think that’s mostly what we are doing this time around. More than getting shows and asking for shows, this time we are focused on recording our own music first. I think we have completed about two songs now, and the album will comprise a total of six songs,” he added.

Asked about the album, Aditya said, “Our plan is six songs. Four are in the pipeline and are currently in progress.”

The band previously released its debut album, ‘Divyata’.

Voting for the r/NortheastIndia Music Awards is currently open through the link available in the RAM’s Instagram bio.