Bartika Eam Rai

Rai discovered singing as a ten-year old in Budhanilkantha School. Post SLC, she learned Eastern Vocals with Gurudev Kaamat for two months. This was the beginning of any professional training that she would have. Post A-levels, she trained under the phenomenal Shreeti Pradhan for western vocals. Although limited to a few lessons, this taught her a lot. She learned basic piano from musician Upendra Lal Singh at Nepal Music School. She feels indebted to her teachers, for teaching her everything that she knows technically.

She has appeared on stage collaborating with underground metal band 'Gothica' (2011) and the incredibly talented 'Night' (2012). She has also trained under Abhaya Subba Weise for "Women In Concert Episode 8" in Kathmandu (2012). In New York City, she performed with Phiroj Shyangden, Prajwol Bajracharya, Thile Thakali and Rajendra Karna for over eight months, at Himalayan Yak restaurant (2013-2014). This experience has been significant in her life as a songwriter.

As a writer, she has worked with Navyaata, ECS Teenz and ECS Living. As a songwriter, she has worked on indie home recordings with various indie artists. Bimbaakash is a record of the Nepali songs she has had for over three years. This is her public debut both as singer and songwriter.

"My love for writing and singing has only escalated with time. But there was one point of time when I decided to end all of my singing altogether. That is when my very blunt friend Rohit Karki intervened and this was the gist of our conversation: 'Why do you have to be so dramatic? Tell me why songs are also called records? These are your records because these are records of the time and space you lived in.'
This is the conversation that pushed me to release the songs that make up Bimbaakash. I have an entire basement full of people to thank for their encouragement, criticism and logistic support. I am grateful for being blessed with these people in my life. You know who you are. Thank You." -Bartika Eam Rai, January 23, 2016.