‘Gaaner Michil’: Muntasir Tusher releasing 52 songs this Eid

Producing 52 songs of multiple genres, sung by 46 different artists is no small feat when it's done independently in the presence of larger commercial studios in the industry. Muntasir Tusher and Akkhor Records, however, have pulled off exactly that and are currently preparing the release of Season 1 of the compilation under the title "Gaaner Michil".

The Daily Star sat down with Muntasir Tusher, founder of Akkhor Records, to talk about the project as well as the ins-and-outs of his record Label.

From musician to music producer, you seem to have a lot of roles to play for your Label. Whom do you introduce yourself as?

Music itself is ingrained in my blood and soul, as my family comes from a lineage who have actively practised folk and classical music for more than a century. My efforts to produce my own music is simply a continuation of that very practice, and I have to do a good job as both a musician and a producer in the process.

Are you guys self-funded?

Entirely, for the time being. I didn't find any sponsorship, so I contribute part of my own income to run it. I have big plans but we're having to approach our project in a humble manner due to the lack of secure funding.

Tell me a bit about 'Gaaner Michil', your project that's releasing on this Chaand Raat.

It is essentially a collection of 52 entirely original songs, sung by a total of 46 artists, veteran and emerging ones included. The sequential release will be completed by the end of this year to mark the 52nd independence anniversary of Bangladesh. We've incorporated an eclectic mix of everything starting from Gazal, Folk, Classical to Jazz, EDM, etc.

The first song that's releasing on Chaand Raat, "Moner X-ray," was created in an electro-reggae pop manner. The artist is Makhon Mia, who was also one of the musicians in Coke Studio's "Lilabali".

Do you think Akkhor Records can provide the representation of our folk songs and the artiste community it originates from?

Yes, of course. That is one of the first things I had thought of when we started out. In fact, season 2 of this project is going to focus solely on individual genres volume-wise, and undiscovered artists that are closely associated with its very origins. We'll start production around June-July this year. It's going to be a long-term project really, but I'd like to take my time and create something impactful with amazing musicians.

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Do you think your project may inspire others in some way?

As long as I stay true to my cause, I don't see why not. We've already noticed small record companies releasing their own compilations in the same pattern as "Gaaner Michil" ever since we started posting, and I took it very positively. Hopefully more to come in the future.

All the songs of "Gaaner Michil" will be released internationally on Spotify, Amazon, and itunes this Chand Raat, with the music videos going up every week on YouTube.