Eastwords: A band of academics, architects, and students

"Eastwords" is an up-and-coming band gradually finding its place in Dhaka's indie music scene. Formed in 2023, the group brings together a unique mix of students, professionals, and a university teacher — all connected by a shared interest in making music that blends eastern traditions with modern influences.

The band's name, "Eastwords", is a play on the word 'Eastwards'. "We wanted to stay connected to our roots and draw inspiration from eastern musical traditions," says founding member Sharmee Hossain. "Since we're also focused on lyrics, the wordplay made sense."

The Beginning of the Journey

"Eastwords" began shortly after the breakup of Sharmee and Anika Rawnak's previous band. The two started writing and working on a few original songs. As their sound evolved,so did the need for more musicians. Guitarist and vocalist Nil, along with percussionist Riddho, joined next. They were later joined by Puly, who brought in the flute, mandolin, and vocal harmonies, and finally by Avishek on banjo, rounding out the current six-member lineup.

Meet the Band

"Eastwords" is made up of six members, each bringing a different background and perspective. 

Sharmee Hossain, who plays guitar and sings, teaches in the English department at North South University and is the band's co-founder and primary songwriter. She formed the band with Anika Rawnak, a practicing architect who plays bass and also sings.

Architect Nazifa Tabassum Puly later joined the group, contributing flute, mandolin, and additional vocals. The rest of the band members are students at North South University: Shazid Pranto Nil, a literature major, plays guitar and sings; Anindya Riddho, a business student, handles percussion; and Avishek, who studies environmental science, plays the banjo. 

Photo: Collected

Balancing Work and Music

Despite her full-time job as a lecturer, Sharmee doesn't view music and teaching as opposing forces. "Writing songs happens like magic. I take time. I am very slow with music. My job gives me the flexibility and luxury of slowness. I don't juggle at all. " she says. "The music takes shape in the middle of everything else going on."

Sharmee's relationship with music began early — she trained in Hindustani classical music during her childhood but stepped away from it for years. After returning to Bangladesh in 2014, she began playing the guitar and singing again. The COVID-19 lockdown gave her a chance to take online courses in songwriting. "At the end of the day, one has to look within one's self to write authentically." she adds.

Music Style and Influences

"Eastwords" doesn't stick to a single genre. The band blends a wide range of influences and lets the music develop naturally. "We pull from bluegrass, Bangla folk, even Bicchedi songs," Sharmee says. "We're trying to reflect our time in a way that feels honest to us."

Sharmee names artists like Kabir Suman, S.D. Burman, Moushumi Bhowmik, Tom Waits, Alt-J, Anaïs Mitchell, and Bob Dylan as key influences — though the list, she says, is always changing.

The Jatra Biroti Show

Eastwords will perform at Jatra Biroti on July 18th, featuring a mix of original songs and reimagined Bangla classics. The set will also include a tribute to the martyrs of July, presented through a special musical performance.

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What's Next

The band is currently working on recording its original songs, with plans to begin releasing them from August. They also hope to play more shows in the coming months as they continue developing their sound.