A Chat With LEMIS
As a singer, how did you choose to ring in the New Year?
As people started recognizing me from playback songs, I decided to start the New Year by performing in a playback song for a movie directed by Zakir Hossain Raju. My career turned around, and is what it is today for playback singing. I started out with the song Agnee for the movie with the same title. Written by Ahmed Imtiaz Bulbul and composed by Shafique Tuhin, it was the pivotal point in my singing career. I also performed for the title song of the movie "Hero 420" this year. In addition to the music in movies like "Ostitto" and "Ratri'r Jatri".
What does Lemis mean? Who inspires you to continue singing?
The word "Lemis" is from an old Greek story and it means either soft, or a faraway sky. I feel like both these aspects are within me. As far as inspiration is concerned, ever since childhood, I have admired ad have constantly been a fan of Runa Laila. I know many of her songs by heart and her whole persona and singing still inspires me to be like her.
Who were your teachers and how do you want to be remembered?
Apart from my mother, I have been taught by Ustad Mobin Chowdhury from Mymensingh. In Dhaka I learned from and am still learning from Ustad Shanjeeb Dey. And although people know of me as a rock performer, folk has a very special place in my heart and I wish to be someday remembered for my works with folk music as it is the primary root of our music.
How do you see stage performances? What sets you apart from all other performers?
I have been performing on stage for over a decade and while some may claim that it created issues with other performances, in my opinion, nothing of the sort ever happens if one follows some simple instructions that are common in the industry to care for one's voice. Practice is key and I can't really say what sets me apart, it's a question more geared to the audience. Some have said that my performances have a life, which may be missing in others. Some also say there's a clarity which helps them recognize my voice instantly.
How do you see the current trend of making singles and music videos rather than full albums?
It is the trend in the market now but I feel my true nature comes out when I perform on stage. There is this raw power that is unmatched. Sadly that is not always possible, and although the audience has welcomed me nicely already, I hope to come out with an album soon as it is already in the works. I may release singles and music videos but I am not a believer in singles albums. One song cannot define an artist and an album is an identity piece for an artist.
Interviewed by Zahid Akbar and
Narrated by Showbiz Desk
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