2020 in review: Deshi rock music industry shines amid the darkness of 2020

This year has been a gloomy one for the world due to the ongoing pandemic. Understandably, the music industry came to a standstill all over the world and all activities were halted to a certain extent. However, the musicians tried their best to keep their fans entertained. Amid all the darkness, the rock music industry had a few memorable events. TBS highlights such events of the music industry. 

Michael Gomes became the first Bangladeshi artist to be endorsed by Yamaha:

Michael Gomes. Photo: Collected

This year began with some good news in the music industry. Back in March, Shunno's bassist Michael Gomes was enlisted as a Global Yamaha Artist.  

He became the first ever artist from Bangladesh who had achieved this prestigious endorsement by Yamaha. The artist endorsement was done by Yamaha Corporation Japan with the help of their official distributor in Bangladesh ACI Motors Ltd.

'Avash' launched Lyrics Hunt competition:

'Avash' launched Lyrics Hunt competition. Photo: Collected

In February, acclaimed musician Tanzir Tuhin's band Avash launched the "Lyrics Hunt" competition. 

In collaboration with Avash, event organisers Platform organized the event where Bangladeshi writers from all over the world could participate. The Lyric Hunt was open for all from March 1. 

Participants were allowed to submit lyrics for Avash's upcoming debut album.  

Thrash metal band Thrash won second 'Wacken Metal Battle Bangladesh':

Thrash metal band Thrash won second ‘Wacken Metal Battle Bangladesh’. Photo: Collected

Before the pandemic hit the country, Thrash metal band 'Thrash' had won second "Wacken Metal Battle Bangladesh" and was all set to represent the country at "Bangalore Open Air 2020" which was supposed to be held on March 20.  

If the event didn't get cancelled, Thrash would compete with the winners from Nepal, Sri Lanka and India. 

Last year, Trainwreck won the "Bangalore Open Air 2019" and rocked the crowd in Germany.

BAMBA's copyright protection:  

BAMBA’s logo. Photo: Collected

On July 15, Bangladesh Musical Bands Association (BAMBA) announced that in order to commercially use the songs of its associated bands, third parties are now required to have written permission from the association.

BAMBA announced this statement via a press release issued on their Facebook page stating that many artists and bands have been commercially performing and utilising popular songs made by its 25 member bands on several broadcasting platforms, reality programs and concerts, without any proper consent.

Nemesis launched music videos:

Nemesis launched music videos. Photo: Collected

Nemesis is one of the few bands that stayed active and kept their fans' spirit up through its music. The popular rock band organised acoustic online sessions for its fans.  Besides that Nemesis also released a couple of music videos including the video for "Tumi, Ami O Bhor."

The song, through its lyrics, describes the present state of the world perfectly and gives us hope for a new dawn