Standing in the spotlight, he turns the mic towards the audience.
“Aljhai Naraakha,” he sings, and thousands of teenagers in the audience respond in unison.
“Mutu Nadukhai Raakha,” they echo back, their voices blending seamlessly with his melody.
John Chamling Rai isn’t just performing songs on stage; he’s engaging in a heartfelt interaction with an audience of his peers. He shares his life experiences, emotions, and aspirations, which resonate deeply with his teenage listeners. They feel as though his music expresses the unspoken emotions within their hearts: “This is my song, the rhythm of my heart.”
John addresses this transitional generation—caught between dreams, goals, and the transformations of youth—with ease and authenticity.
How is he achieving such resonance with his audience, spreading waves of connection without flashy promotions or gimmicks?
The secret lies not in having an endless catalog of catchy songs or relying on a powerhouse of promotional tactics. Instead, John has carved his space in music with his own unique style, stories, and melodies. His raw and genuine approach has struck a chord with his generation, creating waves in the music world.
Behind John stands his band, “The Locals.” Together, they’ve formed “John and The Locals,” a group of young, passionate musicians who amplify his music and create tunes that resonate with youth.
A Meteoric Rise of John Chamling Rai and his band
“John and The Locals” are now everywhere—college grounds, city stages, and even international platforms. Their packed tour schedules leave little room for rest, with constant demands for encores.
John says, “I’m shocked. It’s hard to believe so many people are listening to the songs I’ve written. It’s an amazing feeling.”
His journey started unexpectedly. While studying corporate finance in Denmark, music was always on his mind. He wrote songs and composed melodies, often wondering if his dreams would ever take flight.
One night, he found his calling.
During a casual gathering with friends in his hometown Dharan, he performed a song he’d written and composed. A friend recorded it on a phone, and without any edits, John uploaded the raw video to YouTube.
The video unexpectedly gained traction, resonating with the Gen Z audience. The themes of his songs, such as Batulna Khojdai Chhu Jhareka Sapana Lai, connected deeply with his peers.
Music for a Generation
Teenage years are marked by a blend of ambition and fear—fears of lost dreams and an uncertain future. John’s music vocalizes these emotions.
“Things I imagined—whether dreams will come true or not, whether love is real or not—these are personal and family issues that weigh on the heart,” John explains while introducing his song to friends. “But no matter the situation, love should inspire courage, and dreams can be achieved.”
John’s YouTube channel, “John Chamling TV,” hosts many raw videos, including covers and original songs. His earlier uploads didn’t gain much attention, but songs like Prashna and Sadhana changed that. One of his breakout songs, Tyetikai Chhodana Kesha Lai, was recorded casually on a mobile phone and resonated widely with listeners.
This song marked the turning point. Gen Z listeners started searching for him, curious about the person behind these relatable lyrics.
A Surprising Performance
John recalls being invited by a classmate to perform at a school in Dharan. Initially hesitant, he thought, “No one knows me, why should I go?” But after some persuasion, he agreed.
When he began singing Timilai Pani Ma Birsi Dinchu, the audience joined in for the second line, Mutu Nadukhai Raakha.
John was stunned. “How did such young kids know my song by heart? How could they match its tone so perfectly?”
By then, his music had already gained momentum on social media. Supporters were sharing his songs on platforms like TikTok, helping him gain visibility. His journey from 2,000 views on YouTube in the first two months to becoming a “hero” was unexpected.
Challenges and Growth
The road wasn’t always smooth. Initially, his songs didn’t garner much attention, leading to doubts about their potential. Songs like Sadhana gained popularity months after their release, but when they did, it was as though a storm had followed a long silence.
Without formal promotions or studio recordings, John’s mobile-shot videos managed to captivate audiences. Soon, concert invitations began rolling in.
However, John faced new challenges. How much should he charge for performances? With no prior experience, he admitted, “I mistakenly quoted a high fee once.”
Realizing the need for a professional approach, he brought on a manager to handle his growing popularity and busy schedule. He also formed a group of peers to perform live music alongside him, leading to the creation of “John and The Locals.”
A Promising Future
Today, the band performs both domestically and internationally. Wherever they go, they receive warm welcomes and eager audiences. John’s life now contrasts starkly with his past struggles, including working at restaurants abroad while studying.
During his time in Denmark, he wrote numerous songs and honed his craft. After returning to Nepal, he decided to chase his dreams—to record songs and support his mother and sister.
John’s mother had worked in Israel for 14 years to provide for the family, allowing him to attend a good school in Dharan. “She sacrificed her happiness for mine,” John says. His early songs, such as Sangharsha, are dedicated to her.
A Musical Journey
John’s musical roots trace back to his childhood. He often accompanied his father to church, where he first experienced singing and playing instruments. His talent was nurtured further at school, where he often performed at events.
These early experiences shaped John’s melodious journey, leading to the creation of “John and The Locals.”
Band Members:
- Jasper Rai (Drums)
- Manuhang Rai (Bass Guitar)
- Sreehang Rai (Lead Guitar)
- Sudarshan Thapa (Flute)
