Shailu Rai

About Shailu Rai

I am a Pokhara-based singer-songwriter whose work blends indie-folk warmth with personal storytelling. My musical journey began during my school years in Darjeeling, where I first picked up the guitar and discovered how deeply music resonated with me. After returning to Nepal, I started performing professionally around 2008 at lakeside venues in Pokhara, singing covers with local bands and slowly shaping my identity as an artist. Over the years, I performed with different groups, including a short-lived band called “Mixtapes,” and continued experimenting with looping, covers, and live performances. In 2013, my demo “Yo Geet” earned first runner-up in an online songwriting competition hosted by SongsNepal, and later I appeared on Pepsi Voice of Nepal with my single “K Garne.” Although music was always my passion, I stepped away at times to find financial stability, balancing my creative dreams with real-world responsibilities. Even during those quieter phases, I never stopped writing, performing, and carrying melodies within me.

During the COVID-19 lockdown, I found the space and emotional clarity to return fully to songwriting, which led to the release of “Samaya” in 2020 — a song that became a turning point in my journey. Its reception gave me the confidence to trust my voice and embrace my path as a solo artist. Since then, I have released a series of originals such as “Ma Jastai,” “Lamo Sash,” “Sunau,” “Chindai Janchu Ma,” “Sochnu,” and “Yestai Nai,” each reflecting my own experiences, vulnerabilities, and growth. In 2023, I released my debut EP Nametiney Chitra, a project that represents my evolving sound and my love for simple yet emotionally rich storytelling. Whether in the studio or on stage, I prefer an intimate, honest approach — collaborating with a close group of musicians and focusing on authenticity over complexity. Today, I continue to explore who I am through my music, writing songs that mirror life’s changes while offering honesty, comfort, and connection. My journey hasn’t always been straightforward, but every step has shaped me into the artist I am becoming — someone committed to making music that feels sincere and resonates deeply with listeners.