RaaGa by RaaGa

"RaaGa" is the debut self-titled album of the pop band, RaaGa. It was released on Valentines Day, February 14th of 2005 from G-Series in both Cassette and Jewel Case CD formats. Later on, it also received a paperback release. RaaGa comprises of 6 Bangladeshi musicians - Joy, Ashiq, Chisti, Elita, Emran, Nafeez and this was their first and only album. Composer, songwriter Ashiq and Elita began working on this particular project in 2003 with their first single, "Kothay", recorded in May of that year in collaboration with ace sound engineer Habib and co-producer Balam. At that time, Emran (on keys), played a significant role in the formation of the band which eventually found its drummer Nafeez in later in August. During the initial planning of the album, the lineup got in touch with Joy (on bass) and Chisti (on Guitars) and they instantly clicked with the project. Thus, "RaaGa" came into being. The band mentions in the album sleeves that without the support of none other than Sumon Bassbaba and Khaled bhai of G-Series, the band's dream would not have come true. RaaGa also thanks the guest musicians who contributed in their debut album: Simin, Faria, Ali, Lil 'T', Chutti, Rumman and Oney. 8 of the 10 songs were recorded, mixed and mastered by Balam at Studio 24, while "Brishti" and "Kothay" were recorded, mixed and mastered by Habib at "Art of Noise" and "The Studio" respectively. "RaaGa" was Co-produced by Ashiq and Balam. The album is dedicated in loving memory of Hossain Shaheed Mahbub, Mohammed Ataur Rahman and Shah Alamgir Mohammad Iqbal. Photography was done by Rupsha & Ali. The cover and sleeve concept was done by almostpink, Rupsha & RaaGa while the cover and sleeve designs were made by almostpink. The album was also sponsored by Onetel.

The lineup for "RaaGa" consisted of:

Joy: Electric Basses, Compositions and Songwriting
Ashiq: Compositions, Songwriting, Lyrics, Keys, Synths and Turntables
Chisti (from ReBORN): Electric and Acoustic Guitars, Compositions, Songwriting and Lyrics
Elita: Vocals & Harmony
Emran (from Yaatri): Keys, Synths, Programming, Compositions and Songwriting
Nafeez (from Kronic, later Arbovirus): Drums, Percussion and Rhythm Programming

Guest appearances by:

Simin: Vocals (on Smriti, Poth and Aalo)
Faria: Vocals (on Asha)
Ali: Vocals (on Aalo)
Lil 'T': Rap and Vocals (on Aalo)
Chutti: Guitars (on Ahobaan)
Rumman: Lyrics (on Jorota and Ekhono)
Oney: Lyrics (on Asha and Ahoban)
Balam: Pianos (on Smriti, Nil Akash, Ekhono, Poth)


The song "Kothay" is available for streaming on G-Series' official YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gQ2OKU7vHs


Track List (and back-stories):

01. Brishti (Inspired by the endless spirit of living which helps us face the day)
02. Kothay (Written and Composed in '97, the song carries an eternal message: "True love lives on")
03. Asha (Expresses the inner feelings of a lost soul and how it ultimately finds its path to light)
04. Jorota (Composed in '99, the song speaks of time standing still and of memories flashing by)
05. Smriti (Reminisces on the past, ponders the present and reflects on a future full of dreams and aspirations)
06. Neel Akash (Tribute to our parents for their unconditional love and support, for the strong inspiration they are in our lives)
07. Aalo (A celebration of how the sound of music breaks the silence of life)
08. Ekhono (A timeless duet composed in '99, the song resonates feelings of true love)
09. Ahoban (Dedicated to the children of the world, the song calls for all to build a better place for the coming generations)
10. Poth (a quiet contemplation of life and existence)


(click on the images to view them in larger sizes)

Artwork

Front

Front [Digital]

Back

CD

Booklet-1

Booklet-2

Inlay [Front-1]

Inlay [Front-2]

Cassette Sleeve [Front]

Cassette Sleeve [Inside]

Band [at Lakeshore Banani, L-R: Emran, Nafeez, Joy, Chisti, Ashiq & Elita]