20 year old singer/songwriter, Astha Tamang-Maskey is an aspiring young new talent rising in the Toronto independent music scene. Originating from Nepal, she comes to the table with a unique sound backed by her acoustic guitar and a charismatic persona. She’s been continuously songwriting since the age of 14. Having written songs like “Hide and Seek” which paints a picture of relationships that come and go, “Painkiller” which describes an experience of trials as a youth and also songs like “Believe it” which speak of pressures that budding artists face, Astha’s collection of songs all hold meaning and speak of a deep truth.
As a graduate of the Independent Music Production program at Toronto’s Seneca College, she gained the necessary skills to begin her career as an Independent artist. She has performed at numerous Toronto music venues such as the Smiling Buddha, the Reverb, Holy Joes, the Horseshoe Tavern, and the Opera House to name a few. She has also performed at multiple music festivals in Nepal such as Fête de la Musique, the Chevrolet Miles Music Festival and the Himalayan Blues Festival.
When given the opportunity to travel back to Nepal, she took advantage of it, and released a Nepali debut album, “Sabai Thikai Huncha” in January 2009 (Kathmandu). Independently released by Astha, the album is a mix of acoustic, live and electronic music, with 1 English and 7 Nepali songs co-written by Astha and her mother Susan Maskey. Working closely with Astha was a 22 year old production genius named Rohit Shakya who brilliantly produced the songs on the project. Also featured on the album are prominent Nepalese musicians like: Rizu Tuladhar (Looza) on bass, Abishek Bhadra (JSC Trio) on keys, and Prazol Raj Kanskar (Looza) on drums.
Her first radio single off the album, “Gotta be love” received a significant amount of plays charting at number 1 on the Nepalese FM stations. Her second radio hit, “Jhuto Satya” received a nomination for “Best Rock Vocal Performance” on the Nepalese TV-Image Award 2009.
Back in Toronto now, Astha just released her debut English EP - 11:11. Young and driven, she has realized that a career in music is her ultimate passion. For one so young, her voice resonates with faith. Astha - the name itself means to have faith, and her faith is in her music.
“Astha has that rare gleaming charm to herself which allures even grown up men to listen to her pretty yet powerful voice singing of teenage angst and puppy love lost.” – Republica Newspaper- Nepal
“She is a gifted singer with a fairly versatile voice. She sounds as good singing ballads over acoustic guitar in the title track as she does while packing heavy pop singles” – Y! Magazine - Nepal
“Finding space here for her sheer talent and passion for music, Astha is probably the freshest sound to hit the Nepali music industry.” –Wave Magazine, Nepal
The Other Side
Astha Tamang-Maskey Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Broken lines of fate,
That don't seem to prove
Shoes that fit,
but you choose to walk barefeet.
So now, look you've just missed the last
seat.
And then you.
Judge me
Tell me that I'm on "The other side".
But maybe someday
You'll have the courage
To cross the road?
Words of secrecy
Yet they still leave your lips.
You try to flow like a river
But you're stuck, get the hint.
Big talk of big things,
But no steps that lead forward,
You're just cruising on a sinking boat
with an ego drilled hole.
And then you.
Name me
Judge me
Tell me that I'm on "The other side".
But maybe someday
You'll have the courage
To cross the road?
Will you cross the road?
I'm on the other side.
Will you have the courage,
will you cross the road?
Cause I'm on the other side.
The song "The Other Side" by Astha Tamang-Maskey tells a story of someone who is stuck in their ways and afraid to take risks. The lyrics describe the person as someone who is not moving forward in life and is content with just cruising along. The song also reveals the judgment and criticism that the person receives from others for being on the "other side", implying that they are not on the same path as everyone else.
The lyrics use imagery to convey the idea that the person is trapped in their own mindset. The broken lines of fate suggest that the person is not following the predetermined path that is expected of them. The shoes that fit but the choice to walk barefoot represent the idea that the person has everything they need to succeed but is not taking advantage of it. The sinking boat with an ego drilled hole represents the self-destructive nature of the person's behavior.
The chorus of the song reflects the judgment the person receives from others, but also offers hope for change. The singer suggests that maybe someday, the person will have the courage to "cross the road" and forge a new path for themselves.
Overall, "The Other Side" is a deeply introspective and thought-provoking song that explores the themes of risk-taking, self-discovery, and personal growth.
Line by Line Meaning
lights turn green but you still don't move
Despite opportunities presented, you remain stagnant and do not make progress.
Broken lines of fate, that don't seem to prove
The paths meant for you seem unclear and aimless.
Shoes that fit, but you choose to walk barefeet.
Opportunities fit for you present themselves, but you disregard them for something less fitting.
So now, look you've just missed the last seat.
Your inaction has caused you to miss out on an opportunity.
And then you. Name me. Judge me. Tell me that I'm on 'The other side'.
You are judged for being different from the norm and not following the crowd.
But maybe someday you'll have the courage to cross the road?
Perhaps one day you will step out of your comfort zone and take a chance.
Words of secrecy yet they still leave your lips.
You speak of secrets but do not keep them private.
You try to flow like a river, but you're stuck, get the hint.
You attempt to go with the flow but are unable to move forward due to being stuck in a situation.
Big talk of big things, but no steps that lead forward.
You speak of grand ideas and ambitions, but fail to take action to achieve them.
You're just cruising on a sinking boat with an ego drilled hole.
You are blindly moving forward without recognizing the flaws within yourself.
Will you cross the road? Cause I'm on the other side.
Will you have the bravery to take risks and move towards progress? Because I already have.
Contributed by Charlie C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.