Kathmandu- On 18th March 2023, Abhaya and the Steam Engines had performed at The Purple Haze Rock Bar, Kathmandu. The show started from 7pm onwards and the opening act was of Gone Elvis. She had made an announcement about her performance through Facebook stating, “ Back in the day when Internet was just a chat room, e-mail lists and websites and a flip phone was all the rage, our band was largely ignored by well known pop art writers of magazines that people loved to pick up. Even though Sakdina was a certified hit, they dismissed us as just another flash in the pan. As the years rolled by and we were still sticking around with songs likeTimro laagi, Siri ma Siri which I had composed to establish ourselves-we were still ignored, overlooked and undermined by the rock community. Not until 2013 were we given a nod as we joined the Let’s get loud rock tour. Today is an ordinary day for many but it sure is special for me as we have been chosen as the very first ARTIST OF THE MONTH at none other than the ROCK SHRINE of Nepal Purple Haze Rock Bar.I feel seen, I feel heard, I feel validated! Come to Purple Haze this evening as you witness someone who broke the glass ceiling in her own small way. Entry is free”.

Although Abhaya and the Steam Engines have been classified as a rock band since the release of their self-titled first album in 2005, they actually lean more toward non-genre music. This band has continuously experimented with the various musical possibilities since its beginnings in 2003. They have worked to keep their sound fluid and ever-evolving, from their first hit Sakdina, which established them as a rock band, to their most recent release, “Laijau Malai” (a collaboration with DJ Bidhan and Zanrix and inspired by Lofi EDM). Even after numerous lineup changes, the band, which is led by Abhaya Subba, is recognizable for its distinctive vocal style and song compositions, as well as its longtime guitarist Rajiv Rinchen Palzar’s captivating guitar work and Nikesh Karki’s delightful keyboard work.